Priceline Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Valley Forge North - Norristown Area for $64/night

[akhco123]

looking for hotel in this area for 12/20 for about 7 or 8 nights stay. what hotel could this be? its in the "Valley Forge North - Norristown Area", 3 stars, 9/10 or higher rating, and:

Guaranteed Amenities:

Free Breakfast

Free Internet

Indoor or Outdoor Pool

Free Parking

Pets Allowed

Business Center

could i get the same lower if i bid my own price for a 3 star hotel in the same exact area. the specification listed are the same for the name your own price. any tips on how to bid for this to get a lower price.

[thereuare]

You can likely get a lower price when bidding on PRICELINE, but you won't necessarily receive the hotel offered above... you could receive any hotel in the zone at the star rating (or higher) that you bid.

Is there something in particular about this specific property (an amenity that you want to ensure the hotel has) that makes you interested in this one OR is your goal the least expensive hotel for this trip? When will your plans be firm in regards to your check-out date?

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

[akhco123]

check out date 12/28, check in 12/20. I want a 3 star in this area, and the amenities are great for this one, and the one for name your own price. The thing is, I havent used this site before, or any other site like this and dont really know whats best to do. I checked out the map region for "valley forge north/norristown" and the only 3 star with those amenities i could find was Hyatt House, but since I'm new to this I dont know if I'm right about this, and how to go about bidding for 3 star in this area

[Romelle]

The list of "guaranteed amenities" you saw on Priceline are for ALL the hotels in the particular zone at the particular star level. A really nice list. I also noticed the 3*s had a 9+ guest rating. That is excellent. You probably can't go wrong with the Priceline bidding.

I'm a member, not a moderator, but if I were bidding, this is what I'd do:

First, I'd carefully check the Priceline and Hotwire maps out to be sure I was OK anywhere in the zones in which I was interested. If the details aren't quite clear, you can zoom on in on the maps - usually clear to street names.

Then I'd write the Hotwire 3.5* rate down on a piece of paper, and start my 3* bidding on Priceline somewhat below that. Maybe even 20%. I'd work up gradually, as there is time between now and Dec 20. I'd use the two free rebids (discussion on that in the FAQs, but ask back here if you aren't sure) to cover more ground. If I got to the Hotwire rate, I'd give up gracefully and accept the Hotwire number, knowing I'd made the best effort possible to save a bit.

To clear up one thing, Hotwire can be more generous with stars than Priceline - maybe a 1/2 star. Although there are exceptions both ways, it is a reasonable rule of thumb. Thus I'm equating the 3.5* Hotwire hotels to the 3* Priceline hotels.

Romelle

[thereuare]

I havent used this site before... and dont really know whats best to do.

Basically the first step is to make a decision what is important to you for this trip... the lowest possible price for any 3* hotel in the zone with the 'guaranteed amenities' shown OR a hotel with the specific amenities shown at the price of the PRICELINE Express deal.

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.

[Romelle]

Oops - I missed your quote of the $64 in your heading. That indicated you are talking about a Priceline Express deal. My comments in my prior post apply to actual bidding.

If you actually bid, of course try a lower start than the $64.

Romelle

PS - I usually try to avoid "Pets Allowed" hotels. That was one of the amenities you listed. I don't dislike pets, but some pet-owners can be less than responsible. Your call on that one.