RaptorFlight Posted June 7, 2007 Report Posted June 7, 2007 First time using Priceline in over 7 years (got great $200 London airfare back then). New to the rebidding startegy which I didn't know about until I searced this forum. Girlfriend and I are planning a trip to NYC on September 28th for three nights (check out 1 Oct) and would like a 4 star hotel.. Prefer the following zones from first to last: MTW, MTE, UMC. Ultimately I am willing to spend what it takes, but like any consumer, I am looking for the best deal. I'm thinking I need to start bids at $140? Could I get some advice and bidding startegy please? I've read up on the rebid zones, so I'm confident I can follow the startegy. Thank in advance for the advice. This forum is a great tool!
thereuare Posted June 7, 2007 Report Posted June 7, 2007 Welcome to BetterBidding!Rates do look high for these dates, but it just may be early. To determine a maximum bid, what is the best rate you're currently able to find thru conventional channels? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
RaptorFlight Posted June 7, 2007 Author Report Posted June 7, 2007 Checking some different search sites, I have found some regular listed room rates from the mid $300 to $400 for four star hotels like Sofitel and Westin Times Square. However, I know there are better rates around. I have seen specials advertised around that are good through Sept.4th like Millenium Broadway for $199 a night, Grand Hyatt for $229 a night or Time Hotel in Manhattan for $199 a night. Unfortunately my trip isn't until the end of Sept so these deals do not apply. Perhaps I'm looking too early to see what deals will be available?
thereuare Posted June 7, 2007 Report Posted June 7, 2007 There is a reason why those deals stop September 4th... because near labor day marks the end of "low season" in NYC :) I wouldn't expect ot find similar deals (thru conventional means) for dates at the end of the September.Given the length of time before your stay, how high would you be willing to bid now? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
RaptorFlight Posted June 7, 2007 Author Report Posted June 7, 2007 I guess given the length of time I still have, I'd like to cap my current bidding at $200 a night and see where that gets me. Is that reasonable even for the post labor day time frame? Thanks.
thereuare Posted June 7, 2007 Report Posted June 7, 2007 At the 4* 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 4* MTE...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 4* MTW...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 4* UM/CPS...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 4* MTE and MTW...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 4* MTE and UM/CPS...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 4* MTE and MTW and UM/CPS...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160.This much time before stay i would start with the above. If rejected we can revise to try again in 24 hours.Any questions feel free to ask.Good Luck and let us know how it goes.If the above is rejected, as a cancellable back up you can book the Affinia Dumont for $243/nite and it's one of the top rate hotels in new york. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
RaptorFlight Posted June 7, 2007 Author Report Posted June 7, 2007 OK, gave that strategy a try with no accepted offers. This process is a piece of cake once you get a hang of it. Guess I need to raise my bids tomorrow when I try to rebid. What would your suggestions be? Thanks again for the help.
thereuare Posted June 7, 2007 Report Posted June 7, 2007 Personally, with nearly 4 months before your stay i don't think i'd bid too much higher...Let's say you raise to your maximum bid and are accepted at $200/nite... would you then be upset if 2 months before your stay you would have been able to get accepted at $160? (everyone reacts differently to this scenario... some would get very upset over it while others just want to get the reservation done at a good price (and not necessarily the best price they could have possibly received if they took the chance and waited)This is why i recommended a back-up at the Affinia Dumont... yes, it's a bit more than your budget above, but it's cancellable so it at least makes sure you have a roof over your head for this trip while you can continue to try the opaque providers in the days/weeks to come.Your thoughts? (ie- would you rather increase your bid now just to 'get it done'?) Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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