Priceline Hotel: Boston Hotel Help - August

[SMR14]

I've got my top choices for hotel areas for Priceline, but I haven't had any luck bidding. I've heard of people getting good deals in these areas, but I must not be doing it correctly. My backup hotel is $183 in Cambridge area, but I'd like something in: Copley Square, Quincy Market, or. Boston Common. Willing to go to Harbor Front/Aquarium and Beacon Hill, but only if the others don't work. I definitely want a 4* hotel and would book for $160. Thanks for the help!

[SMR14]

I'm also wondering if my chances at a lower rate will go up as the date gets closer? Does anyone know the answer to that?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

As far as rates coming down closer to your stay, nobody will have the answer to that, but for a further discussion see the 'Bid Early or Close to Check-in' link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

I don't think you're necessarily doing anything wrong, but rather demand, and therefore rates, for your dates are higher then when you have seen others will for less. I did a bit of research and i suspect that at least part of the issue is that there is a 10K person convention (pretty large for Boston) starting on Aug 5th. Most/many attendees will likely arrive the night before which is driving up hotel rates for the nite of the 4th, as well some may come Friday nite (the 3rd) and use the opportunity to see Boston a bit before the conference starts.

Is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option? I think you may get closer (but still a good chance not successful) for 8/1-8/4, but if that is rjeected you have a decent chance at a win for 8/1-8/3. From there, for the remaining nite(s) you may need to lower your star rating, increase your budget, or secondary zones (you don't mention the Waterfront-Convention Center zone, but this may be your best bet at a 4* hotel for the remaining nites)

Let us know your thoughts and we'll take it from there.

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

[SMR14]

My dates are non-negotiable (plane tickets booked), and I've got a back-up hotel booked in Cambridge for $183. I've also got a back-up with a great location booked for Aug. 1-3 (DoubleTree Boston) for $183, because I noticed I could get that price for those two nights (probably for the reasons you've mentioned). All in all, splitting rooms is an option, but not preferred. And I'm not sure I'll get much lower than $183 anyway. I wouldn't bid over $160 since I'm guaranteed at the $180 (both at Hilton brand hotels where I participate in the rewards program). I would consider doing 3.5*, but nothing lower. I don't know much about the Waterfront-Convention Center area, but I'm open to exploring it if you believe its a good area to stay (I've never been to Boston). Thanks for the help!

[thereuare]

The Waterfront-Convention Center zone is somewhat out of the way, but it's do-able for the right price or for otherwise difficult dates. There really is not much to explore in the immediate area, but is about a 15-20 minute walk to 'downtown proper' and Boston Common, as well as the Silver line a short walk from most of the hotels in the area.

At current rates it doesn't look like you'll do better than your back-up reservation, but you can continue to bid for the complete stay up until the point that your current reservation(s) are no longer refundable in hopes of lower priced inventory down the road.

Let us know of any change in your booking or if we can be of further help.

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