Priceline Hotel: When to make a bidding before trip

[dana ichun s]

How early before my trip should I try bidding hotel and car on priceline/hotwire

I need dates on Jan12 and Jan 21.

Is trying to make a bidding in November too early?

Thanks

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you haven't yet, please start by reading your messages.

Where is it that you're traveling to? (we will then move your post to the appropriate state category and reply to you further there)

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

[dana ichun s]

oops. Sorry.

I am going to Miami and need to book a room on Jan 12 and on Jan 21

Thanks

[AaronJB]

November is not too early to start attempting to bid for a room for January. A detailed discussion of purchase timing can be found in the FAQ. We'll use this thread for the 1/12 stay - please start a new thread for the 1/21 stay. For the 1/12 stay, what would be your desired budget per night/desired star rating and which zones would be acceptable?

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

[dana ichun s]

I was hoping it's too early to bid...lol... as I am now very confused as to where to stay and what kind of budget I should expect regardless what I want to pay.

We have 4 people and will arrive at MIA at 8pm before going to For Lauderdale for a cruise the next day. Since we are getting in kind of late, I think it might be better to stay around the airport.

I guess I have two choices: book two rooms for double occupancy or book one room for 4 people. I am hoping the total won't be more than $150, with a star rating of 3 or more. Just not too sure if it's even realistic.

I also need to think about parking...

Just thought of another questions, does the price I bid on priceline or the price shown on hotwire's undisclosed list include taxes and fees?

[AaronJB]

The prices shown on the board are the base price people have paid (before taxes/fees.) HOTWIRE and PRICELINE show the total (w/taxes + fees) during check-out. Any additional fees (parking, internet, resort fees if the hotel charges them, etc) are charged at the hotel.

If you have four people in one room, I would suggest HOTWIRE, as you can indicate the amount of people in the room and ensure some form of bedding for the entire party. If you go the two room route, you could go with either PRICELINE or HOTWIRE.

In terms of area, if you look on PRICELINE at the zone map given during the first stage of the bidding process, which zones would be acceptable (acceptable in that you are willing to potentially be anywhere within the shaded area.)

Additionally, just to make sure, is your budget $150 per room/per night or $150 in total?

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

[Romelle]

Take a look at HOTWIRE, using the box up above in the left hand corner. Try both 2 adults and 4 adults, since you will get different results with the different occupancies. Note the amenities. Most of the MIA Airport hotels offer free parking, free shuttle and even free breakfast. With the 4 adult choice you probably can just book the one room.

Are you getting the car at the airport to use to get to the Fort Lauderdale port? There are various public transport options that might also work, and then you won't have to park a car for a week. Or a taxi for four can be cost efficient. Or you could make two separate rentals for a day or so each?

The per day rate you see with both HOTWIRE and PRICELINE does not include taxes and fees. You are shown these added charges though before you finalize your bid or purchase. But do brace yourself for a final added charge that can show up at the hotel desk - "Resort Fees". I don't know about Miami airport hotels, but is it pretty common at other zones in the area.

After the above research, if you want to also bid PRICELINE, you will have a good idea as to your options. Do note that with PRICELINE the bid is for 2 person occupancy. So in that case you will need to bid two rooms.

Romelle

[dana ichun s]

Thanks AaronJB and Romelle, but your opinions on taxes and fees are different.... just need a little more clarification please.

My budget of $150 is for 4 people for one night (either 2 double occupancy rooms or 1 four occupancy room.

We will rent a car at the airport for one day.

[Romelle]

While AaronJB and I said it differently, we said the same thing. Both the PRICELINE bid and the HOTWIRE rate shown on the board are before taxes and fees.

As you go through the process of either bidding via PRICELINE or purchasing via HOTWIRE, the step just before you finalize things shows the additional amount of those taxes and fees so you know the total you will be paying before you actually commit.

For your $150 total budget, you will need a bid or a rate under $130. The taxes and fees will be roughly $20 to $25. PRICELINE taxes and fees usually are a little more than HOTWIRE taxes and fees.

Romelle

[thereuare]

Searching HOTWIRE for your dates, 1room/4adults there is a 3* hotel offered in the Airport zone for $114/nite with:

Free Parking

Complimentary Breakfast

Shuttle

Smoke Free

Fitness

Pool

Business

Hi-Speed Internet

This matches previous reports for the Hyatt Place Miami Airport West-Doral... would this work for your plans?

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

Also, if you are staying near the airport and the hotel has a shuttle, you could always take the shuttle to the hotel. The following morning send the driver of the car back to the airport via the hotel shuttle to pick-up the car... swing by the front of the hotel to pack up the car with the bags and make your way to the pier... this method saves you any parking fee the hotel may charge (you can inquire as to any fee after you win a hotel to see if the above is necessary)