teachermom2boys Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 We're bidding newbies and are very nervous about jumping in on a 4* hotel listed on HOTWIRE. That being said, we are teachers who are definitely budget-minded and need to secure 3 nights for 2 adults, 2 kids in San Juan 7/31-8/3. PRICELINE seems too risky as the lack of guarantee of enough beds would be a big stressor! So... Hotwire seems much better. They are currently listing a 4* hotel on the beach for $159. I've tried to do the cross-reference thing and ruled out the Marriott and the Caribe Hilton. Could it be the Intercontinental? And if it is, does anyone want to weigh in whether it's worth it or whether our thinking is solid on this one? Thanks! :) Link to comment
thereuare Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 Welcome to BetterBidding!Please list the complete set of amenities that HOTWIRE associates with the property you're being offered and we'll try to give our thoughts as to its identity (keep in mind that you'll need to click the "CONTINUE" button or the "view hotel details" link to see any amenity icons beyond the first eight)Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
teachermom2boys Posted May 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 Sorry about that...The hotel lists:ResortBrachfrontCasinoPool(s)Restaurants(s)Business centerLaundry facilitiesHigh Speed Internet AccessTennis NearbySpa Services Link to comment
thereuare Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 The above is a match for the Inter-Continental so that would be our best guess.This seems like a decent rate, with the Inter-Continental website showing rates for these dates at $207/nite (2adults/2children) so you're looking at about $50/nite savings.Overll i've been disappointed with the quality and serice levels of San Juan hotels (high prices and lower service levels than what you'd expect for the prices paid), and this hotel is no exception. The hotel service is 'ok' but the room we had could have used a little "sprucing up"... on the positive side it has an excellent beachfront location and the pool renovation is now complete (wasn't during our visit a year ago) and is spectacular. If you're looking for a property on the beach and with a great pool for the kids, this certainly fits the bill, but i'd also go with any termpered expectations (as i would with most San Juan hotels) as it is an older hotel.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.Let us know your thoughts and/or how it goes or if we can be of further help. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
teachermom2boys Posted May 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2008 Thank you for your candid (and insightful) comments. A couple of questions...1) What is your take on the $175.67 restail number they are showing next to the $159 rate? It would seem out of line with any 4* listed.2) With your assessment of San Juan hotels at the "resort" or 4* (hotwire) level, is there one worth waiting for? If so, which would you lean towards?3) It seems that many are positive about the Stellaris, but then we'd have to deal with the occupancy issue. Can you give us an idea of how frequently people are faced with rooms that don't accomodate their numbers? Do the hotels make genuine efforts to get you in a room with two beds?4) For such a major city (and cruise departure city at that!), why do you feel it is that these hotels are not improved to reflect the $ they are charging?5) What's your experience with the quality of room given to you when bidding? Do you tend to get poor location, etc. because of the lower price you've paid? Sorry... had to ask! Link to comment
thereuare Posted May 6, 2008 Report Share Posted May 6, 2008 1) What is your take on the $175.67 restail number they are showing next to the $159 rate? It would seem out of line with any 4* listed.it's often incorrect, as it's the retail price for a hotel of this quality in the zone, not necessarily the one you'll be receiving.2) With your assessment of San Juan hotels at the "resort" or 4* (hotwire) level, is there one worth waiting for? If so, which would you lean towards?There is no "end all be all" San Juan hotel (imo)... the only one i have heard abotu in this regard is the Ritz and it was friends who made a direct booking and not thru PRICELINE or HOTWIRE (and i'm sure they paid dearly for it)... each has their pros and cons. The Hilton was great for us for a pre-cruise stay but i woudn't want to spend a week there. Grounds are immaculate... but there's nothing really in the immediate area, and the man-made beach is not what i consider a real beach. The InterContinental had a great location directly on the beach and a great pool area, and there are restaurants and other hotels nearby, but the property is a bit older.3) It seems that many are positive about the Stellaris, but then we'd have to deal with the occupancy issue. Can you give us an idea of how frequently people are faced with rooms that don't accomodate their numbers? Do the hotels make genuine efforts to get you in a room with two beds?I couldn't place a figure on it as it's so dependent upon a variety of factors... city, hotel, hotel occupancy level, time of year, etc.4) For such a major city (and cruise departure city at that!), why do you feel it is that these hotels are not improved to reflect the $ they are charging?It's cultural... just like the islands that the cruise ships visit, service in Puerto Rico just moves a bit slower than the "mainland", so just as you wouldn't expect the island of Antigua or Barbados to adjust to the tourist trade and speed up, San Juan doesn't either. You just have to account for "island time" even though you're still "in" (or part of) the United States.5) What's your experience with the quality of room given to you when bidding? Do you tend to get poor location, etc. because of the lower price you've paid? Sorry... had to ask!Again, toough to call... some people claim to always get teh priceline room, while others claim to have over 100+ stays a year and seldom have an issue. I'm sure it happens, but I haven't had any major problems yet, but go with realistic expectations... i don't expect the penthouse, nor the oceanview, nor the corner suite... sometimes i get them, but i don't complain if (when) i don't. When the room with a balcony overlooking the ocean comes at $100+ more per nite than what i'm paying, i prefer to spend that money doing something else that i enjoy (experiencing the city, a nice dinner, etc).Those are my thoughts.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
teachermom2boys Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Good evening-We have yet to commit to a hotel in San Juan for 7/31 - 8/3. What's your take on the following hotel which is currently showing at $145/night? Thanks!ResortBeachfrontCasinoFitness CenterPool(s)Restaurant(s)Business CenterLaundry FacilitiesHigh-speed Internet AccessGolf NearbyTennis NearbySpa Services Link to comment
thereuare Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 This is a match for the El San Juan Hotel and Casino so that would be our best guess.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.Let su know how it goes or if we can be of further help. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
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