Priceline Hotel: 2.5* Orlando (Airpot MCO) Courtyard

[dschuell]

I was wondering was a acceptable starting bid for 1 night stay 1/4/08

at 2.5* Orlando Airport. Thanks for your assistance.

[tilepusher]

Welcome to BetterBidding, dschuell.

The minimum bid allowed for a 2.5* hotel is $19. I've seen bids accepted at the Amerisuites Orlando Airport West for less than $30/night, so I would probably start at $20-$22. You've got plenty of time and rebid zones, so you can afford to start low and work your way up.

How much are you willing to bid for this room? If you can tell us what your limit is, we can give you a bidding strategy.

[dschuell]

I would be willing to go at least $50. I did place a bid for $29, but was rejected. I did not rebid

at this time.

[thereuare]

Is there a reason you're not using your re-bid zones to continue to bid?

[dschuell]

I really not sure how the system works since this is my frist priceline bid. I don't want to

"accidently" win a bid on a 3* hotel if I add this to my rebid. Any advice?

[thereuare]

Start here: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained

See if you can determine your re-bid zones and confirm them with the board OR ask questions with anything you don't understand.

[dschuell]

Start here: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained

See if you can determine your re-bid zones and confirm them with the board OR ask questions with anything you don't understand.

The 3* option is automatically checked along with the 2.5* option. I'm not sure what to do since I don't want to risk

getting a 3* at this time.

[tilepusher]

When you choose the 2.5* quality level, you are actually bidding for a hotel of 2.5* quality or higher; there is no way of avoiding an upgrade if a 3* hotel chooses to accept your bid. Is there any particular reason why you don't want a room at a 3* hotel?

To find your rebid zones, just go to the bidding screen and check each zone one at a time (remember to uncheck the last zone you selected). In this case, you're looking for zones that only offer hotels of less than 2.5* quality. Let us know when you've found them (there are four of them).

[dschuell]

I would like to stay at the 2.5* because this level has a free breakfast. Most of the 3* hotels do not

list a breakfast included.

I see that Kissimmee only has a 2* or 1*. If I choose this additional area, both 2.5* and 3* are still automatically

checked and there could be a remote possibility that I could get a 3*.

Should I just wait and bid tomorrow for lets say $35?

[tilepusher]

I would like to stay at the 2.5* because this level has a free breakfast. Most of the 3* hotels do not

list a breakfast included.

This is true, but if a 3* hotel is willing to accept a lower rate than any of the 2.5* hotels, you can buy breakfast with the money you save :) . And you'll probably get a nicer room too. As I said, there's always the possibility of being upgraded on any bid; this is explicitly stated in Priceline's Terms and Conditions.

Kissimee is one of the four rebid zones for a 2.5* bid; the others are Sand Lake Corporate Park, West Disney Area, and Winter Park (but always double-check before you bid -- Priceline adds and re-rates hotels all the time). Although you've already bid $29, I'd still start a bit lower, because you never know when a hotel will drop the rate that it's willing to accept. Here's a strategy that you can try:

Start a new bid of $25 for 2.5* Orlando Airport (make sure it's been at least 24 hours since your last bid)

Add a rebid zone and bid $27

Add a rebid zone and bid $29

Add a rebid zone and bid $31

Exit this bid and start a new bid of $33 for 2.5* Orlando Airport + unused rebid zone (the one you didn't add to the previous bid)

Add a rebid zone and bid $35

Add a rebid zone and bid $37

Add a rebid zone and bid $39

If you need a clarification of this strategy, please ask. If you decide to try it, please let us know what the results are.

[thereuare]

Just to re-iterate the above... even on your first bid, when you only select 2.5*, it is as if you have checkmarked all of the other higher rated hotels as well, since as tilepusher points out, the star rating you select is the minimum you are willing to accept.

As well, not all 2.5* properties offer free breakfast. If this is an amenity you would like from a hotel i would consider HOTWIRE and look for the Complimentary Breakfast icon.

[dschuell]

I did exactly as you instructed (through Savings Barn) and my bid was not accepted each time.

What would you suggest I do next?

[thereuare]

24 Hours after your last rejected bid i'd try as follows, using your 4 re-bid zones. (i'd strongly encourage to know how to check your re-bid zones on your own, as they should be checked before every round of bidding)

Select 2.5* MCO...

Bid $38, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $42, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $45, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $48, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $50.

[dschuell]

24 Hours after your last rejected bid i'd try as follows, using your 4 re-bid zones. (i'd strongly encourage to know how to check your re-bid zones on your own, as they should be checked before every round of bidding)

To make sure, how are bid zones checked?

[thereuare]

See Priceline Re-Bidding Explained.

Feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board.

[dschuell]

I was finally able to get a 2.5* room for $43. Thanks to all who

helped me.

[thereuare]

What hotel did you receive?? :)

[dschuell]

I received Courtyard by Marriott and I did my bidding through the Savings Barn Link.

Working like a charm! Thanks

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up and for starting your bids with the PRICELINE links at SavingsBarn.com

Enjoy your stay.