Priceline Hotel: 4* USW only, bidding assistance please

[jacqueusi]

Just placed a bid for USW. It must be USW as it's for my parents who will be helping out with the kids while I'm at a conference at the Fairmont, 950 Mason Street, San Francisco.

Tried an initial bid of $120 which was rejected. I usually use Hotwire, so I'm a bit at a loss with Priceline. Anyhow, I read up rebidding zones. Interesting!!! Still trying to digest it all before I wade into that bit of territory. As it stands, all of the zones I listed as options have 4* hotels. I suppose that means I wait 72 hours assuming the requirements for USW remain intact?

Thanks in advance.

[thereuare]

You actually have three re-bid zones available when bidding 4* in San Francisco.

See this thread: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and fee free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before bidding.

Also, the lock-out period is now 24 hours, no longer 72 hours.

[jacqueusi]

Using the savingsbarn.com link, I attempted a rebid at $140/night for USW and for the same dates (9/16 to 9/19). Bid was not accepted. I attempted to rebid, but my 4* choices are not "mapping" to what's appearing on the main Priceline screen.

Bid Options:

Cathedral Hill

[thereuare]

You need to click the "try my bid again" link (if present)... it appears you're being redirected to the "retail" version of priceline (where hotel names and prices are shown)

If you don't see a link to try your bid again (or aren't immediately offered a screen to 'add a zone or lower your star level') then just close that browser, re-access priceline however you did previously, and start a new bid including the zone you want plus any re-bid zone(s) you would have added if given the opportunity to do so previoulsy)

Hopefully you follow the above... if not just post back and we'll break it down further.

Good Luck.

[jacqueusi]

Hmmm, I tried the whole process again, but was presented with the same Try Again options. No way of identifying non-4* areas. I might have to include USE in my search even though that could mean several more blocks for my parents to have to walk to/from.

[thereuare]

was presented with the same Try Again options

What were these options?

No way of identifying non-4* areas

This is done from the first bidding screen... if you were able to place one bid, you can figure out your re-bid zones.

What happens if you close the browser, re-access priceline, and select "Name Your Own Price" button, are you then able to re-bid?

[jacqueusi]

Just tried a bid of $170 for USW, 9/16 to 9/19. Offer was rejected. Here were my choices.

Cathedral Hill Details

Civic Center Area Details

Fisherman's Wharf Details

San Francisco Airport (SFO) Details

San Mateo Details

South San Francisco Details

Union Square East - Embarcadero Details

Union Square West Details

Select All Zones

These were the same choices I was given to "Try Again Right Now". I can't seem to find a map that will tell me which of the eight I could use as a free rebid zone, i.e. doesn't have a 4* hotel in its zone.

[jacqueusi]

Quick update. I tried 4* & Boutique for $170, rejected, then tried 4*, Boutique, & 3* for $190 and that was also rejected. This was for USW.

[thereuare]

I can't seem to find a map that will tell me which of the eight I could use as a free rebid zone

Have you read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained?

[jacqueusi]

I've gone over the topic several times. I understand the concept (i.e. add zones that don't have the * rating you are looking for). Took some time, but I think I've got that figured out.

What I'm running into is mapping non 4* zones to what is offered. On the first page of my choices, Priceline offers areas such as Oakland & Marin just to list a few extremes. Perfect, I thought, I'll just add those as they don't have 4* hotels. When I do bid, Oakland & Marin don't show up on the list. Just the following:

Cathedral Hill Details

Civic Center Area Details

Fisherman's Wharf Details

San Francisco Airport (SFO) Details

San Mateo Details

South San Francisco Details

Union Square East - Embarcadero Details

Union Square West Details

Select All Zones

What I'm looking for is:

San Francisco Downtown Area

San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Silicon Valley North (map)

Fisherman's Wharf (map)

Oakland (map)

Marin County (map)

Strange as SFO shows up on both lists.

[thereuare]

The first list you've posted is from priceline's "Name Your Own Price" which is where you bid for a hotel. This is the list that you want to use to determine your re-bid zones, following this technique from Priceline Re-Bidding Explained:

The way to check what star levels are available in each zone is to open a Priceline page, check ONLY the zone you are inquiring about, and then proceed to the next page (as if you were going to select a zone)... this will give you the available star ratings in that area. You can then hit BACK on your browser, uncheck the current box, check the next box, and repeat the process. It is important to do this before EACH attempt at adding a zone that you really don't want, as new hotels can be added and the star ratings can change at any time. (NOTE: for most users Priceline has updated their interface making the above process easier... simply check a zone and note the highest star rating available within each zone, UNcheck that zone and checkmark the next zone, repeating the process)

The second list you provided is from Priceline "retail" product, for which there is no bidding involved... it's a 'typical' onine travel agency where they show you the price and the hotel name and you decide to purchase it our not. (this is not the section you can bid from)

To use priceline's "Name Your Own Price" (ie- bidding) service you need to choose zones from the first list of zones that you provided above. I'd strongly encourage you to confirm your re-bid zones with the board before bidding further (or ask questions if your not sure)

[slruud]

Besides trying to figure out your rebid zones, have you checked the rates for 4* hotels in USW, or USE for that matter? Quite high for your dates for hotels that have available rooms...the Clift at $400+ and Mark Hopkins at $1400/nite.

[jacqueusi]

The rates are unbelievably high. There must be some sort of event going on.

Regardless, I took a different approach and rented an apartment for the listed dates. Will try priceline again for another trip.

Thank you everyone.