Priceline Hotel: Failed Bids

[KRXNLS]

I've been trying for about 3 weeks to get this room and no sucess. This is the height of the season in Vancouver as well as the final night of the "Celebration of Light" celebration which is very very popular.

When I first checked out these dates at the end of June, I could have booked a 4 star on Hotwire for $118 and probably on Priceline for less but, although I should know better, I procrastinated and a week or so later rates were much higher and a couple of hotels were sold out.

So I went ahead and booked the 4 star Suites Le Soleil which used to occasionally come up on Priceline and got a special rate of $199 Cad. per night including parking . Parking is worth anyuwhere from $18 to $25 Cad. per night in Vancouver so, deducting that, I figure we're paying the equivalent of about $140US per night for the room. (This hotel is now sold out also)

Based on that, I decided to bid Priceline up to $120 as I feel that's about the least I would want to save if I cant's choose my own hotel. Do others have a minimum discount that they feel they must have when bidding Priceline?

Anyway, I think I learned 2 things here. In the past, we've always booked Priceline quite early and that seems a good strategy IMHO and also to really keep an eye on specials and rates offered by "Priceline" Hotels. I noticed a couple of postings for similar dates here and on TOBB where others had gone as high as $160US for Priceline.

By the way, had we been able to get a decent rate on Hotwire for a 3.5 we would have taken that but 3 stars in Vancouver on priceline are very "mixed"

Anyway, I'm going to try Priceline one more time tomorrow Aug. 2nd. and, if not succesful, will go with the Suites Le Soleil.

I will post the outcome of my Priceline bid.

[KRXNLS]

Tried one final time today for this Vancouver bid with no success. So it's off to the Sutes Le Soleil this time.

Don't know too much about this boutique hotel but I will write a review on my return, just in case it comes up on Priceline/Hotwire again.

Want to add a comment to my last post re: booking early. I have had quite a bit of success with that strategy but I've also been quite succesful with same day or a couple of days in advance but I feel the city is too busy at this time of year to try that tactic and my visit too important.