Tom Goes Usa Posted March 4, 2013 Report Share Posted March 4, 2013 Hi, we want to book a hotel in Washington DC for 3 nights (09/22 - 09/25).We would like a 4 star hotel for a maximum of $ 100.This in one of the next zones:- Dupont Circle - Woodley Park- White House - Downtown- Georgetown - Foggy BottomDo you guys think this will be possible?When do you think it will be? (Now, later, ... ).Thanks in advance :lol: Link to comment
Romelle Posted March 5, 2013 Report Share Posted March 5, 2013 It is fairly improbable, but could work. The low 4* HOTWIRE right now is $121 and the low PRICELINE EXPRESS is $159. You've got lots of time. You might consider making a cancelable back-up reservation and then just trying maybe once a week for now and then a little more often as it gets closer. Considering as many zones as possible helps. Toward the end, if you still are not successful, and would really not rather use the back-up reservation, you could also try a little lower star level. Romelle Link to comment
thereuare Posted March 5, 2013 Report Share Posted March 5, 2013 While current prices suggest that you will not likely be successful for a 4* hotel at $100 or less, if you'd like to try you can bid as follows:When bidding 4* in Washington DC you have EIGHT re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.Select 4* Dupont Circle and White House...Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $68, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $73, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $78, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* Georgetown...Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $68, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $73, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $78, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* Dupont Circle and White House and Georgetown...Bid $80, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $83, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $85, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $88, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $93, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $98, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $100Any questions feel free to ask.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
Tom Goes Usa Posted March 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2013 Ok, I should check Hotwire also :D Link to comment
Tom Goes Usa Posted March 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2013 Thanks for your bidding advice.however, if I look to the current winning biddings, there are a lot under usd 100.Or do I see this wrong?Of course this is not for the period of september yet, but dont't you think there is a chance later? :lol: Link to comment
Romelle Posted March 5, 2013 Report Share Posted March 5, 2013 Rates are always VERY date specific. Unless you have an exact match on the dates, the comparison doesn't tell you much.You don't have to bid clear up to the $100 right now. A cancelable back-up reservation will let you continue to explore lower levels until the very last.Romelle Link to comment
thereuare Posted March 6, 2013 Report Share Posted March 6, 2013 As Romelle has pointed out, rates are very date specific, and this is more true in DC then in most other places in the country... a big government meeting with delegates in from all over, an important event requiring new crews to be in from out of town for a few days, rallys/protests, etc, etc. can all have a dramatic date specific effect on hotel prices.The strategy above went up to $100 because that is the bidding limit you stated in your post, and i did look at rates for your dates, and i actually don't think that will be enough to win a 4* hotel in one of the zones you've indicated at this time... but i also did start lower (much lower in fact at almost half as much) so if a hotel is available for less you'll have a chance to win it at the lower price.However, go to MAPS and HOTELS.com and search for Washington DC and then UNselect all star ratings except 4 stars and then sort by price... the cheapest 4* hotel is currently priced at $192/nite and that is outside of the city limits in Arlington... the next cheapest 4* hotel is about $250 and it goes up from there. So based upon current rates i think $100 would be a pretty good win, but since nobody can say if rates will come down, or move even higher, you have to decide if you feel it's worth locking in a $100 or under bid at this time (if you're able to win at that price or less)... but current rates would at least imply that something may be happening around these dates for which hotels are expecting heavier then usual demand. Whether this demand ends up coming to fruition, or ends up being greater or less then they anticipate, is the question.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Let us know how high you decide to bid at this time and keep us updated on your progress. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
Tom Goes Usa Posted March 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Hi,Till now all my biddings were rejected.We change our bidding maximum to 106 dollars for a 4 star hotel and 101 dollars for a 3,5 stars hotel.We already booked a property with the option to cancel.Lets's hope we can book trough PRICELINE :DWe will keep you guys updated.Do you think a 3,5 stars hotel will be possible for USD 100?Thanks in advance ;) Link to comment
Romelle Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Still lots of time. Nice work on booking the back-up. I wouldn't try any more often than maybe once a week for now. To keep from getting too frustrated, and to not waste your time. Are you also keeping an eye on HOTWIRE and PRICELINE EXPRESS? Even if they are still higher than you want, if they drop a bit it can be a sign bidding could be successful at a slightly lower level. Sounds like you've already also tried the 3.5* level. Just to be sure - you are aware there are only 6 free rebid zones at that level?Keep in mind the purpose of PRICELINE - to sell rooms that would otherwise go unoccupied. This far ahead, it is possible hotels just haven't given rooms to PL yet.Romelle Link to comment
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