Priceline Hotel: 3* Portland (Downtown) Holiday Inn Downtown

[mitty]

I have used Priceline before, but I am new to this board. I noticed one one of the threads the suggestion that a newbie post what he's looking for, so that others will suggest strategies.

That's what I'd like to try. I am looking for a 3* hotel in the Portland, Oregon, area for a maximum of $45 for the night of Saturday, September 8 or Sunday, September 9. I would prefer the downtown area, but am willing to accept the northwest Portland, North Harbor - Jantzen Beach, or Portland Airport areas. I am also willing to accept 2*, but only at a maximum price of $35.

Any suggestions?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is more important... price or zone? I haven't look at your specific date yet, but for example, would you prefer a 3* hotel in the Downtown zone for $45 or would you prefer a 3* hotel in one of your alternate zones for less?

[mitty]

Thanks for your response.

I'd say that price is more important.

[tilepusher]

I would strongly recommend against bidding below 2.5* on Priceline unless you've thoroughly researched the area (or have no other choice). The chances of landing a poor-quality hotel at the 1 and 2* levels is simply too great in my opinion.

You might want to avoid the airport zone as well; the Red Lion, which seems to come up most frequently, gets rather poor reviews on travel websites.

Here's a fairly simple strategy that should get the job done:

Bid 3* DT $33

Add NW Portland bid $35

Add Beaverton-Hillsboro bid $37

If these bids fail, exit and start a new bid for 3* DT + Jantzen Beach at $40

Add NW Portland bid $42

Add Beaverton-Hillsboro bid $45

If you're looking for the lowest price on either Saturday or Sunday, you could have a Saturday bid in one window and a Sunday bid in another and alternate bidding between the two. Or, if you prefer to keep things simple, use the above strategy for Saturday, then try for Sunday if that fails.

[mitty]

Thanks for the info!

[mitty]

first session - 3*

$33 downtown

$35 add northwest portland

$37 add airport (pdx)

$39 add tigard

ended session

new session - 1 hr later - 2-1/2*

$40 downtown and and jantzen beach

$42 add northwest portland

$45 add pdx

Holiday Inn downtown portland accepted bid $45

room rate on hotel website $122.95, hotwire 3* downtown lowest $61

[thereuare]

Congratulatons on your win!

Glad to hear it worked out well and you received a hotel within your budget.

Thanks for sharing your win with the board.

Enjoy your stay.