Priceline Hotel: Bidding Assistance for Jersey City 09/22-24

[bigbadbuff]

Here are some particulars probably worth mentioning that may/may not affect the bidding strategy:

- 4 people require a room

- Will be checking in somewhere between 8-10pm that Thursday night

I have stayed at the Hyatt before and loved it and like everyone else would prefer that, but I see things have changed with it quite a bit since I last bid (November '04). In a perfect world I'd get a 1 room bid accepted at the Hyatt and then call the hotel (or either pray for low occupancy upon check-in) and grab a 2 doubles room. I realize chances are slim though so I'm here for help. I DON'T mind splitting up bids into 1 night increments or bidding for 2 rooms each night if that's what the consensus thinks- not ideal but doable for sure. I also wouldn't mind getting 1 hotel for 1 night and another the next. If I've read here correctly, the Candlewood only has King/Queen options for Priceline folks so I suppose that may force me to bid for 2 rooms.

Hyatt is currently showing $249 for 09/22 and $170 for 09/23. DoubleTree is $186 for both nights. I'd appreciate advice on how and how much to bid for this... thanks!!

[bigbadbuff]

Let me add that I'm looking for 3*, max rate $125.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Whether to bid for one room or two is one of personal preference... how much risk as you willing to accept?

I think the first nite of your stay is going to be quite difficult, but i would bid as follows:

9/22-9/24

Select 3* and bid $71, if rejected change date to...

9/23-9/24

Select 3* and bid $71.

Let us know if you have any success with the above and then we'll update further.

[bigbadbuff]

I agree Thursday night will be tough- rates are high on every site that night.

Re: risk... I feel pretty good about bidding on just 1 room, but I have NO IDEA what is in town that week, if anything, that could have a dramatic effect on being able to secure a 2-double room.

Hmmm, we were going to hit NYC all day Friday, leave and stop in Atlantic City on the way back... if we reversed that, I could get a good room in AC at weekday rate and then only stay in JC Friday night, which has a much better chance of coming up on PL than Thursday...

[dahammer]

Many rooms in Atlantic City are reserved for comp guests during the weekend. You will have a far easier time getting a room Sunday-Thursday than during the weekend. Also, if you have a car, some of the properties in West Atlantic City and Absecon are much cheaper than those in Atlantic City. Don't forget the salt water taffy!!

[biddingforhotel]

or try Marriott Seaview Resort off Rt 9, a few miles from Atlantic City. I got $65 last time ...

[bigbadbuff]

Many rooms in Atlantic City are reserved for comp guests during the weekend. You will have a far easier time getting a room Sunday-Thursday than during the weekend. Also, if you have a car, some of the properties in West Atlantic City and Absecon are much cheaper than those in Atlantic City. Don't forget the salt water taffy!!

Yep, I think we've decided to do AC Thursday night and hit NYC Friday night, should give us the best prices and odds of getting a good deal on PL.

I'll be trying in a day or 2 and post the results, thanks for the suggestions.

[dahammer]

if you proceed with an Atlantic City bid, can you please start a new thread? I have stayed at the Marriott Seaview Resort (using Rewards points) and it is a really nice property which had hosted several Presidents. It has a golf course, tennis courts, and is not too far from the beaches in Brigantine and the casino's in AC. Check out the Borgata, its in the Marina district, as is the Trump Marina and Harrah's. Also, for one of the best Hoagies (ok, down in AC its a submarine), make sure to check out the White House on Arctic Ave, they are world class, on your ride back to Jersey City, you'll wish you ordered two more "to go" :)

[biddingforhotel]

Marriott Seaview Resort is indeed a great place to stay, the guest room is very unusual, very high social class, the hall way is curved, few hotel like this.

Borgata Casino is a brand new casino just grand open not long ago, and the buffet is great, every table has a wine bottle menu looks like every table has wine...

There are many new places to check out, but for one day, you may want to check in Thursday at the hotel, then at dust around 9pm drive to AC, entering AC at night is the best, and check out Borgata and drive around AC and check out one boardwalk casino and boardwalk before go back to hotel. The following morning, after check out and go to the beach and boardwalk again at different casino

I got a property at AC and I have to go down there often, but even so, AC has lots of change every time I am there ... Read some articles in AC magazines and you may find out something new ... Basically, all dozen casnos have been renovating due to the fact Borgata's debut...

[bigbadbuff]

Update on my progress... no luck so far. We've decided we are staying in AC on 09/22 so we only need the JC hotel for 09/23. I have bid 3* in JC 3 times on PL, at $71, 81 and 91- no luck. Hotwire's price is $213 and the Hyatt's website rate is $213 all in, I recall reading over the past year that when the prices crept that high you can pretty much forget PL.

I'm thinking about just reserving on Hyatt's website and eating $213, as that's the area I want to stay in. I COULD use Starwood points for a free night at the Sheraton on the Hudson a few miles down the road but the logistics of staying there would be too much of a pain for this trip.

I figure I'll go up to $100 with 2 more tries over the next week and if that doesn't get it I'll reserve thru Hyatt.

Thanks for the help all! We're staying at The Borgata in AC (not thru PL though :))

[thereuare]

With the prices you mention above you're not likely to find success at 'deal' levels for the Hyatt.

However, i just did a Hotwire search and see what is believed to be the JC Hyatt at $174/nite (9/23). I would at the very least try a $115 bid and then even a $150 bid before 'giving in' and paying $200+/nite for a room. I don't know the logistics of your plans, but i would probably also settle for the Candlewood Suites for $100/nite before paying $200+ for a one nite stay.

If you do book direct, please use our HYATT link to do so.

[bigbadbuff]

Tried $115, no luck. Oh well! I guess I'll book thru hyatt.com this time. Thanks for the help all...

[thereuare]

Please remember we are affiliates and you can help support the board by using our HYATT LINK.

Thanks!

[dahammer]

what is the rate at the Borgata?

I'm thinking of staying here in the fall.