Priceline Hotel: 4* Niagara Falls, Canada - 07/19

[Juliet]

I'm looking to stay at a 4* hotel in Niagara Falls on Saturday July 19. I want to be in the main "Falls area" near the strip. (I guess thats Zone 1?)

My max. price would be about $140. I've never used this site before, and I've been reading this board for tips, but I am a bit confused when it comes to re-bid zones. I get the idea of it, I just don't know where to find these zones.

Any help?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I want to be in the main "Falls area" near the strip. (I guess thats Zone 1?)

Are you willing to accept a hotel anywhere within the boundaries of Niagara Falls zone? (zone 1 on PRICELINE's map)

I am a bit confused when it comes to re-bid zones. I get the idea of it, I just don't know where to find these zones.

To determine the highest star rating available in each zone, use this technique from Priceline Re-Bidding Explained:

The way to check what star levels are available in each zone is to open a Priceline page, check ONLY the zone you are inquiring about, and then proceed to the next page (as if you were going to select a zone)... this will give you the available star ratings in that area. You can then hit BACK on your browser, uncheck the current box, check the next box, and repeat the process. It is important to do this before EACH attempt at adding a zone that you really don't want, as new hotels can be added and the star ratings can change at any time. (NOTE: for most users Priceline has updated their interface making the above process easier... simply check a zone and note the highest star rating available within each zone, UNcheck that zone and checkmark the next zone, repeating the process)

See if you can determine your re-bid zones when bidding 4* in this area based upon the above info, if you are still confused just post back and we'll break it down further.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

[Juliet]

Yes, I am willing to accept any hotel within the boundaries of Zone 1.

I believe I have three re-bid zones.

(zone 3 - St. Catharines - Thorold = 3*, 2.5*, 2*, 1*)

(zone 4 - Welland = 2*, 1*)

(zone 5 - West Niagara Falls = 2*, 1*)

(zone 2 is grey'd out)

So what's my next move? :)

[thereuare]

Yes, you have your re-bid zones correct, but always doublecheck them just before bidding to make sure that nothing has changed (no higher rated hotels added or lower rated hotels upgraded)

With your three re-bid zones...

Select 4* Niagara Falls...

Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE.

Select 4* Niagara Falls and re-bid zone2...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE.

Select 4* Niagara Falls and re-bid zone3...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE.

Select 4* Niagara Falls and re-bid zone2 and re-bid zone3...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $140

Any questions feel free to ask.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Juliet]

no luck!!

they were all denied :)

has anyone won a 4* in Niagara Falls recently? How high of a bid did they have to place?

[thereuare]

This is peak season for this area, so besides commanding a high price, this is also a solo Saturday nite stay... many hotels may inpose a two nite weekend minimum during the peak season.

A quick search of Expedia shows most 4* properties starting at $225+ and hotels simply don't need to discount a weekend nite by 30% in order to fill rooms.

What is your back-up plan should you not succeed with PRICELINE up to $140... will you lower your star rating, raise your bid, consider alternate nearby zones, or have some other booking source with a good rate?

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

[Juliet]

I'm willing to raise my bidding price, but I'm curious to know how high other people had to go to win a 4*. I don't want to pay $225 for one night...

[thereuare]

I would recommend searching HOTWIRE as well as using our BetterChecker to help find your best deal for these dates... then figure how much of a discount you need to make an 'opaque' purchase worthwhile. Then search HOTWIRE and see if there is anything offered within your price range and star quality.

From there, use the lower figure from above (either the discounted price from conventional rates or the lower HOTWIRE price) as a maximum bid.

Once you determine this figure we'll be able to suggest a bidding strategy for you to follow.