Priceline Hotel: 2 1/2* Gulf Shores

[Aquaman]

Amazing to find out that Gulf Shores Alabama has no 3* Hotels to select from. Tried a bid for a 2* in July over a weekend and I found it to be a bit pricey for a 2 1/2* but I really wanted a 3* or higher hotel chain. :)

Why does such a popular tourist destination not have 3* hotel chain inventory listed on priceline?

[GM Mike]

Maybe you're answering your own question. If it's so popular, why would the 3* hotels need to offer discounted rooms? :)

What are the actual dates of your stay? Budget? Backup plan? Are there other areas you would consider?

[ufauxreal]

Do you read the news? Most of that area has been totally trashed by Katrina.

JB

[thereuare]

Combining both of the thoughts above...

-availability is low due to the hurricane and some hotels destroyed (fewer rooms on the market --> higher prices)

-some in the area on a temporary basis (construction workers, roofers, plumbers, city workers, etc) may be living at the hotels (so there is little vacancy and therefore little reason to offer deep discounts to the opaque suppliers)

Even if you look at Priceline's "retail non-opaque" product... there is only a 2* hotel offered and it's $100/nite.