Priceline Hotel: Need help Tampa 3* or 2.5*

[TZMOM]

Good morning. You helped me w/my Hotwire bid for our upcoming Tallahassee/Tampa trip this coming fall. I think I need Priceline bidding help this time.

11/6/07 to 11/11/07 - Tampa, FL

Would like to 'try' for 2.5* Amerisuites near Busch Gardens (SkatePark of Tampa near there.)

I'm still unclear on the re-bidding process as it appears that other 'close' areas (Downtown, Tampa North) also have 2.5* places, so no free rebids - is that correct? I think the Fairgrounds and Westshore areas are a bit too far away for us to drive over to SPoT each day.

My top bid would be about $65-$70/night for right now. I realize there is loads of time, but the more things in place & paid, the better off I'll be. Just looking for some bidding help if possible.

Thanks again.

Jane

[thereuare]

Your title mentions 3* or 2.5* but your post above indicates you want a 2.5* property.. which is it that you're seeking for this stay?

You also can't target the Amerisuites, and it hasn't been seen in quite some time, so there may very well be other 2.5* properties in this area... so you need to be prepared for receiving a 2.5* property other than the Amerisuites (just in case you're choosing that star level in hopes of that sole hotel)

Let us know and we'll advise accordingly.

[TZMOM]

I don't believe there are many 3* in that area. I would like to give the 3* a go first and if no luck within a few weeks, than drop to 2.5*

Thank you again for your time.

Jane

[thereuare]

At the 3* level you have two re-bid zones available. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 3* Busch Gardens...

Bid $35, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $38, if rejected close browser and re-access pricelien however you did previously.

Select 3* Busch Gardens and re-bid zone2...

Bid $41, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $45.

I'd start with the above.

Any questions feel free to ask. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[TZMOM]

Didn't work today - maybe in a few. Here's what I did:

3* Busch Gardens

Bid $35, was rejected

Bid $38 and added Tampa North rejected

Closed browser

3* selected Busch Gardens and Tampa Downtown

Bid $41, rejected

Bid $45 and added Tampa North

Thanks for the advice, will check back at the end of the week. Think I should keep doing the same thing?

Here's to SPRING!!! :)

[thereuare]

I would change the bidding slight, but first...

Are you looking to stay in the Downtown zone, as that is not your second re-bid zone.

Let us know if that zone is also acceptable OR if you need help determining your re-bid zones.

[TZMOM]

I would rather stay in the Busch Gardens (1st choice) Tampa North (2nd choice) areas. Looks like I need help with the rebidding zones.

:) Thanks again!

[thereuare]

As a reply to this thread list each Tampa zone and the highest star rating available in each zone. To determine the highest star rating available in each zone, use this technique from Priceline Re-Bidding Explained:

The way to check what star levels are available in each zone is to open a Priceline page, check ONLY the zone you are inquiring about, and then proceed to the next page (as if you were going to select a zone)... this will give you the available star ratings in that area. You can then hit BACK on your browser, uncheck the current box, check the next box, and repeat the process. It is important to do this before EACH attempt at adding a zone that you really don't want, as new hotels can be added and the star ratings can change at any time. (NOTE: for most users Priceline has updated their interface making the above process easier... simply check a zone and note the highest star rating available within each zone, UNcheck that zone and checkmark the next zone, repeating the process)

[TZMOM]

OK - let me see if I've got this one now.

The only zones today that DON'T have 3* are Brandon and North Tampa. So I'm guessing that I'd use those for the re-bids.

Every other zone (Busch, Airport, Downtown, East) have 3*.

I'll try the above suggestion and let you know.

Thanks again for the polite conk on the head re: the re-bidding. I needed it!!

[thereuare]

You have your re-bid zones correct now (always doublecheck them again before bidding to make sure no hotels have been added to either zone). I would try the following next:

Select 3* Busch Gardens...

Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $50, if rejected close browser and re-access pricelien however you did previously.

Select 3* Busch Gardens and re-bid zone2...

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $60.

Good Luck.

[TZMOM]

Tried that strategy again this a.m. and was rejected each time up to $60.00. Will wait about a week and give it another go. Thanks again for your help!!