Priceline Hotel: A few Questions in regards to Priceline booking in San Francisco

[rawr4dj]

I will be going to San Fran with a few friends in June the week of June 14th until the 19th. We havent really established a budget but the most we are willing to pay is probably $150 per night. We want to get the most value out of our money as well and prefer to be in the city. How do I go about doing this the best way possible? And is this week that we are going going to be extraordinarily expensive?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

How many rooms/guests do you need?

PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the discretion of the hotel, and you could receive a room with only one bed. While you can call the hotel you win and request a room with two beds, the hotel may not be able, or willing, to honor your request.

If this is not a risk you're willing to accept, HOTWIRE may still be an option as they allow you to search for up to quad occupancy and ensure sleeping accommodations for everyone you include in your search (although this usually means two beds, the second 'bed' could be a sofabed, rollaway, etc)

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

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

[rawr4dj]

Topic says it all I want to be in the Union Square, SOMa, Financial, or Embarcadero or any other nice are and hotel for the cheapest possible price my max is $150 per room/night incluiding all fees and applicable taxes

[rawr4dj]

I am not 100% sure but it'll either be 8 people and 2 rooms up to 16 people and 4 rooms

[thereuare]

Let us know once your plans are firm as the offerings, prices and strategies may change given the number of rooms/guests you need as well as between now and the time you're ready to commit to a non-refundable purchase.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and please click each of these links before replying.

Thanks.

[rawr4dj]

first question is: When bidding for more than one hotel is it harder, easier, or the same difficulty to get a good deal just wondering because I will be booking 2-3 hotels. at once.

second question is: Will I have a better chance of getting a good deal if I just put 2 adults, 3 adults and 1kid, 1 adult and 3 kids, or 2 adults and 2 kids? Or again does it not make any difference whatsoever?

[Gallus50]

You don't actually put in number of guests with Priceline; only with Hotwire. With PL, they only guarantee you one bed, so if you have more than two, it may or may not workout if you bid for one room. Unless, of course, someone doesn't mind a cot, a foldout or the floor.

[thereuare]

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and please click each of these links before replying.

2x

[rawr4dj]

Oh that's good too know wow. That hampers my plans greatly

[rawr4dj]

1. What are the odds of me getting an Upgrade in a San Francisco 4* hotel? (Also how would I go about asking for one?)

2. What are the odds of me getting two double beds, or a King and a Sofa Pull out instead of the one Queen/King bed in a San Francisco 4* hotel?

3. Do I, as the person that books the hotel on line have to physically be there to check-in? (Or can I delegate another person to?)

4. How old does one have to be in order to check-in to San Francisco 4* hotels?

5. When I check-in do I have to have a credit/debit card even though I already paid?

If you only have an answer to one or two, or however many just answer the ones that you can please and thank you

[Gallus50]

Hey rawr4dj - As an experienced Priceliner, there is no hard and fast answer to any of your questions. It's all speculation and part of the joys and pains of using PL Name your own Price.

1. Upgrade depends on availability and mood of front desk clerk. With a low PL bid, my experience says odds are not good. How do you go about asking for one? Ask for one. If you want to try a $20 tip, you could try, but it would cost you $20 and it might not work.

2. Odds of double beds, please see above. In SF, it is not a lock. Lots of rooms are on the small side.

3. Generally, whoever's name is on reservation needs to be there or they could refuse it.

4. Depends on hotel. Whatever is standard for the chain, I guess.

5. Almost every hotel will ask for a credit card for incidentals and security.

[AaronJB]

I would not go in expecting an upgrade with PRICELINE or HOTWIRE reservations, given the discounted rates. You can ask at check-in, but the hotel can say no or charge more. There is no way to know the odds, as it will depend on the day and who you talk to and which hotel.

PRICELINE and HOTWIRE do not guarantee bed type - one can request bedding through the hotel after booking, but they can say no. Additionally, it definitely may depend on the day and even who you talk to - there is no way to know the exact likelihood.

The person indicated on the reservation has to be the one to check-in.

I believe one has to be 21 with PRICELINE; with HOTWIRE, if you click on the "see details" with each listing, some hotels will note check-in age at the bottom of the detail page in the "Know Before You Go" area - some may be 18, some may be 21.

You have to present a credit/debit at check-in to cover incidentals.

Please keep all posts regarding this stay within this thread.

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

[rawr4dj]

ThaNk you both for your expiditated responses. Very much. In regards to the incidentals do they charge your credit/debit card? Or like how does that work if they do how much is the charge? Secondly does it have to be a credit card? Ie America PRICELINE EXPRESS or Capital one? Or can it be my Wells Fargo Visa Debit Card?

[rawr4dj]

IIn regards to the chances of getting more than one bed. Will my chances differ based on what district I bid in?

[thereuare]

You can send me a PM if you'd like this thread re-opened.