Priceline Hotel: San Juan Travel (12/26/06 - 1/2/07)

[travelnewbie]

Hi all,

This is my very first time on this board and my very first time utilizing priceline and hotwire. I hope I can get some guidance as my situation is time sensitive. I need to make a trip to Puerto Rico from 12/26/06 to 1/2/07 and hotel in San Juan from 12/26 to 12/29/06. I understand the flights and hotels are super expensive during this time, I have been monitoring them and the prices just keep getting higher. Can anyone walk me through the whole bidding process and how much I should start the bids, etc? I know these bidding sites can be very tricky and I want to avoid making any financial mistakes, which I cannot afford.

Thanks a bunch :)

travelnewbie

[thereuare]

Are you looking to book a package, bid on hotel and airfare, or just hotel? Since you're travel dates and the part of the stay for which you need a hotel are different, i don't think you'll be able to book a package.

What is your nightly hotel budget? What is the minimum star rating you'll accept? As you're only two weeks away from departure and apparently don't have plane tickets yet, is this a trip you'll definately be taking regardless of price?

[travelnewbie]

Thanks for reponding!

I am looking to bid on airfare and hotel. My nightly hotel budget is $150 and minimum star rating is 3, preferably the Isla Verde area. Unfortunately, I have a pretty low budget for airfare (250/rt), that's why I haven't been able to book my flight as of yet and the main reason I decided to book through a bidding site 'cause I know I'll have a better chance of a lower flight and hotel through there.

Which would be better to bid through - Priceline or Hotwire?

[thereuare]

Where are you flying from? What if you can't get flights under $250?

What if you can't get a hotel under $150/nite?

[travelnewbie]

I'll be flying from New York (2ppl).

If I can't get airfare and the hotel for the prices I quoted, I would like to keep them as cheap as I possibly could 'cause I can't afford the prices that are currently being quoted by the airlines and Expedia, etc.

Any suggestions?

[thereuare]

I can't afford the prices that are currently being quoted

This is precisely my point... if the prices DON'T come down, and you can't afford it, will you still make the trip?

I do think you need to be realistic in your expectations. This is a peak travel period so expecting to get airfare for less than half of the current rate is not likely. Besides the holiday, this is peak hotel season in San Juan.

I'm trying to make sure you have a legitimate gameplan in order... when you need to make separate purchases (such as airline and hotel) it's not recommended making non-refundable reservations for only part of your stay and hope the other half works out... otherwise you can end up with non-refundable hotel room and can't afford to get there to use them.

[travelnewbie]

Yes, I still need to make the trip, regardless of the price but still need the lowest rate I can find. I was thinking about making the bid for the airfare first, and after that was settled, I was going to make a bid for the hotel so I wouldn't be stuck with the room with no flights booked.

What rates do you suggest I start bidding for airfare and hotel?

[thereuare]

I really don't think you're going to do much better than prevailing rates, but which NYC airports are you able to fly from?

What is the maximum you're willing to bid at this time (excluding taxes and/or fees)... keeping in mind that when you make an opaque airfare purchase you give up the ability to choose your flight times, and also agree to the possibility of a needing to make a connecting flight.

[travelnewbie]

The maximum I'm willing to bid is 450 and preferably from JFK, but willing to fly from elsewhere if it means a cheaper fare.

[thereuare]

Priceline doesn't allow bidding on this itinerary so it looks like you're stuck with retail.

If you can adjust your dates somewhat (depart 12/28 return 1/6) you can bring your flight down to $353. Use Travelocity's 'flexible dates' option.

[travelnewbie]

Do you think I'll have any success with Hotwire in getting a decent airfare for my itinerary?

[thereuare]

Do a HOTWIRE search and see what is presented.

[travelnewbie]

I'll look into it - thanks a bunch for your help.