Priceline Hotel: first time to Hawaii

[amino]

hi,

just joined the forum, will be going to Hawaii for the first time with family (2 adults 2 children) around January 4-8 2013. i was wondering if it would be best to book hotel and flight via priceline bid, or book a vacation package. im looking for a 3*+ ideally with a fridge/microwave or kitchenette. in the Waikiki area.

thanks, and any information is useful!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Few issues...

FLIGHT:

When bidding on flights with PRICELINE you have to agree to at least one connection/layover and you can't choose the departure times and/or length of layover (although there is a maximum length to the layover, i think ~3 hours). The issues that immediately come to mind are that you might not want to make a connection when traveling with children (depending upon their ages) and with only a 4 day trip you run the risk of a later departure and early return, thereby significantly cutting your vacation short. If these are not issues then you could certainly bid for the airfare portion of this trip... although i would think it would be better to book the airfare thru non-opaque means where you can choose the times, layovers (if any), etc.

HOTEL:

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. As well, there is no way to only bid on a hotel that offers a refrigerator, microwave, and /or kitchenette.

On the otherhand HOTWIREallows 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). As well, they show you amenities the hotel offers and you could therefore choose a hotel (or condo which is more likely to have the amenities you're seeking) that shows a kitchen or kitchenette amenity.

Let us know your thoughts/questions as well as your expected budget for the hotel side of your trip and we'll take it from there.

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