Priceline Hotel: Bidding Advise - Dupont Circle 4*

[Straymo]

This is my first time even considering using Priceline and I am finding this site very helpful. Hubby and I are need a room in DC 9/14- 9/18. We would like to start with a 4* as I think I read that there is more room for negotiation than a lower * hotel.

What can I expect and what hotels might be 4* in that area? Thanks in advance.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Is this the only zone you're willing to stay in? Rates look fairly high for these dates, what is your maximum bid?

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

[Straymo]

We are somewhat flexible about location. We could add Arlington, Alexandria, Crystal City, we just want a really nice place for a good deal and in a decent part of town.

Max bid I guess would be $175. Is that not obtainable?

[Straymo]

I posted yesterday about trying to bid on a trip next month. 9/14-9/18. But I had not yet gotten a "plan" back and thought I'd give it a try on my own after reading of other's success. We want 4* and areas we would like include in order:

Dupont Circle

Alexandria

Arlington

(we'd have to figure out other areas after that if not available)

Our max is $175 but after reading what rooms have won for on here I wanted to start low. Took your advice about adding areas that only have stars below the level requested (free rebid). So far, its not working out. All bids were done this morning.

1st Bid: Dupont Circle 4* $75 rejected

2nd Bid: Added Crystal City 4* $80 rejected

3rd Bid: Added Alexandria 4* $83 rejected

4th Bid: Added DC Suburbs 4* $87 rejected.

5th Bid: Added Mt. Vernon 4* $100 rejected

Exited browser and tried again

5th and final bid for now: Mt. Vernon, Springfield & Dupont $85 (just a shot in the dark on that one).

Help me oh bidding gurus. I told my husband I woud find us a "deal" without overpaying. He's excited and now I have to come through.

What should my next move be. I know I can still add Arlington, but do I still have to up the price?

Thanks.

[thereuare]

Let's back up one minute...

I'm not a DC expert, but i think there is a BIG difference between staying within the city limits vs. staying in the suburbs (in terms of convenience). If you're first zone choice is Dupont Circle, i would think you'd sooner want to look at other 'downtown' zones... Convention Center and/or White House.

You know your plans better than i do, and we'll suggest a strategy for whatever zones you decide are good for your needs, but i would suggest taking another look at the zones and let us know which you'd like to bid and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[Straymo]

Sorry, I told you I was new at this....while our first choice was Dupont Circle it was mainly because I've read good things about the area (restaurants, etc). The reason I include Alexandria and Arlington is because I understand that they might have some good hotel options but still easy access to the attractions of DC via Metro.

Things we specifically hope to see include Air & Space, Holacaust museum, Arlington National (maybe), the capitol. I guess what is more important is the quality of the hotel (4*). We are fully capable of walking so it doesn't have to be right next to a Metro station.

Maybe I'm way off guard with my options. I can add Downtown, Georgetown, to extend my bids but I'm assuming that I will also have to raise my $. I just don't want to overbid because each time I added an area, I raised the amount.

(It's all in the first timer learning curve I suppose). I have read a lot on this site and my brain is just swimming a bit.

Thanks for your helping out a newbie.

[thereuare]

I just don't want to overbid because each time I added an area, I raised the amount.

You don't need to bid this way (and we recommend you don't), so with so much time before your stay i would slow down a bit in order to avoid an overbid.

Rates really jump for the last nite of your stay... is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option? (and having to change hotels for the last nite of your stay)

As well, what is it that is most important... a high quality hotel (which for your dates may be expensive) or a 'good deal'? If you're willing to split your bid i think you may be able to get the Embassy Suites Convention Center for just $79/nite... this hotel generally gets good reviews (a few negative) but for $79 offers tremedous value (imo)... especially with included breakfast and manager's reception each evening.

Let us know your thoughts and we'll take it from there.

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

[Straymo]

Re: splitting the reservation. I guess even though I read about that I just didn't think about it. I suppose it would not be that big of a deal to switch hotels if that combination resulted in better savings. I'm assuming the likelihood is that we would not only be switching hotels but areas of town. Again, not really sure this would be a big deal especially if its only on our last night.

So, I'm guessing I'd work on the one reservation of 9/14-9/17 then one night of 9/18? I'd still like to say in the 4* range.

For what its worth I had never even visited the Priceline site before so all this is just so new to me. I'm learning though. Thanks for taking the time to walk me through the madness.

[thereuare]

So which zone(s) are you willing to accept and what is your maximum bid for this leg of your stay?

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