Priceline Hotel: Trying to book in St. Louis (Chesterfield) with no luck!

[ALaney]

I'm rather new to PRICELINE (booked to st. louis last year for vacation), but am becoming rather frustrated wtih my inability to book a deal in chesterfield,mo. I see the normally accepted bidding range is $37-$45, but my bid up to $50 hasn't been accepted. I realize I'm trying to book a 3-4 night stay with 2 rooms, so maybe that's affecting my bid getting accepted?

Dates of desired stay: 6/2/12-6/6/12 or 6/3/12-6/6/12

Desired area: St. Louis West Chesterfield

Desired star level: 3 1/2 *

Rooms requested: 2

I've been bidding for over a week now and have added all the different areas listed on the map to get free bids, first changing my bid price from $35 all the way to $50. Then I decided maybe my length of stay was affecting my results, so I reduced it down one night. Still no bites up to $50.

Am I just being too picky or is there a piece of advice anyone can provide? Trying to plan the family vacation on a strict budget and hoping PRICELINE helps us stick to it! Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

This is usually a very reasonable area that provides good hotel values, but if there's a convention or something else going on during a particular period, rates may push higher. In this case, Sunday looks higher than usual for this area, but Mon-Wed look noticeably higher than usual at some properties. I don't think you're probably that far off, though, and would suggest trying $55, then $60. I wouldn't go higher than $65. I don't think two rooms is an issue with getting the bid accepted.

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

[Romelle]

HOTWIRE was interesting for your dates.

----3.5*----2.5*

6/2 $49 $42

6/3 $51 $56

6/4 $83 $56

6/5 nothing $56

For all 4 days, only the 2.5* was available. And that was $53.

To me it suggests bidding 3.5*s on PRICELINE, working up to $50 (or where ever you hit your budget max) could be successful for the first two nights. If not for a 3.5*, probably for a 3*.

And then for the second two nights, bid the 3.5*s up as far as you are comfortable. If that isn't successful, try bidding the 3*s and even the 2.5*s.

To further complicate things, HOTWIRE can be a little more generous than PRICELINE with the star ratings. Maybe a half star. Thus that 3.5* on HOTWIRE might be a 3* on PRICELINE.

The 2.5* Hotwire did offer complimentary breakfast, which can be a big help on a budget trip.

When bidding, I always like to know my worst case solution. Here I'd say it is the $53 HOTWIRE 2.5*.

Romelle

[ALaney]

Thank you an so much for taking the time to respond. I will try your suggestions on tomorrow's bid. I was hoping to not have to change hotels mid-stay, but that may prove to be the best route. Thanks again.

[mumblesmom]

I just had a win on Priceline for the Doubletree for June 21-23.