Priceline Hotel: Bidding strategy needed for San Juan

[jkloni]

Looking for 2 night post cruise in San Juan for Mon 10/25 and Tues 10/26. Not really familiar with the area (been to San Juan a few times - toured Old San Juan). I think we'd like to be closer to the beach. Need 3 rooms for 3 couples.

I would prefer to not spend over $100 per night total. Think it's possible? What's the best hotel you've seen for the best price? (I guess I'm asking hotel won that was best value for the $$). What do you think I could get?

Bidding suggestions? Bid now? Wait?

Thanks.

[thereuare]

I was in SJ about 6 months ago. You can see my HOTEL REVIEW of the Caribe Hilton.

I think the Hilton is the best value thru Hotiwre/Priceline (in the past $65 during off-season). They have their own beach but it's not really the type of beach you're probably looking for. Very small and man-made. The other common hotel that comes up frequently is the Wyndham Condado Plaza and is probably a good deal for the price. This too, however, doesn't have a 'real' beach.

If you want beach you want to stay in the Isla Verde area, which is very close to the airport. Although i've never stayed in one, i've been wanting to stay at an Embassy Suites for a long time, and there is one in this zone (i like the idea of the free breakfast and evening manager's reception). I have heard good things about this particular ES. The high-end (and high $$$) El San Juan Juan is also in this area. The problem with trying for the ES on Priceline is that it's the same zone/rating at the Park Normandie which from what i hear is an inferior property.

I don't think the Hilton is currently available (and they're known to not release inventory too far in advance) but i do think you have a decent shot at the Wyndham Condado Plaza at this early point. If you're interested in that property i'll take a closer look and suggest a recommended bid.

[jkloni]

Hi again Thereuare!

It's great to hear from you again. It sounds like I'd probably would want to stay in Isla Verde. If the Park Normandie is an inferior hotel, maybe Priceline won't work for me this time. :) Maybe Hotwire would work better? What type of pricing do hotels in the Isla Verde area go for?

I have some time because October is 8 months away, so maybe I could wait to try for the Caribe Hilton. I read mixed reviews of the Wyndam Condado Plaza on Trip Advisor. I won't try for that property now.

I have enough Priority club points to pay for both 2 night stays at the Holiday Inn Express in Condado for my parents and my husband and me. I'm considering that option but again, being unfamiliar with the area, I'm not sure I should do that. Do you have any info about the Holiday Inn Express Hotel? It also got a few bad reviews because of construction last fall, but that could be over by the time we get there.

Staying free is even better than Priceline. I don't even mind not being by the beach. But bringing my parents for their first time, I 'm just trying to being careful. Priceline has worked so wonderfully for us in the past.

What do you think?

[thereuare]

The Caribe Hilton is not in Isla Verde, it's in the Condado area.

You should be able to avoid the Normandie Park Plaza on Priceline by only bidding resort, as last report is that it's rated 3* on Priceline (as is the Embassy Suites). However, if you choose to bid resort than both the Caribe and the Wyndham Condado are possibilities.

I'd guess that Hotwire pricing in this area for you timeframe will bottom out near $100 or so.

I think the Hilton is a great property and we enjoyed our stay there. I stayed at the Wyndham Condado about 10 years ago and had a fabulous time and thought the place was great... but granted things change in 10+ years! The advantage of this Wyndham and the Hilton is that they're both true 'resort' properties and fun to just be around the property; as well they're a short ride to Old San Juan if that's what you're interested in.

I've never stayed in the Isla Verde section although i've visited it. I THINK this area is more of a "hotel zone" and has a lot of hotels in a small area. When i was looking into the area i was targeting the Hilton but was willing to accept the Wyndham... but also gave serious thought to the Embassy Suites if i wasn't able to get the Hilton.

[jkloni]

OK. So whenever you think it's time, I'll try for resort and the possibility of the Caribe Hilton. If I get the Wyndam Condado Plaza, I'll live with it. And it's ok that we are in the Condado area. I think it's a really nice area from what I've read.

What bidding strategy would you recommend and when do you think I should start bidding?

Thanks for all the help!

[thereuare]

Keep an eye on Hotwire for the Caribe Hilton to show up (identifiable thru the HOTWIRE HOTEL LIST.

There are no re-bid zones for this area so it's one shot every 72 hours (although i'm not suggesting that frequently now as you'll drive yourself crazy). Occaisionally the Caribe can be had for $65 and i've never seen the Wyndham offered at this price, so i'd bid $65 once every 2-3 weeks or so at this point... although i don't think the Hilton is available right now. Since you'd only be 'settling' with the Wyndham Condado i would not bid more than $65 in hopes of avoiding that property at this early stage of the game.

My guess is that you don't have a serious chance at this until the beginning of the summer or so.

Feel free to follow-up if you have additional questions, see the Hilton come up on Hotwire, notice different prices, get a counter-offer, or anything else you think might be pertinent.

[jkloni]

Thanks! I'll keep you and the board posted on my progress. $65 would suit me just fine, so I don't mind having to try as many times as needed.

I'll email for help if needed.

Thanks again. You are always are great help. :)