skelman Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 This summer we shall be going on a cross-country drive from New York to California and back, with a stop in Las Vegas to get married. While we'll be reserving the rest of the hotels as we go -- just in case we decide to change our itinerary somewhat -- the wedding date is pretty much set.We are planning to stay in Vegas for three nights -- July 21 through 24. My first attempt at bidding for a 5* on Priceline up to $120 didn't yield anything but a counteroffer of $162, which is about the same as what Hotwire has for the Venetian.I usually don't care much for hotel ratings, but this is a rather special occasion so we'd like to stay at at least a 4*. The most attractive option at the moment is Golden Nugget downtown ($81 on Hotwire, $86 on Orbitz), but it would be great if we could find something on the Strip under $100. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment
thenewbie Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 We are planning to stay in Vegas for three nights -- July 21 through 24. My first attempt at bidding for a 5* on Priceline up to $120 didn't yield anything but a counteroffer of $162, which is about the same as what Hotwire has for the Venetian. You can always increase your bid following a counteroffer. Your stay includes Friday and Saturday nights, which are more expensive than Sun - Thurs. I'd suggest trying somewhere between the $120 and $140, and they hopefully should accept for all 3 nights. Or split your stay and bid $99 for Thursday at the Venetian, and a higher amount for Fri & Sat nights or stay somewhere else those nights less than $100. At least you'd get 1 night in the 5* Venetian. Link to comment
skelman Posted April 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 I'd rather not do any bid splitting as we are afraid to end up with two different hotels. We'll be too busy with other things to move around that weekend. Link to comment
thereuare Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 What is your budget? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
skelman Posted April 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 We've decided that paying more than $120 per night would be excessive.Ideally, we'd like to stay under $100, which makes Golden Nugget the only readily available 4* that I know of. Any chance that I could get something similar on the Strip in the $80-$100 range? Link to comment
thereuare Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 With the exceptioin if any large conventions are in town (i haven't looked) I think you'll have a better chance at this as your dates get closer, but i would book a cancellable back-up now just in case you're unsuccessful later.The Golden Nugget is a nice property, but it's not where you want to be. If you'll be doing a lot of things 'in Vegas' (as it appears from your post) you'll either be spending additional time on busses ($2.50?/pp each way) or cab fare ($25) from Downtown to the Strip... better off spending the extra money on a strip location, imo.So better 'overall' choices than the Nugget i believe are as follows:Ballys for an average of $115/nite thru their website (should be cancellable up to 48-72 hours before check-in without penalty)Imperial Palace for $81/nite available thru QB ($10 cancellation penalty, but this amounts to $3/nite which is a cheap 'insurance' policy)Let us know your thoughts on the above. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
skelman Posted April 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 I will talk to my fiancee and reserve either Bally's or Nugget as backup. However, we'll have a car and, from what I remember, parking on the Strip is cheap (or free?) so transportation costs is not much of an issue.On a somewhat different note, is it worth while to try to bid for a 4* on the Strip through Priceline for, say, $90-$100 or is there a good chance to get a less desirable property this way?Finally, am I correct to assume that Nugget is the only 4* hotel downtown if I were to try my luck with Priceline to get it? Link to comment
thereuare Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 I wouldn't lock in a low occupancy (summer) time of year in Vegas just yet unless it was exactly what i wanted (read: Venetian).Even with your own trasportation i wouldn't want to waste the time traveling to/from the Strip if that's where i thought i'd be spending much of my time.Golden Nuggest is the only 4* hotel reported, so chances are good, but then again you can always be the first to report a new hotel in the zone! Again, i wouldn't lock in a non-refundable option this early. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
skelman Posted April 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 I once again tried Priceline for Venetian up to $130 per night, but no such luck.Thus, I reserved Bally's for a total of $389.13 including taxes for three nights. They also promise 3% back if you sign up for their "Connection Card," which I did as well. Link to comment
kgclark75 Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 While parking on the strip is usually free, driving from one end of the strip to the other is NOT fun. Link to comment
kgclark75 Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Also, if it's just a matter of an extra $10-15 extra per night to get the Venetian (priceline) over Bally's (conventional booking), I think it's a no brainer to go for it....especially on your Honeymoon. You won't be dissappointed! Link to comment
skelman Posted July 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 It took us a while, but we finally decided that splurging for a room at the Venetian for our wedding is worth it.So I looked at Orbitz, which listed it at $220 per night, then at Hotwire which offered it at $178 and then got to bidding on Priceline. I started at $130 and was raising the price in $5 increments until the bid was accepted at $155. They constantly offered it back at $168 as a "one time opportunity" but I kept refusing.Here Link to comment
thereuare Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 Congrutulations on your success (and your upcoming nuptuals).I think you made a smart move... worth the splurge for this special occiasion.Enjoy your stay and have a great time!Congrats again! Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
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