Priceline Hotel: Advice for: 2 or 2.5 star in South Beach

[SUPERJ]

How high do you think I should bid? Keep in mind i'm going Feb. 13-18. High season (gasp)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I would offer a word of caution using priceline for the low star quality hotels in South Beach... there may be some budget hotels which are acceptable, but there may be some which are not :). There are just too may "independent" properties in this area for my comfort level.

If you do want to bid i would first do your homework and find the best deal you're able to get thru a non-opaque purchase, then discount that price (to account for the 'unknown' of priceline), set that as your maximum bid, and we can suggest a strategy for you to follow from there.

However, based upon my comments above, i would sooner consider HOTWIRE (if i felt reasonably sure i have ID'd the property and was happy with the hotel) or i would also look at EasyClickTravel which often has some decent deals in the mid-quality range.

Let us know what you're able to find and what you decide to do... if you do still choose to bid let us know your maximum bid amount and we'll take it from there.

[SUPERJ]

I remember in August when I used priceline for my trip to LA it sent me a warning that I had to wait 3 days to bid again. I'm not getting the same warning this time. Is it because they have different rules for bidding on cars versus hotels.

I am looking to spend 100 dollars a night.

[thereuare]

For hotels you need to wait 24 hours before placing the same, indentical, bid.

It sounds as if you have already tried bidding for this stay. If so, how high have you already bid? (and for what star level)

[SUPERJ]

I went as high as 95 dollars. Have any of you tried skyauction.com? Thoughts?

[thereuare]

With skyauction you need to be careful with the total amount that will be due as there are often a lot more fees added on and your total cost can be substantially more than you think if you don't read the fine print. Other than this caution, they're a legitimate company (afaik)... although i don't think you're likely to get the deals thru them as you would typically find with priceline/HOTWIRE.

[SUPERJ]

I sincerely appreciate the advice.

[SUPERJ]

This is interesting.

The hotel site lists this information: So if you win I wonder if it's based on single or double occupancy? Imagine winning and finding out you have to pay $49.00 extra for the 2nd person you are travelling with. Interesting.

** Rate not available on this date for this room. Call 1-800-783-xxxx for additional rates and availability.

Reservation Terms / More Information

Rates does not include 13% State & County tax.

Rates are based on single/double occupancy. Extra person charges of $49.00 apply per additional person. A mandatory Resort fee of $9.00 will be applied automatically to the room folio per room, per night. Resort Fee gives you free wireless internet in lobby, beach towels, beach chairs, newspapers and continental breakfast. Resort fee of $9.00 is based on Single or double occupancy. Third and/or 4th person will be charged $4.50 additional, nightly, per extra person. Reservations are subject to 72 hour cancellation policy. Check in time is 4:00 pm and check out time is 11:00 a.m. A $75.00 late check out fee is added if guest fails to check out at 11 a.m on the day of departure unless pre-arranged with front desk. Late check out fee is in full effect when hotel is fully booked. Friendly Pets allowed for a $55 fee. Valet is available for $28.00 per night.

[SUPERJ]

I'm glad I didn't commit. Guess what. The rooms only have one bed. Therefore if there are 3 in your party they are stuck on a cot. Back to priceline. I promise to post my results if I win and use the link you provided.

[SUPERJ]

Do you think it's possibly i'm using priceline too early. Is there such a thing as bidding too early? Thoughts?

[thereuare]

The rooms only have one bed... Back to priceline.

Priceline only guarantees double occupancy and you can easily get a room with only one bed... is this the best route for this stay? Is this a risk you're willing to accept?

If not, HOTWIRE will allow you to search for up to quad occupancy which would ensure that you have accomodations for each person icluded in your search (although in a few cirumstances this could include a cot or pull-out couch as well)

[SUPERJ]

I found this. May I please have your advice. Thanks!

http://susysbeachgetaway.com/testimonials.aspx

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews...ch_Florida.html

Even found a good review on tripadvisor.

What are your thoughts?

I still have lots of time but I hate leaving things to the last minute.

Your advice is appreciated if you have experience with timeshare etc.

[thereuare]

The first link is for the rental website, so i would take any reviews there with a grain of salt... as any complaints would never get published :)

The second link goes to a general TA page so i'm not sure what i'm supposed to be looking at there.

As far as timeshares i don't do them.

[dahammer]

like a hotel, a vacation rental is as good as its property manager. Renting from an individual owner carries a risk factor that only you can balance against the savings you might enjoy.

[Colfax]

I'm glad I didn't commit. Guess what. The rooms only have one bed. Therefore if there are 3 in your party they are stuck on a cot. Back to priceline.

Are there three in your party?

I went as high as 95 dollars.

$95 for 2.5* or 2*?

[SUPERJ]

http://susysbeachgetaway.com/default.aspx

Hello friends. I ended up staying here. (see above link please) The people were amazing and the place was in the center of all the action. I truly loved it. Please let them know if you book that Jeanette told you about it. Cheers.