Priceline Hotel: Need help for London, June 28-July2

[boostwick]

Hi, I'm a newbie to Priceline and was hoping I could get some help with placing a bid for the first time.

We're going to London from June 28th to July 2nd. From what we've read so far on this forum, Mayfair-Soho and Bloomsbury-Marble Arch seem to be our best bet for areas, with Kensingon thrown in if we can't get what we want in the other two. We're probably looking at a 4*.

We're probably looking to pay around maximum CAD $100 (so about US$85), if that helps. Our dates are a bit further away than some so we'd have more time to rebid, if necessary.

We'd really appreciate the help!

[WillTravel]

I'd start with a bid of $61 in Bloomsbury Marble Arch for a 4*. I chose this number because it appears the winning bid, when there is availability, for low rates at the Thistle Marble Arch, is 35 pounds, and right now 35 pounds is just under $61. (Maybe I'd actually make it $62, for exchange rate fluctuations.)

Maybe you'll succeed, and maybe you'll get a counteroffer, and then you could post back for further suggestions. (Going to SavingsBarn.com and then selecting the PRICELINE link helps the board if you get a winning bid, so I suggest starting your bid there.)

[anyway]

Actually lowest rate I've seen for Thistle Marble Arch seems 30 GBP on lucky dates (+ taxes), so I'd start at 52 or 53 USD and move higher if rejected.

[boostwick]

Back again,

On a whim, we put in a bid of $65 on Mayfair-Soho, got a counter offer of $117.

Added Bloomsbury-Marble Arch, with the bid of $60 you suggested, was rejected.

Would it be better now to bid higher on these areas (after closing browser of course) or add Kensington and hope for the best?

[WillTravel]

If you want to try Kensington, I'd close the browser first, and then start a new bid with just Kensington. I'd probably start with $65 in that zone. Or if you'd rather not have Kensington, just wait 24 hours, and try Bloomsbury and Mayfair tomorrow.