Priceline Hotel: Priceline virgin. Am I doing this right?

[thevhogan]

Hi! My husband and I are thinking of taking a trip to Boston 12/26-12/29 or 12/27-12/30 (are Thursdays or Sundays easier to get?) We'd like to stay in the Financial, Back Bay, Copely Square, or even Cambridge district. We're really not too picky. Judging by the list of hotels, I think we'd be happy in a 3.5*, though I wouldnt turn down a 4* if the price was right. After searching hotels.com, it seems the price for hotels in these areas range from $85 to $200+ per night. I was prepared to spend $100, before tax & parking, per night, and then someone directed me here. I read around a bit and I am familiar with the permutation method, and feel confident in using it. My question is, where should I start? Ideally we'd like to stay in the Financial District, but price is really going to dictate where we stay. Should I start with that district? Or should I start with 3.5* in a different area, and work my way up? And what price point do I start at? I saw someone recently got a 4* for around $60 after starting at $53; is this a normal starting point?

Also, this is totally ridiculous question, but how long does it take for me to know if my bid is accepted?

Any suggestions for a total newbie would be totally appreciated. Thanks in advance! I look forward to reporting back!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you haven't yet, please start by reading your messages.

Are you flexible which date range you make this trip OR are your plans not yet firm and you're not sure which dates you're able to go? (or is the trip still in the planning stages and you're not able to commit to either date at this point in time?)

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

[thevhogan]

Hi! Read my messages, and will be accessing PRICELINE through the links here :)

Trip is still in the planning stages, as it really is a last minute thing. We do have to go that weekend though. 3 nights, and we have to be home by Monday. So, either Thur/Fri/Sat or Fri/Sat/Sun

[thereuare]

When you place your bid you find out in about 15 seconds if your bid was accepted or not.

Is Boston Common-Theater District an acceptable zone as this currently seems to be offering the best deals for your dates (and is well within your budget). However, hotel rates are dynamic and are constantly changing due to supply/demand (new reservations/cancellations that the hotel receives) so let us know once your plans are firm and you're ready to begin bidding and we will suggest a strategy for you to follow at that time to make sure any strategy is based upon the most up to date information and prices.

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

[thevhogan]

Just spoke with my husband, and we're committed to using PRICELINE for this trip. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little excited. Our travel dates are going to be Checkin 12/26 and Checkout 12/29. Boston Common-Theatre District is totally acceptable.

[thereuare]

You can easily get something within your budget for these dates so i will suggest sticking with the more 'central' locations such as:

Copley-Back Bay

Boston Common-Theater District

Downtown Boston - Harbor Front

Using PRICELINE EXPRESS there is a 4* hotel in the Boston Common - Theater District zone (Indoor Pool, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Free Internet, Business Center, Fitness Center) for just $69/nite, and using the discount code linked in my signature you can get an additional 5% off, bringing this room rate down to $66/nite. Assuming the zones above are all acceptable, i would bid as follows:

When bidding 4* in Boston you have NINE 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* Copley-Back Bay, Boston Common-Theater, and Downtown-Harbor Front...

Bid $45, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $48, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $53, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $58, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $63, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $65

If the above if rejected you can then simply take the PRICELINE EXPRESS deal at $69/nite (less 5%)

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.