Priceline Hotel: How soon should I bid for a 1/31/08 hotel in Miami?

[clerky96]

What is a good guideline to use for bidding time? Should I bid now, or wait until closer to the travel date. I have been a successful bidder on Priceline before, but I think I may have paid too much for what I got. Now that I have found this website, I want to be a "smarter" bidder. Thanks.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

For "when to bid" see the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

As far as your stay... which zone(s) are you considering, what is your minimum star rating, what is your maximum bid amount?

[clerky96]

Thanks for your reply. Although we are not looking in a specific zone, we are hoping for a hotel that has an airport shuttle, and also a shuttle to the Port of Miami, as we are cruising the next day. In 2005 we stayed at a hotel that offered these amenities. I think it was the Best Western in South Miami (sister made the reservations). It worked out great for us. However, on the Best Western site, it shows this hotel but says it is not available for that night. It must be closed or something, because I plugged in many other dates, and they all come up unavailable. This time hubby is going and there are 3 of us. I know that Priceline is always "iffy" for more than 2 occupants. It appears that a lot of people who bid on Priceline just take a chance on getting 2 double beds. So, I am just watching and waiting. Hopefully I will be able to come up with something in the $100 or less range. It doesn't have to be fancy, just clean and in a safe area. Thanks for your help.

[thereuare]

we are hoping for a hotel that has an airport shuttle, and also a shuttle to the Port of Miami

There's less than a handful of hotels that offer both shuttles, and the few that do, get pretty bad reviews.

So, I am just watching and waiting

What are you watching for... priceline's policy regarding double occupancy to change?

Have you checked HOTWIRE which would allow you to search for triple occupancy?

[clerky96]

Guess I am waiting for that illusive "wonderful rate" from someplace like Hotwire! Actually, what I am really waiting on is a great airline rate. I haven't found any good rates from St Louis, MO to Miami, FL at the end of Jan, so I don't want to book the hotel until I'm sure whether we will be flying into MIA or FLL. If I can find a good rate for somewhere besides the airports, it won't really matter.

BTW, I have booked flights and hotels online several times. In fact me, 2 of my sisters, and my 88 year old mother went to San Francisco in June on a trip that I booked through Hotwire. It was a great trip. And no, I don't expect Priceline, or anyone, to change their policies to suit me. I just thought perhaps this forum could give me some hints on getting better deals. Perhaps I misunderstood the purpose of this website. Sorry for wasting your time.

[clerky96]

I reserved the Best Western, South MIAMI (not beach) for $99 + tax for 1/31/08. We stayed there in '05 and were very satisfied. They have a courtesy shuttle from airport to hotel, and from hotel to Port of Miami. If some absolutely great deal becomes available later on, I can always cancel the reservation. At least for now I know we have somewhere to stay.

BTW, found a good flight rate today and booked that too. Now we are all set to cruise!!!

[thereuare]

There's less than a handful of hotels that offer both shuttles, and the few that do, get pretty bad reviews.

I reserved the Best Western, South MIAMI (not beach)

PROVING MY POINT

[clerky96]

Have you read bad reviews on this hotel? The only one that I found rated it 3* out of 5*. Is it considered an unsafe neighborhood? I am certain that this is the same hotel where we (4 age 50's women) stayed in '05 and we walked around that Saturday evening and had no problems at all. At the time, the hotel was clean and everyone was very nice. Has it gone downhill? Any info appreciated. It's not like I don't have time to cancel and book something else.

OOPS, never mind. I just realized that your reply was a link to reviews. Looks like it is a good thing I have plenty of time to find something else!!!!! :)

[clerky96]

Just thought that I would let everyone know that due to the poor reviews, I canceled our reservations at the Best Western South Miami. I have since reserved a room at the LaQuinta Miami Airport East, directly through the LaQuinta website. Since I don't have to pay in advance for that room, I am still watching for deals on Hotwire and may yet bid on Priceline. But I have a back-up for a room in a hotel that has fairly good reviews. We had considered just flying in the day of the cruise, but with the weather so unpredictable in the midwest, we chickened out on that idea. So, I'll keep watching, and if I find a great deal, I will post it!

[thereuare]

I have since reserved a room at the LaQuinta Miami Airport East, directly through the LaQuinta website

Hopefully remembering to use the link in our support page as we are an affiliate of the La Quinta chain of hotels :)

[clerky96]

So sorry! Didn't know that. :) I thought it was only Hotwire & Priceline. :) I promise I'll do better.