Priceline Hotel: Resort Puerto Rico San Juan Caribe Hilton

[aimee1949]

Just wanted to post that I won a bid on Friday 9/12

at the Caribe Hilton for $65 for a one night stay on

11/8/03. I was a bit surprised to get this on the first

try - especially since I first checked with Hotwire and

this hotel was listed at over $120 based on my

identifying it as 4 star and from the amenities.

I thought I would have to try a few times before

winning such a low bid :)

thereuare, I have one question; the total charges

for this stay was $79.67 which included $65 plus

14.67 taxes and service fees. Will I be also charged

an additional "resort fee" at time of check out?

Just want to be informed since I thought I read

that sometimes the resort hotels add additional

charges and want to be prepared?

Thanks for this board and your help,

aimee

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

You will likely be charged a resort fee of $3.90/nite upon check-out. This hotel also adds a $1/nite charge to your room which benefits some charity (i think called 'Kids') but you can request this charge be removed and they will do so.

Be sure to join Hilton's HHonors program (free to join at their website) and read my REVIEW of this hotel as their are a few tips and perks to be aware of.

[aimee1949]

Thanks, Thereuare,

for all the tips, I will definitely sign up for the

HHonors program. I think we will have to

try La Casita Blanca if we get a chance....sounds

like what I would also enjoy in the way of a

restaurant with a "local" flair - I may have to

pass up on that shot of liquor, though!

I'm very pleased with getting the Caribe Hilton,

especially since I've used Priceline in the past

and usually get a hotel for a bit less than what

Hotwire will charge for the same property.

This time there was a big difference.

Have you ever seen that happen before?

Really like your board, it's much more informal

and helpful than the other ones,

Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[thereuare]

Glad you like it here... we're glad to have you!

Few random thoughts:

-depending upon the area, Priceline can be a little to a lot cheaper than Hotwire. HOWEVER, in some experiences, Hotwire can be cheaper than Priceline... it's not always the case that Hotwire is the more expensive option.

-HHonors probably won't send you a card in time for your stay, so print out the page that they give you with your number on it

-the Hilton was a great hotel, especially since i love the laid back atmosphere of places that have open air lobbies. There is a convenience store across the street that has a somewhat limited wine selection but you can pick up last minute liquor and soda there if you plan on 'hiding' any inside your luggage to sneak on board. We were on AOS leaving from the Pan Am pier and there we were able to bring wine on board that was purchased at the pier's duty free shop... we were told that security there is more concerned with weapons and such and isn't concerned with liquor if it's out of sight, just put it inside a carry-on; we did so and it was not a problem for us.

-if you like exploring new foods and local flavors, definately give La Casita Blanca a try!

[aimee1949]

I'm glad to have read your review of the Caribe Hilton as

I've read some bad reviews lately. It'll be fine for our

post cruise one night stay. I know what to expect

and will not be disappointed if I get one of the "priceline"

rooms - especially at $65 :)

Since we are staying post cruise we won't have to worry

about bringing anything onboard in P.R. :)

but are glad to know that their is a convenience store

across from the Hilton. I'm sure others will benefit, though!

We can only stay one night in P.R. but hope to be able to

try La Casita Blanca and wil let you know when we

return if we do,

Thanks again for all your advice,

Aimee