Priceline Hotel: 4* Miami (Downtown) InterContinental

[evolutiondob]

I'm new to bidding on Priceline and needed some help with strategy. I need a hotel for November 16-18 (pre-cruise) and I would like to stay in Coconut Grove at the Sonesta. I know there is no guarantee I would get that hotel so I am open to any other hotels in that area. I've used several of the strategies suggested on this board and have not had a bid accepted. I tried using 3* areas in rebids and also increased my price up to $125. I really would prefer to stay at $150 or under but I'm not sure if I'm being unreasonable with the price or if my strategy is off. Is it realistic to get a 4* in that area for $150 a night? If so, how can I improve my chances?

Thank you.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I do think that you'll be successful if you go up to $150/nite... not sure if it will be at the Sonesta or not :) and there is no way to target this particular property.

I'm assuming there is a reason you want to stay in this area as it is not a commonly bid for a pre-cruise stay.

Let us know how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[evolutiondob]

I wanted to stay in Coconut Grove since we will be in Miami for almost two days before we leave for the cruise. I've heard it from the locals that this is a nice area with plenty to do. I also understand that the hotels closer to the port is near Bayside, so that would be my second choice if I cannot get a decent rate.

[thereuare]

I also understand that the hotels closer to the port is near Bayside, so that would be my second choice if I cannot get a decent rate

I do think that you'll be successful if you go up to $150/nite

[evolutiondob]

I bid on Priceline and won:

Date: November 16-18, 2007

Number of nights: 2 (post cruise)

Hotel: InterContinental

Rating: 4 star

Area: Downtown Miami

Winning Bid: $100 per night

Taxes & Service Fees: $36.26

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your win... glad to see that you were successful.

Was $100 your first bid at the 4* level in the Downtown zone? (if not, do you recall the amount of your highest previously rejected bid?)

Thanks for the post, enjoy your stay and cruise.

[evolutiondob]

I started at $85 but was only bidding for a 4* Coconut Grove hotel but included 3* areas since I was rebidding. Then, I added the downtown area and bid $95, was rejected. Re-bid $97 with the inclusion of another 3* area and was rejected. Finally bid $100 and was accepted.