Priceline Hotel: Need help

[rms87]

I have made several bids on Priceline for hotel in Back Bay, Boston Commons or Quincy Market areas. I have bid for a 3* or higher. Would prefer 4*, but do not want to go over $145 per night if at all possible.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding.

What bids have you made so far (zones/star rating/max price?)

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

[rms87]

I have bid three times so far. I started off with Copley Sq area at $125 for 4* then added Boston Common then Quincy Market. I finally dropped to 3 1/2 * with bid of $149. Rejected each time.

[thereuare]

Rates are quite high for these dates and at the moment $150 isn't in the right ballpark for a 3.5* or better in one of these zones.

Using MAPS and HOTELS.com, what is the best rate you're able to find at an acceptable 3.5* hotel in one of these zones?

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

[rms87]

$389 for 3.5* in Back Bay.

[thereuare]

So your $150 bid is less than half of prevailing rates during busy dates in the area... not a high probability of success.

Given a better overview of rates for these dates what is your current gameplan? Do you want to:

• lower your star rating
• raise your budget
• include any other nearby zones
• SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID
• wait it out and hope for lower rates in the next few days

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

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

[rms87]

I am willing to change to 3*. I am thinking I may need to split my bid, also...

[thereuare]

I'm still seeing very high rates for these dates, both at the 3* level and when looking at a subset of your dates... what is the best rate you're seeing by SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID and/or lowering to 3 stars?

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

[rms87]

I found a room on PRICELINE EXPRESS for $161, but only for the first night of my trip. Adding the second night only gave me a room way over my budget. I attempted to bid again adding 3*, raising my bid to $165 and splitting my bid by only bidding on the first 2 nights of my trip (6/17/-6/19). All bids were rejected for areas (Back bay, boston common, financial district and aquarium area. I am now considering apts that may be available for 200+ a night. May be a better deal for the time I am travelling.

[AaronJB]

Thank you for keeping us updated - unfortunately, rates are just sky-high for these date/s. Please keep us updated if you do see anything on HOTWIRE/PRICELINE last-minute or if you decide to go for an apartment.

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

[rms87]

Did not win a bid with highest bid being $165 for 3*. Decided to go with one bedroom apt instead in good location, Back Bay. Paying $249 per night with all taxes/fees included. Figured I could save some on food with the kitchen! Thanks for your help.

[thereuare]

Glad you found something that you're happy with and will work for your needs.

I assume this was a non-opaque/hotel direct booking and not thru PRICELINE or HOTWIRE?

Please check for and use the links in our Support Page for your non-Priceline and non-Hotwire bookings where we have links to move of the major hotel chains and online booking agencies.

Thanks... enjoy your stay and time in Boston.