Priceline Hotel: Help needed for San Diego 8-2 through 8-5

[jaylee]

Hi, all. I've only used this forum once for San Francisco and was very successful and happy with my win.

My parents planned a San Diego trip, booking in early June for 8/2 to 8/5 for their anniversary. They checked their reservations today and it turns out they won't be guaranteed a king bed.. they may get two doubles as it said they were booked for their preference. Mom hadn't realized their original request somehow hadn't gone through. So now, they want to cancel the reservations they have and try to find someplace else since they are frustrated and unhappy with their first reservation (they did contact the hotel and were not promised their choice). I know this is really short notice, but I was wondering if anyone has suggestions and help for me. I'd love to get them a 4* or better. Anyone have advice or hints? Thanks for any help you can give!

BTW I was surprised San Diego didn't have its own forum :)

[Colfax]

It's funny that the hotel will promise them two beds but not one. Usually the issue is the other direction---the hotel won't guarantee two beds.

Bedding preferences aren't guaranteed with a Priceline reservation either. I think it's likely that any 4* they'd win in Downtown San Diego could give them one bed (although it could be a queen bed, not a king), but there's no guarantee.

If you still want to go forward with this what is your bidding limit for a 4*?

[jaylee]

Well of course the least amount possible lol. I think I'd prefer to stay under $150 a night if I could.

I double checked with my mom to make sure I got all the facts straight, and she did call the hotel and they would NOT guarantee a king (or queen). In fact, they basically said that she'd be lucky to get it. Not exactly the best customer service, hm? She originally made her reservation June 12 btw.

[Colfax]

With a $150 limit you ought to be able to win something.

Priceline has 4* bidding in the Downtown, Coastal, and Coronado zones. Do your parents have a zone preference? Or they'd like the least expensive 4* available in any of those zones?

[jaylee]

Coastal would be good. I need to check what the San Diego properties star values are, I guess.

[thereuare]

Let us know once you have confirmed the zone(s), properties, and/or star ratings.

[jaylee]

I called the hotel and talked to a manager-- after quite a bit of jumping through hoops to get to him-- and he corrected the problem and got a guaranteed king bed-- so it all worked out. phew!

Thanks for all the advice. I think the fact I knew I had other options made my stance stronger and I think that probably came through in my attitude. I was pleasant but firm, and they even upgraded my parents to a higher floor and a really nice view.