Priceline Hotel: Any suggestions for downtown miami bid?

[TS1]

I will be flying into ft lauderdale on 2/1 for a cruise out of miami on 2/2. I think I would like to stay in miami downtown. I am ok with a 3* or higher. Any suggestions on where to start?

Thanks

[AaronJB]

What would be your desired budget per night for this stay?

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

[TS1]

I don't really know this area, so maybe $150 or less? Obviously, the cheaper the better.

[thereuare]

Currently rates are high for your dates and $150 may not be enough for a 3* hotel at this time.

When bidding 3* in the Miami region you have ONE re-bid zone. 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.

With a little time on your side i would try bidding as follows:

Select 3* Downtown...

Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $120

If the above is rejected i'd retry every 24 hours (once again using the PRICELINE link from the board and not a link in any emails that priceline may send informing your that you're eligible to bid again) using the following bidding pairs:

$130/$140

$145/$150

If the above is rejected you can then decide if you want to:

-increase your budget for a 3* Miami Downtown hotel

-lower your star rating

-include the Miami Airport zone in your bidding

-consider the Fort Lauderdale Airport and/or Downtown zones and commute to the ship the following day

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

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

[TS1]

What is the re bid zone for this area?

[yellowdog]

TS1

We never post the name(s) of the re-bid zone(s) since everything can change at anytime. It's important that you understand how to determine your re-bid zone(s) if anything change during your bidding process.

Please see this link: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained The board will be happy to confirm your re-bid zones or if you're confused ask questions and we will break it down further for you.

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

Yellowdog.

[christianm]

I used PRICELINE last year and was stuck at Springhill Suites Miami Airport - East. The closest store is about 6 blocks or more. They have a shuttle that takes you to the mall for free and $5 to the port. The room cost $109. The area is not the greatest if you are walking. The hospital is not far from the area. Try at least a 3.5 star. I will be cruising in April again and I will not bid on a 3 star.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding, christianm. :)

Sorry to hear that the stay didn't go as well as hoped, but thank you for your note regarding the zone.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide the full details of the win as a separate thread so that users can search for it via the site's Priceline and Hotwire Calendar of Wins.

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.

Thanks.

[TS1]

I decided to just stay in Fort Lauderdale since I won't be getting in until around 6pm. I haven't found a somewhat reasonable 3 star hotel for less than 175 until last night. Hotwire had the courtyard Marriott for $139 for the night, but on marriotts website it was 269. So, I booked it with Marriott and submitted a best rate guarantee, which they honored. I got the courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale airport cruise port for $115 with tax. Pretty decent deal I'd say.

[AaronJB]

I think you lucked out - surprising that the regular rate side of HOTWIRE would have such a significantly different price.

Thank you for closing the thread and enjoy your stay.

[TS1]

I was surprised myself. I figured that after Marriott gave me the difference that it would no longer be that price, but it's still up on HOTWIRE for $139. Thanks