Ashbris Posted February 19, 2012 Report Posted February 19, 2012 I want to bid on 3 rooms for 3 nights before we go on a cruise at the end of June. We will be using public transportation from the airport and to the pier. From everything I have read, it looks like I should bid on a 3, 3.5 or 4 star in the Downtown area or Space Needle area to be able to walk to everything. I am hoping that we can get these for no more than $100 a night including taxes and fees. Is there a certain strategy I should use? I have read several threads and have used Priceline many times, I just feel some major responsibility since I am bidding for 2 other couples lol.
AaronJB Posted February 19, 2012 Report Posted February 19, 2012 Welcome to Betterbidding. :)Downtown/Pike Place is the most commonly bid of the "core" area of Seattle. Please confirm your desired date/s of travel. Rates can change significantly from day-to-day, but unfortunately, $100 or under (especially including taxes/fees) is going to likely be unrealistic in Summer in Seattle, which can be an expensive time period.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Ashbris Posted February 19, 2012 Author Report Posted February 19, 2012 Our dates of travel are June 23-26. I know that I am pushing the envelope, but hoping for a good deal by starting early :). I am a little hesitant to bid Space Needle area because one of the persons in our group has a hard time walking distances, though she said she would be fine as long as we can stop for short breaks.
Romelle Posted February 19, 2012 Report Posted February 19, 2012 The Priceline and Hotwire Calendar of Wins (under Tools) is handy for watching what others report. Right now there is only one June 2012 report - 4* downtown at $130. You might check it occasionally though for new reports.When I've wanted to visit Seattle and found the downtown hotels too $$$ for me, I've resorted to the airport hotels. They tend to be quite a bit less expensive. The metro runs right from the airport to downtown. For that matter, cab fare divided by several people isn't bad either. If you get too close to your deadline and still aren't successful, you might consider this. Romelle
thereuare Posted February 19, 2012 Report Posted February 19, 2012 Also, note that the Silver Cloud Stadium is a 3.5* hotel in the Downtown-Pike Place zone but it is 'separate' from what is generally considered the 'downtown' area... it would not be easy for somebody who has difficult walking to get to (say) Pike Place from there, although the hotel does provide scheduled shuttle service to the main downtown area. Would this be an acceptable outcome?To move forward let us know which zone(s) you're willing to accept as well as if you want to first try for a 4* up to your limit, then if rejected try for a 3.5*, etc, etc... OR if your goal is the least expensive 3* or better for this trip?Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and please click each of these links before replying.Thanks. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Ashbris Posted February 19, 2012 Author Report Posted February 19, 2012 My goal is probably the least expensive 3 star or better. I think the Silver Cloud Stadium would not be ideal, if it is going to be a bad walk, but it would be acceptable for sure. I think at this point, I am only wanting to bid the Downtown area and the Space Needle area and only 3 star and above. I did see some rebid zones that only have 2.5 stars. I will definitely use the links through this board and I appreciate the person telling me about the tools bar! I have been a lurker on this board for years but never noticed that! I do appreciate all the replies and advice.
thereuare Posted February 20, 2012 Report Posted February 20, 2012 Your $100 all-in budget equates to a maximum bid of ~$85/nite, which may not be enough, but we can give it a try.At the 3* level you have ONE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.Select 3* Downtown-Pike Place...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $75, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Downtown-Space Needle...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $75, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Downtown-Pike Place AND Downtown Space Needle...Bid $80, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $85Any questions feel free to ask.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Ashbris Posted February 21, 2012 Author Report Posted February 21, 2012 Tried the strategy yesterday, all bids were rejected......waiting for the time to expire and I will try it again!
thereuare Posted February 22, 2012 Report Posted February 22, 2012 Will you increase your bid on the next bid attempt or do you intend to keep your maximum bid at $85?Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Ashbris Posted March 4, 2012 Author Report Posted March 4, 2012 As of today, I have been bidding every 3 days and raised my bid to $91 with no luck......
thereuare Posted March 5, 2012 Report Posted March 5, 2012 What is the best rate you've been able to find at an acceptable hotel thru conventional booking channels? Have you tried MAPS and HOTELS.com which give an easy way to see the price of hotels at a given star rating are close to your location, and then how much more/less it would cost to go higher/lower in star rating and closer/further from your preferred location.Do you have a back-up reservation anyplace?Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Ashbris Posted March 6, 2012 Author Report Posted March 6, 2012 It looks like the best option would be the Executive Inn at $136 a night as a back up.....I am still hoping to win on PRICELINE and am using the link everytime I bid!
thereuare Posted March 7, 2012 Report Posted March 7, 2012 PRICELINE rates the Best Western Executive Inn at 2.5*... sometimes it's difficult to get 35% off the best rate you're able to find at the star level you're bidding, you're looking for 35% off and a higher star rating. Not unheard of, but not a high probability bet either.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Keep us updated on your progress and let us know if we can be of further help along the way. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Ashbris Posted March 8, 2012 Author Report Posted March 8, 2012 Sorry I should have been more specific. It is the Executive Hotel Pacific....3 star $136.
thereuare Posted March 8, 2012 Report Posted March 8, 2012 Unless you're willing to increase your budget, you can continue to try the strategy above and hope for lower rates in the weeks ahead, but you may need to change your definition of a 'deal' to be a similar price, but higher rating, than your backup hotel.Keep us updated on your progress and let us know if we can be of further help along the way.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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