Priceline Hotel: Huntsville, AL bidding help for 3/20/2008

[Neelee]

We're planning on attending Space Camp in March. I'm a little confused by the Priceline maps to determine the best area to stay in closest to the Space Camp on 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805. We won't be renting a car.

Looks like the Marriott is on 5 Tranquility Base and has complimentary airport shuttle (The Camp offers a $25 r/t shuttle service to/from HSV).

Does anyone have any hints or suggestions on how or when to start bidding?

Thank you.

[thereuare]

I'd look at a Google Map of the area and then compare that to the priceline zones to see which is closest.

From there... what is your miniumum star rating? What is your maximum bid? How many people will you be and how many rooms will you need? Since you're intending to rent a car, how do you intend to get from the hotel to the camp? (taxi?) Is this just a one nite stay?

[Neelee]

I'm sorry I didn't provide more details - posted while I was "multi-tasking"

I need the Marriott Huntsville on Tranquility Base Road because its right next door to the Space Camp. Anything else and I'll have to rent a car. Already paying premium airfare because its during spring break :)

Check in: 3/20/08 (5pm)

Check out: 3/21/08 (10am)

Minimum star rating - 3*

Marriott web site price (dbl bed) $161.00/nite

Stay: 1 night

Rooms: 1 room with 2 beds

Rental car: No (transportation provided to/from HSV by Space Camp). Hotel is walking distance to the camp.

Priceline Zone: Huntsville West.

I research previous winning posts and it looks like most got the same Marriott when they selected Huntsville West. Strategies and prices varied.

AARP Rate: 155/nite

Hotels.com: 169

Expedia: 169

Sidestep: 161

Maximum willing to pay for one night: $100 (incl. fees/taxes)

Thanks again for the bid assist

[thereuare]

You can't bid on a specific property, and the last winning bid for the Huntsville Marriott was over a year ago.

Are you willing to accept the risk of receiving a different hotel?

[Neelee]

Ew, tough question. Just asked my husband and son, they said "no" since they won't have a car to get to the Space Center.

Oh well, it was worth asking about.

Thank you for the advice.

[patrick1853]

Huntsville does have a shuttle/bus that has regular routes including that include University Drive and the Space and Rocket Center. I've never used it personally but it appears to be safe and I wouldn't have second thoughts about using it.

It appears its $1.00 each way or $2.00 all day for the tourist loop.

http://www.hsvcity.com/PublicTran/public_trans.php#blank