sureshot08 Posted November 14, 2007 Report Posted November 14, 2007 Hello,I am new to the forum and priceline, but have read some of the general strategy info. I would like to get a 3* or better room in either Copley or Downtown (Copley somewhat preferred) for 12/4 to 12/8. I have a refundable backup - Best Western Terrace Inn (not in either of these zones, hence it being a backup) at $100 incl tax/night. Therefore, I would bid for no more than this amount, appx $86 +tax on priceline. As I understand it, my rebid zones are Brighton-Brookline, Medford-Somerville, and South Boston. It seems that in this price range, people have had the best luck with the Copley Hilton (3*) and Downtown Hyatt (4*). I was wondering if my assumptions are correct, and if someone could help me with a bidding strategy? Is this too many consecutive nights to be successful without a split bid? Thank you!
thereuare Posted November 14, 2007 Report Posted November 14, 2007 Welcome to BetterBidding!Yes, you have your re-bid zones correct.I would bid as follows:Select 3* Copley...Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $65, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 3* Downtown...Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $65, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.Select 3* Copley and Downtown...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $80, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $85.Any questions feel free to ask.Good Luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
sureshot08 Posted November 14, 2007 Author Report Posted November 14, 2007 Thanks for the advice. I tried that strategy through savingsbarn.com, but without luck. Since I have a backup place reserved, is it best to keep trying the same strategy at 24 hr intervals, hoping the inventory changes, or do you have a different suggestion. Thanks again.
thereuare Posted November 14, 2007 Report Posted November 14, 2007 Your choices are:-wait it out and try again-split the bid-consider adding other zone(s)Your thoughts? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
sureshot08 Posted November 15, 2007 Author Report Posted November 15, 2007 Splitting the bid doesn't sound like something I'm willing to try, and I would like one of those zones, so for now I'll just keep using the same strategy intermittently (no luck tonight). Does time of day seem to make any difference in terms of success (ex - more inventory released in the am, so better to bid then)? Thanks.
thereuare Posted November 15, 2007 Report Posted November 15, 2007 Time of day makes no difference (at least there is no pattern).Hotels change their rates and inventory throughout the day, entering these changes into a database which priceline accessess for each bid request, so changes are reflected in 'real time' and there is not an update at a specific time of day.I'd also suggesting looking at HOTWIRE (if you haven't)... there is a 3* hotel offered in the Boston Common-Theater District for under $100 (with taxes and fees would be a little over your current budget) as well as some 4* hotels in other zones which are just over your budget as well... maybe if you can ID the hotel beforehand one of these would work out well for you? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
sureshot08 Posted November 17, 2007 Author Report Posted November 17, 2007 After striking out three times, I tried the above strategy again this morning. I won the Copley Square Hotel for $70.Total with taxes for 4 nights (12/4 to 12/8): $326.59Total for rack rate on hotel website: $1003.05I've heard some mixed reviews for this hotel, but I'm not picky and am very happy with this price!
thereuare Posted November 17, 2007 Report Posted November 17, 2007 What a difference two days can make :)Congratulations on your win.Glad to hear you tried above and were successful this time around.Thank you for sharing your win with the board and enjoy your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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