Priceline Hotel: 3* Orlando (Universal-SeaWorld) Sheraton Studio City

[BeachBean]

This is my first post to your board so please forgive me if I don't post all the information you need. Thanks in advance for your help - what a great site!

8/17/07 - 8/20/07

SeaWorld - Convention Center

"This midscale establishment offers more than just the basics in style, comfort and customer service."

2 adults

$54

Retail = $88

Customer Favorite

Fitness Center

Pool

Restaurant

Business Center

Laundry

High-Speed Internet Access

[BeachBean]

Any ideas? My googling of "Universal Orlando 3 star $74.25" led me to the Clarion which had mixed reviews. No idea if I'm right, though!

8/17/07 - 8/20/07

2 adults

"This midscale establishment offers more than just the basics in style, comfort and customer service."

$45

retail = $74.25

Fitness Center

Pool

Restaurant

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

[thereuare]

Neither of the above have been identified.

However, the SeaWorld-Convention Center property matches the amenities associated with the Crowne Plaza Universal, although this property had previously been reported in the Universal zone. Looking at the map the propery lies right on the border of the two zones, so it is possible that the boundaries have changed recently and that is the property you're seeing in the SeaWorld zone, but no evidence to support this just yet.

Maybe board memeber runNgun, or somebody else who is familiar with this area and property, could comment further?

If you do go for either of the above please use our HOTWIRE link to begin your purchase. I would also take a look at EasyClickTravel to see if there is anything there within your budget.

[runNgun]

according to the map, the Crowne Plaza should still be in the Universal zone but the 3* in the Sea World zone does appear to match the Crowne Plaza.

are you using HOTWIRE to pick a certain hotel or are you using HW to avoid a certain hotel you could win if you used Priceline?

[BeachBean]

Thanks, thereuare & runNgun

I don't have a particular hotel in mind. I'm new to the Priceline "name your price" idea but would give it a shot. I am not familiar with Orlando and I'm looking for a room for my husband and me. We are planning on spending a day in Cocoa Beach (driving to and from in a day) and a day at TBD park. He has a conference at Gaylord Palms the following week so we just need a room to tide us over on the weekend.

We aren't hotel snobs by any means but I require clean sheets and a safe area and would prefer to spend under $60/night. Any recommendations would be fantastic. Thanks to all!

[runNgun]

I was asking because if you bid for a 3* in the Universal zone I am fairly certain you can get it for $45 or less for your dates. I'd start at $40 and inch my way up.

The mostly likely hotels are the Wyndham and Crowne Plaza. The Clarion is only 2.5* on PL so you won't get that. If you'd like a strategy or are unsure about bidding or "rebidding" just ask.

[BeachBean]

Ah, ok! I think I'll give that a try. Do you guys have a link for Priceline so you get credit?

[blindman]

Thanks for asking.

This thread explains what we'd like you to do re PL Bids.

Good luck.

[BeachBean]

8/17/07 - 8/20/07

BID THROUGH WWW.SAVINGSBARN.COM

3* (hoping for Crowne Plaza)

1st bid = $40 (REJECTED)

2.5* (hoping for AmeriSuites)

1st bid = $36 (REJECTED)

QUESTION: Let's say I bid $36 again next week for the 2.5*....is there a chance I might get it even though that rate was rejected the first time?

[thereuare]

Thank you for trying your bids thru the PRICELINE links at SavingsBarn.com

Yes, as inventory changes all the time, there is a chance that a bid rejected today can be accepted next week.

However, it doesn't appear that you're using your re-bid zones.... are you familiar with and read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained?

[BeachBean]

However, it doesn't appear that you're using your re-bid zones.... are you familiar with and read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained?

I did see that, but since I have several months, I figure I'll just wait the 24 hours before rebidding. Thanks!

[runNgun]

just a thought......in the six days it will take you to go from $40 to $45 for the 3* (instead of using FREE rebids) a hotel could sell out of priceline inventory and then you get "stuck" with something else.

also, I personally would stay away from bidding 2.5* in that zone as there are some hotels I wouldn't want to win (Clarion, Barcelo or whatever they are calling it this month) and I didn't see the Amerisuites showing available on hotwire.

[BeachBean]

Thanks, runNgun, I've emailed you. :)

[BeachBean]

SUCCESS!

Using the free re-bid technique and using www.SavingsBarn.com, I added the Sand Lake area that does not have 3* hotels.

My next bid of $41 was accepted for 3* Sheraton Studio City.

Thanks - what a fantastic site!!!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on yoru win!

Glad to hear of your success and that you're happy with the results.

Thank you for sharing with the board and for starting your bids at SavingsBarn.com

Have a great time in Orlando... make sure you spend your savings on something nice :)