DeeLow Posted March 22, 2013 Report Posted March 22, 2013 Looking for a hotel May 1-7 for my sister and I. Would prefer Priceline, less than 135, but willing to go down to a 2.5*. Is this possible? Been reading the forums and I'm not clear on how it works here. I get that I do the search through the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links here, but if it's rejected I don't understand which zone I am adding (read that, but still not clear - even looked at the visuals). Also, if that line of bidding is rejected, then it says to close browser and open this site again? I thought I had to wait 24 hours? USed PRICELINE before with success, but not doing well this time, so looking for some help.Thanks,Dee
AaronJB Posted March 22, 2013 Report Posted March 22, 2013 Welcome to Betterbidding. :)First, which zone/s would be of interest and what bids have you made so far in terms of zone/star rating/max price? You can make a specific bid once per 24 hours.Have you checked out the re-bidding discussion on this page: Priceline Re-bidding.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
DeeLow Posted March 22, 2013 Author Report Posted March 22, 2013 Here is a sample of the way I have been bidding dates are fixed May 1- 7:3.5* @ $120TS TS/MTWTS/MTW/MTETS/MTW/MTE/CPSTS/MTW/MTE/CPS/EPSTS/MTW/MTE/CPS/EPS/MSGTS/MTW/MTE/CPS/EPS/MSG/HK all have been rejected, so I've waited the 24hrs and repeated the same thing, increasing my offer. I'm now up to $135 and down to 2.5*, still with no luck. Any of the zones above are fine - I am hoping to stay in the centre of the island, no lower than 2.5*, but if that's impossible under $150, I would consider other zones like Financial District.I have read the post on rebidding, but the zones in Manhattan all seem to have 4*, so I don't know how I can manage it that way. My sister and I are young at heart, but middle aged women who don't plan to spend a lot of time in the hotel so just looking for the basics, near subway if possible.Thanks
thereuare Posted March 22, 2013 Report Posted March 22, 2013 Here is a better method using your acceptable zones (and takes into consideration you're already failed bids up to $135 for a 2.5* property):Select 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MTW, MTE, CPS...Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MSG, HK...Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MSG, MTE, CPS...Bid $138, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MTW, HK...Bid $138, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, HK...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, CPS...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, EPS...Bid $143, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, MSG...Bid $143, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, HK...Bid $143, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK, TS, MTW...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK, TS, MTE...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK, TS, CPS...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, EPS, MSG...Bid $148, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, EPS, HK...Bid $148, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, MSG, HK, EPS...Bid $150If the above is rejected close the browser, use this link to re-access PRICELINE, and re-try at the 3* level (the do the same at the 2.5* level)Any 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.PS- we can/shoudl also get you up to speed on re-bidding, so while also doing the above (which requires no re-bid zones) let's continue this thread with re-bidding. Try the following:1) Use the PRICELINE search box on the upper right of this page, enter 'New York City, NY' and your dates, and click "GO".2) List each zone that is offered in this region. 3) Next to each zone list the highest star rating offered in the zone. The way to determine the highest star rating offered in the zone is by selecting the first zone i the list, then scrolling down to see the highest star rating selectable (ie- not greyed out). NEXT UNcheck the selected zone, place a checkmark in the next zone, and repeat the process for each zone in the region. Each time you take note of the highest star rating in the zone, make sure that only ONE zone is selected above.4) post your findings and we'll take it from thereIf you don't follow the above just post back and we'll break it down further. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
DeeLow Posted March 22, 2013 Author Report Posted March 22, 2013 Thanks! I will this tomorrow when my 24 hours is up and let you know how it goes.Dee
DeeLow Posted March 27, 2013 Author Report Posted March 27, 2013 It took me a few days, but I got through the list, but nothing was accepted. Is there a better day of the week or time of day? Can I just try the list again, or should I try something else?Thanks Dee
AaronJB Posted March 28, 2013 Report Posted March 28, 2013 There is no particular time of day or week that is better to bid. You can try these same bids again over (I'd wait a few days) for a while, but I'd be fairly persistent in trying to lock something in, as rates are going to be higher with nicer Spring weather.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
DeeLow Posted March 28, 2013 Author Report Posted March 28, 2013 Will do. Thanks. Will post when I am successful.Dee
DeeLow Posted April 1, 2013 Author Report Posted April 1, 2013 I get the feeling that Priceline is concentrating on the "Express Deals". I looked up the calendar of wins for bids, and there have been no new wins in more than a week for all of Manhattan for the entire month of May. Is Hotwire any better, or do you have any other suggestions? I'm getting anxious that I don't have a hotel yet and it's only 4 weeks away.I haven't had much luck so far, so I have increased my limit to 160 and am willing to go higher, but with no activity on the recent wins, I'm wondering if it's even possible?Appreciate any suggestions or thoughts.Thanks,Dee
DeeLow Posted April 3, 2013 Author Report Posted April 3, 2013 I've been working at this every day, and I'm still being rejected at 170/night for a 2.5* I'm now getting a strange window pop up occasionally - here is what is says,Try Again Right NowWe searched hundreds of options to find your hotel room, however we can't accept your offer of $170 per room, per night. Your credit card has not been charged for Request Number 321-020-083-60. If you are willing to raise your price by $52 to $222 per room, per night, you can try the same request again right now. Normally you are required to change additional items (add zones, star level, or dates) in order to try your request again. However we are able to extend this one-time opportunity to you because of the zone, quality level and dates you requested. It's always the same price, which isn't that far off of the prices offered in the Express Deals, again making me wonder if there is any hotel stock left for bidding. Should I just give up on bidding and accept this offer?Have used Priceline before and it's never taken me this long - starting to get tired and frustrated. :(Any thoughts? Advice?Thank youDee
yellowdog Posted April 3, 2013 Report Posted April 3, 2013 DeeLowYes, PRICELINE can be frustrating! But don't give up now when you're this close. You know that PRICELINE got a room and you can get for $222. Sometimes it takes the amount PRICELINE says, but it could also be that you can get this room way under the asking price. You never know.You have time on your side so i would move in small steps from $170 and up, try bidding in $3 steps. Keep us updated and let us know if we can be of further help along the way.yellowdog.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.
DeeLow Posted April 3, 2013 Author Report Posted April 3, 2013 DeeLowYes, PRICELINE can be frustrating! But don't give up now when you're this close. You know that PRICELINE got a room and you can get for $222. Sometimes it takes the amount PRICELINE says, but it could also be that you can get this room way under the asking price. You never know.You have time on your side so i would move in small steps from $170 and up, try bidding in $3 steps. Keep us updated and let us know if we can be of further help along the way.yellowdog.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Thanks for the response - I think I need a cheerleading squad to help keep my spirits up! I will keep trying.Thanks again.Dee
AaronJB Posted April 3, 2013 Report Posted April 3, 2013 Definitely keep your spirits up - NYC is often a difficult (probably the most difficult in the US) place to get reasonable (well, as NYC goes) rates (especially during busier periods, like Spring.) As noted above, you may be much closer than you think - while you are getting a counter-offer of $222, the actual required amount might be much closer to the last failed bid at $170. I'm seeing a 4* in MTE for 5/4-7 for $205. The zone has a 4* for about $275 if you look up 5/1-4. While splitting your stay is not optimal, it may be something to consider in this case.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
DeeLow Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Posted April 6, 2013 Worked on this for weeks before I came here for help. Used the formula suggested going as high as 175. Started getting counter offer window popping up at $220, then I got lazy and started plugging in all the zones at 200 every other day, and I finally got one. Thanks for your help and encouragement. DeeSelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MTW, MTE, CPS...Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MSG, HK...Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MSG, MTE, CPS...Bid $138, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MTW, HK...Bid $138, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, HK...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, CPS...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, EPS...Bid $143, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, MSG...Bid $143, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, HK...Bid $143, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK, TS, MTW...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK, TS, MTE...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* EPS, MSG, HK, TS, CPS...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, EPS, MSG...Bid $148, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, EPS, HK...Bid $148, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE, CPS, MSG, HK, EPS...Bid $150If the above is rejected close the browser, use this link to re-access PRICELINE, and re-try at the 3* level (the do the same at the 2.5* level)
yellowdog Posted April 6, 2013 Report Posted April 6, 2013 Thank you for sharing your result with the board!Good to see that you finally hit something ;) Enjoy your stay.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Yellowdog.
AaronJB Posted April 6, 2013 Report Posted April 6, 2013 Can you confirm that the property is at the 2.5* star level?Thank you. :)
DeeLow Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Posted April 6, 2013 Can you confirm that the property is at the 2.5* star level?Thank you. :)Yes, it is 2.5* level.Dee
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