Priceline Hotel: Help needed- Portland, 9/1-9/4

[macook]

I'm trying to find a hotel for our trip in September. Looking in South Portland, a 3 or 2.5. I've been starting in the 50s, but I'm not sure if I'm bidding too early and if it would be better to wait until a bit closer to the trip?

Any advice?

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Rates do seem on the high side for these dates - while it's a little early, if there's something going on in the area for these dates, rates may stay around these levels. What would be your desired max budget per night?

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[macook]

It tails in with Labor Day Weekend, so I'm wondering if that could account for the high prices, in which case, probably better to go ahead now rather than wait. We were hoping to spend around 50 a night, but may need to go higher based on the date. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help!

[thereuare]

If you go to our Priceline Maps and...

1) Enter Portland, ME

2) UNCHECK all the MONTHS except for SEPTEMBER

You'll see that 3* hotels in this zone typically go for more than $50 during this timeframe. As well, now place a checkmark next to August to include this in the search results since that is a close to your dates as well and you'll see the date range increases even more.

This, in addition to the 'higher than usual' rates mentioned above, imply that you'll likely need to bid more than $50 for this trip.

Using the BiddingHelper.com, what is the best rate you're able to find at an acceptable hotel thru conventional booking channels?

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

[macook]

That's really helpful, thanks!

[AaronJB]

What would be your new desired max budget per night for these dates?

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[macook]

I was hoping not to go above 60, but may have to adjust that up a bit.

[thereuare]

Since you have plenty of time before your stay you could try testing the waters at these lower bid amount, but as i think you're aware, your chances appear to be somewhat low at the moment.

When bidding in Portland, ME at the 3* level you have ONE re-bid zone... at the 2.5* level you have NO 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* South Portland-Scarborough...

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $60

If the above is rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 2.5* South Portland-Scarborough...

Bid $45

Any 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.