Hotwire Hotel: Can't find Caribe Hilton - any dates

[bchandler02]

I've probably searched 25 different dates, and can't get the Caribe Hilton to come up in my search. I got this for about $95 a night last year, and also saw other people mention it over the summer for similar deals.

Anyone have any tips for making it show up in the search results, or know of any dates where it came up recently? I'm looking for ~5 days between August and December.

[AaronJB]

There is no way to guarantee a particular property (or make one show up) when using HOTWIRE - a particular property may appear frequently and then not for a while, or occasionally.

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

[Romelle]

Try using the white "Search" box in the upper right hand corner. Enter "Caribe Hilton" in the first area, and select "Forums" in the second.

But even finding another member's results won't guarantee it is still available.

Romelle

[bchandler02]

Thanks, will try these tips. I understand there is no way to guarantee it, but I feel confident my ability to identify it, if I can get it to show up in some searches.

[thereuare]

Do you have specific dates in mind OR are your plans so flexible that you're going to try and find this hotel and then book airfare around it?

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

[bchandler02]

I'm flexible and will probably book airfare around it, unless it's an unreasonably higher week for airfare. The only dates I can't go will be labor day week and thanksgiving week. Ideally, I'd like to go in early November.

I think I figured out that part of the trick is not having my check in day on a weekend, I've made it show up about 30% of the time using that trick this morning, but haven't had time to lock down a solid date range yet.

[Romelle]

You also can get an idea when the CH might show via PL or HW by getting on their web site. Check "Flexible Dates" when you are looking at some span of time. The individual night rates will show. They are more likely to have offers on PL and HW when the rates are lower. The process might help you isolate a good range for you.

I'm sure you realize this, but the hotel rates are so driven by the cruise ship pre- and post-night bookings. And so many cruises start out from SJU on the weekends.

Romelle

[bchandler02]

Thanks, that was a great tip and exactly what I was looking for. I'll have to mess with it more to get it on HOTWIRE later, but as a worst case option I found a few weeks at $139 per night. I get 10% off at all Hilton properties through my employer, so I can get that for $125.10 direct through Hilton. I could probably live with that if I had to.

[Romelle]

There is a link to the Hilton on the Support Page (up in the header area).

Romelle

PS - Links to lots of other interesting sites too.

[bchandler02]

Trying to identify this hotel, as an alternative to my San Juan trip later this year. I'm also looking at a few other options as well.

This is a 4* AI hotel on the Sint Maarten (south) side of the island on HOTWIRE for $89/night with a 75% recommended rating.

Amenities: Beachfront, Casino, Food/Bev Included, A la Carte dining options, watersports/ocean activities included, evening entertainment, daily activities, fitness, pool, restaurants, accessible path, in room accessible, accessible bathroom, handicapped parking, roll in shower, all inclusive.

The rate seems extremely cheap for a 4* AI hotel, which makes it very tempting.

And yes, I'll update with results once I make a decision!

[thereuare]

Since this is the same trip please keep all posts for this stay in this thread... once a hotel is purchased you can use the EDIT TO REPORT WIN button on the lower right corner of this page to edit the topic title to reflect your purchase.

What are the dates that your searching Sint Maarten to have this offer appear?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[bchandler02]

Ok, sorry, I thought different hotel = different thread.

The dates were 11/7 to 11/12.

[thereuare]

Are you traveling solo as i only see this price when searching 1adult... when searching 2adults the rate is $190.

Best guess for this property would be the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, which i have actually spent some time at with a day pass. It's not an 'over the top' resort and the real reason to come here is to be close to Maho Bay to watch the planes come in, and other guests i spoke with at the resort (regarding quality of food, drinks, etc) mostly said "it's OK if you know what you're getting in to as it's more like a 3* property".

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and your searches too! (please click each of these links before replying)

[bchandler02]

Yes, for 1 adult only. Thanks for the feedback on the property, that is one of the ones I suspected it was.

I think this will work for what I need - I'll update with results when I book in the next few days.

[Romelle]

HOTWIRE offers can sort of "blink on and off". If it isn't there when you go to book, try a little later. A couple hours, a day, ?? They don't always come back, but they do pretty often.

Romelle

[thereuare]

I think this will work for what I need - I'll update with results when I book in the next few days.

... and please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board for all your bidding, searches, and travel purchases.

Thanks.