Priceline Hotel: Miami pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel

[moonface06]

We will be arriving around 9:30 PM the night of April 22, 2006. Would like to stay close to the port if possible.

I would appreciate any help in bidding on Priceline for 3* downtown for pre-cruise stay. What would be starting bid etc...Budget is about $40-60

Also we would like to stay 1 night after the cruise on April 30th and will fly out of Miami on May 1st around 4 PM. We would like to see SouthBeachh but would not mind staying in downtown Miami if the hotel is near Metromover etc.. What would be the bidding strategy for 4* downtown to get Hyatt Regency for this night?

Would appreciate your help since I am new to Priceline.

[LoneStar]

You will most likely have to raise your budget. Hotel prices are generally increasing and it's not possible to get a 3 star in downtown Miami for "$40 to $60." Always pays to start low (if you are a priceline newbie, make sure you read the section on bidding techniques), but your odds of getting hit below $70 are low. Indeed, I think you'll likely have to pay around $100 -- if there's availability at all. Your outbound date is still within peak season for Florida.

If price is more important than location, I would consider also bidding the Miami airport zone, where you generally can find lower prices (and more availability) than downtown. Miami Beach has more hotels than either, but some of the hotels there can be rather funky at the lower price points.

[thereuare]

To keep things straight only discuss one stay per thread... we'll use this one for your 4/22 stay and feel free to start a NEW TOPIC for the other nite of your trip.

I'd agree with the above that a 3* or better in the Downtown zone is going to be very difficult.

Do you want to increase your chances by adding other zone(s)?

Do you have a back-up plan if you're not successful with priceline? If so, where and how much?