Hotwire Hotel: crib needed for hotel booking

[toddlername]

I have never used Priceline or Hotwire before. I am willing to invest the time for getting informed about the whole bidding process but I'd first need to know if these systems are for us. We are 2 adults traveling to Philadelphia with a toddler (almost 2 at that time) for 2-3 nights. We will need a crib for her. Can I use PL for example and still get a crib by calling the hotel or is it a too risky choice and I should go with traditional booking instead? What would you do? Your opinion is greatly appreciated, thanks!

ETA: if you could please move my question into the Section Questions and Suggestions it would be great. Thanks! (not sure how to delete it and repost it there)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Here is PRICELINE's official position (current at time of posting):

Can I get a cot, rollaway bed or crib?

Once your hotel room is reserved, you may contact the hotel to request a cot, rollaway bed or crib for your room.

Special requests are at the discretion of the hotel. The hotel will be happy to accommodate you if fire-safety laws allow it and the type of extra bedding you need is available.

Keep in mind that requests for these items, if available, may result in additional fees payable directly to the hotel.

Assuming a Pak N Play is acceptable i think you'd be fine at better than 95% of hotels, course there are no guarantees. Should you land in the 5% which are not accommodating, you wouldn't have much recourse since PRICELINE reservations are only for double occupancy (and you'd be triple occupancy)

This is how i would play it...

Instead of using PRICELINE i'd use HOTWIRE. HOTWIRE does allow you to search for up to quad occupancy, but their search asks for the number of adults (18 years and older) and the number of children (2-17 years old). Since your daughter will be less than two years old at the time of travel, you could search 2adults/0children and still be within their terms since they only ask for children over 2 years old. Then if/when you win a hotel, call them and request a crib/pak n play and ensure the room is large enough to accommodate the crib. Should you have any problems you would then have a 'right' to complain to HOTWIRE since you did include the correct occupancy as per the ages the stipulated at their website. (although as per above i think the chances of a problem are low and less than 5%). As well, with HOTWIRE you can take a guess as to the property before your purchase and call them beforehand to ensure they have cribs available (but the 'call HOTWIRE if a problem' would be a fallback should you have guessed the hotel wrong)

What are the date(s) of your stay and desired star rating and budget?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

PS- we've moved this to the Pennsylvania >> Hotwire section of the board since we'll use this as your hotel help thread if you decide to move forward.

[toddlername]

Many thanks for your detailed answer! I'll start familiarizing myself with the process then.

[thereuare]

To begin, i'd search HOTWIRE for your dates and see what is offered for your dates within your desired zones, star rating and budget. What are the dates of your stay, star rating, and budget (per nite before fees and taxes)? Is this a general 'tourist' trip or do you have any specific needs other than a place to sleep for your daughter?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.