Priceline Hotel: Resort Las Vegas (Summerlin) J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort And Spa

[PetunZ]

I'm looking to book a room at the Rio or Palms for the weekend of 9/7-9/9. Current prices are going for about $165 per night. Any idea on where to start? I'd be okay with $120 a night, but it seems like a long shot with that weekend.

[thereuare]

You can't bid on a specific hotel when using PRICELINE, you have to be able to accept any hotel in the zone at the star level (or higher) that you choose. With HOTWIRE you can often take an educated guess as to what is being offered based upon the amenities associated with the property, but it's still a 'best guess' and no guarantees you will receive the hotel you're hoping for. As well, HOTWIRE only shows one hotel at each star level per zone, so there is a chance the hotel you're hoping for isn't the one which is offered for your particular dates.

While the Rio and Palms (and Palms Place, assuming that would be acceptable as well) are the only hotels in this zone i can think of that would carry a 4* or higher rating, there is always the chance of something unexpected or new coming up, so the caveat above still applies... are you willing to accept any 4* or better hotel in the near Las Vegas Strip West zone?

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

[PetunZ]

The main reason I wanted 4* is to single out the Palms and Rio for that area. Even if I get a hit at a different hotel, a 4* hotel should be adequate for my stay.

I used the PRICELINE links provided and began searching for the 4* for $100 in the "West of the Strip" region. No go. I upped it to $105 and selected the Summerlin region since I didn't see any 4*'s there. Well, apparently the "resort" tag is considered a 4* or above, and it gave me the JW Marriott for $105. I've seen the Red Rock Casino and I would've been okay with that one too. I'm a little torn. The hotel itself looks great, but it is also a bit away from where my friends are staying.

All in all, not a bad price for an apparently busy weekend. Any advice for the next time around?

[thereuare]

Sorry to hear you received a hotel in a zone you didn't intend.

The star rating you select is the miniimum you're willing to accept... not the absolute. In the star rating hierarchy, 'Resort' class properties are considered to be 4.5*, so your 4* bid was upgraded to the Resort level when you included Summerlin in your bidding.

Feel free to ask the board for help with a bidding strategy and/or confirm your re-bid zones before your next opaque hotel purchase.

Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay and hope you can make this work for your needs.