Priceline Hotel: Need Help San Jaun Feb. 21st

[new2cruise]

I am also looking for a room in San Juan for this winter for one night for Feb. 21st. I tried Priceline for the resort level at $65 and was rejected. I just went to Hotwire to check what is available for that date, and they only had 3 hotels:

3.5* that looked exactly like the Wyndham Condado, except that it said Golf is nearby and Tennis nearby (is that the same as golf and tennis?) for $156.

3* that looked exactly like the Holiday Inn Mayaguez except that it didn't list laundry for $169

2* for $117

Anys suggestions as to what my next step should be?

Thanks!

Oh, and by the way, why does the Wyndham list "beach access" and then list Oceanfront (NO beach access)?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding.

It may be a bit early for the best rates, but some people don't feel comfortable waiting and would prefer to pay a little more just to have it "done". Based upon the rates shown thru Hotwire, i would wait given that you have so much time but continue to monitor Hotwire rates once every week or two to see if rates come down or if other hotels are offered in your search. In the meantime, book a fully cancellable back up so that you won't worry about not having any place to stay :)

As for the Hotwire hotels in your search, here are my thoughts:

3.5* that looked exactly like the Wyndham Condado, except that it said Golf is nearby and Tennis nearby (is that the same as golf and tennis?) for $156.

I agree this looks like the Wyndham Condado Plaza... the 'nearby' was just left off by me because of the extra typing involved

3* that looked exactly like the Holiday Inn Mayaguez except that it didn't list laundry for $169

Due to the lack of the laundry icon, this is more likely the Radisson Ambassador which based upon the info we have, has the exact icons shown in the search (you can see this hotel listed in the Hotwire List by City). This is a good example of why it's important to make sure that the icons match the hotel you think it is, and there aren't any extra icons or icons missing.

why does the Wyndham list "beach access" and then list Oceanfront (NO beach access)?

Most would say Hotwire stupidity, but my guess (having stayed there 10 years ago) is that the Wyndham's beach is quite small and it might be a bit deceptive to say "Beach Access" if somebody is expecting a huge beach like that found elsewhere on the island. It's definatley contradictory, but i think it's their way of covering their backs.

Anys suggestions as to what my next step should be?

I would follow the advice i gave above, book a fully cancellable back-up and continue to monitor Hotwire's prices. If you see Hotwire prices come down to an acceptable level, then i would bid on Priceline (we'll supply a bidding strategy at that time based upon the rates we're seeing at Hotwire and the hotel's website)... if at that time unsuccessful at Priceline, than you can grab a Hotwire offering.

Hope the above helps, but if any questions remain, feel free to ask.

[new2cruise]

I took your advice and booked the Wyndham for $175 Sam's club price (only available if you call) as my backup if nothing else works out. They added $39 in other taxes, so it's actually $214.

I just tried San Juan resort level again today (9/6) for $75 but it wasn't accepted. I've got time,so I'll keep trying.

[thereuare]

I'm confident you'll end up doing better than that $175 rate, but at least you have peace of mind now that if all else fails you'll have a roof over your head :)

FYI, if the taxes seem high to you... hotels in this area have a tax rate of (i think) 11%, but if there is a casino on the premises than the taxes jump to 22%.