Priceline Hotel: Resort Puerto Rico (San Juan) Caribe Hilton

[mtohio]

Hi,

Got the Caribe Hilton for $90 night, Jan 25 to Jan 27;

since we arrived very early on Sunday morning [3am] the 25th, we didn't expect to be allowed to check in until 12noon or 1PM, but the front desk staff was very nice --- and after a few hours at the Condado Plaza hotel casino, came back and were allowed to check in at 8AM.

Also, hotel accepted my Hilton Gold, and gave us free continental breakfast and appetizers with wine at the end of the day. All in all a very successful trip, especially considering that they allowed us to check in very very early.

When my flight was cancelled due to weather, I was forced to stay an extra night --- but the hotel would NOT give me any rate lower than $175 [started negotiation at $225] --- went next store to the Wyndham Condado Plaza, where they gave me an oceanfront room for $225-100 Casino Room Comp for a net rate of $125 for my extra night [and a $50 food comp in addition]

I am going back to San Juan at the end of Feb. [28th Feb to 1 March]; and will keep you posted on my bids.

Regards,

Michael

[thereuare]

:) Welcome to BetterBidding!

Thanks for posting your results and the mini-review. We look forward to hearing about your future results!

By the way, was this your first bid or did you have prior bids rejected?

Hope you were as successful at the casino as you were with your early check-in :)

[mtohio]

My first and only Bid was $90 for the Caribe Hilton. Sort of made me feel that I "might" have been able to get it for a bit less.

I based my bid on the assumption of the "same" property on hotwire with an approx. price for $111 --- I assumed it was the hilton listed on Hotwire, as I "think" they are the only 4 star/resort hotel which is on the beach but DOES NOT have a casino. I think the lack of casino, often makes this a stand out when reviewing the hotels in this category.

Did very well at the casino, actually best ever --- actually hit $575 at the mini baccarat tables on my extra night --- all in all, was up over $150 when I left after 3 days of gaming --- and that doesn't even take into account the comps. Now --- looking forward to going back, but am afraid that I might NOT have this type of luck again.

Tried to bid priceline already for for resort hotel for end of Feb. and have been rejected $55, $60 and $75 --- I have a few weeks... so, I wil give a number of additional tries. I am already holding a reservation at the Wyndham Condado Plaza. Any suggestions ?

[thereuare]

Do they still serve free grilled cheese sandwiches at the casino tables as the Condado Plaza (but no alcohol?). Best grilled cheese sandwich i've ever had... guess if you make a few hundred a day you get pretty good at it.

Cheapest i've ever seen a resort in Puerto Rico is $65 and that usually gets you the Caribe Hilton... although lately we've seen higher prices for this property (but with no re-bids tough to tell the absolute bottom price). Lowest bid for Condado is $75. If you want to target the Caribe i'd bid $65, if you'd be happy with either i'd bid $75... then work your way up from there. I believe anything below $65 is wasting your time (just my opinion, you can do with it as you wish). However, this has been peak season for Puerto Rico and we've seen higher rates needed than the above numbers.

Post a new thread with your actual dates and i'll supply a recommended bidding strategy to follow.