Priceline Hotel: I have no idea how to bid.

[travelfanatic32]

Hi, I would like to be centrally located on the strip. Our trip dates are 11/11-13, firm with a budget of about $125 per night. I looked at Priceline in the express deals section. Some seem reasonable, but the taxes take it over $300. I've tried bidding on Priceline before during a road trip a couple of years ago. I never won anything lol I didn't really understand the process. What do I do? We really would like to stay in a nice luxury hotel with a view of the strip. Is that possible?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

 

What is the star rating that you're looking for in a hotel for this trip?

 

What is your budget per nite before taxes/fees?  Keep in mind that Las Vegas hotel tax runs about 12% and almost of the Strip hotels now charge a 'resort fee' (payable directly to the hotel, not included in the amount you pay PRICELINE / HOTWIRE) of about $30-$35/nite.

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

 

[travelfanatic32]

Hi and thanks for your response. Sorry it took me so long to come back here. Of course I will use your links. The star rating we are looking for is 4* or better. I'm aware of the resort fees. I also tried my hand at bidding for the first time Saturday night. I learned about how to check zones to get free bids, etc. I must've bid like 10 times and was rejected. I was only trying 4.5+* though. I did that because I was unsure of of the hotels on the strip and their distances, etc. I was afraid to get a 4* one that wasn't great if I wasn't careful. My budget per night before taxes and fees is about $100, but you can tell me if that is unreasonable or not. 

[thereuare]

You can see our tutorial on re-bidding here: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained

 

If you want to move forward continuing to bid on PRICELINE you can let us know the parameters (acceptable zones, minimum star rating, and maximum bid price) and we will suggest a strategy for you to follow.

 

However, assuming your bidding both the Strip North and Strip South zones...

1) keep in mind that the star rating you choose is the minimum that you're willing to accept and your 4.5* bid could be upgraded to a higher rated hotel, which means that the Trump (which is located slightly off-strip) would be an option in your bidding... not sure if this is an acceptable outcome for you or not for this trip

2) you may be able to win a 4* closer to $100/nite (although it would seem to be at the very low end of the range of what may be likely), but i will add i'm seeing the following:

4* Las Vegas Strip North (confirm your dates on the landing page) for $117/nite with:

Free Parking
Business Center
Restaurant
Free Internet
Indoor or Outdoor Pool
Casino
Fitness Center
No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
==> best guess for this one would be the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino

 

Does this work for your needs (and budget) this trip?

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

 

Let us know how it goes (if you take the offer linked above) or how we can be of further help.

[travelfanatic32]

Hi There, I clicked on the link above and I'm not seeing anything at $117/nt under the 4* rating unless there is a filtering issue. 

 

My main thing is I don't understand is what to bid. I start out at $70 and work my way up to about $88 and everything gets rejected. Is it better to wait until last minute for bidding? Because I've seen so many great deals last minute. 

[thereuare]

When you click the link above you should see a message at the top of the page:

Quote

Please note: Pricing and inventory changes often and the deal you selected is no longer available. However, we still have the following deals below.

... which is why you don't see the $117/nite offer; it is no longer available.

 

Nobody can say if rates will come down, or move even higher, between now and your trip... but rates in Vegas do change more quickly, and to a greater extreme, then almost any other city in the country (which explains why the PRICELINE EXPRESS offered linked above quickly disappeared)

 

Typically your maximum bid should be based upon some percentage discount to the best deal you can currently get.  So for example, let's say the best 'retail' deal you can find for a given stay is $200/nite... how much of a discount would you need to make locking in an 'unknown' hotel?

 

If you'd like to move forward by bidding, let us know your minimum star rating, acceptable zone(s), and maximum bid.

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

 

Keep us updated on your progress and let us know how we can be of further help along the way.

[travelfanatic32]

Minimum is 4*. Area is North, South, or Center strip.