Priceline Hotel: Unsuccessful bids

[mmaloy]

I am trying to book a 4* hotel for the dates Nov 9 - Nov 14. I have

never used Priceline, but was convinced of its value by two co workers

who have booked 4* hotels in NY through Priceline for $110 and $130,

respectively.

I have made several attempts to book and have been rejected on all

bids ranging from $150 to $220. My last bid at $220 covered most

areas of town.

Any suggestions? Is it too early to be booking for that time period?

Is this a "high season". In reviewing other winning bids, I am

surprised that I keep getting rejected. I haven't seen one successful bid over $200.

[mr.drew]

Thereuare would know more, but that is a high time in NYC. I think, though, that you might want to check out certain 3 star hotels in some areas. If you are set on a 4* place for the majority of your stay, it may be best if you break up your request.

Maybe try one for Nov 9 thru 12th(3 nights), and then one from the 12th thru 14th(2 nights). Try your request again, like this:

change the dates to 11/9/04 to 11/12/04, 4*, and start with your favorite zone at $125

if rejected, add a zone, keeping it at 4*, and go to $135

keep doing this, each time adding a zone(and $10) that you would be willing to stay in.

If you get an offer accepted, then start a new request for the last 2 days, using the same strategy.

I myself am going to NYC in late Sept, and have the 3* Park Central Hotel(UM/CPS) for $158 per night, and the Grand Hyatt at $102 for 3 nights(I don't know how I pulled this one off, but I did go down to 3*, but they upgraded me)

I am guessing you might need to break up your stay to get a decent rate, as business is picking up in NYC...

good luck

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What zones did you bid when you went as high as $200?

[mmaloy]

I entered upper east, upper west, upper midtown, lower midtown and midtown west. All of these were rejected at a bid of $220.

[thereuare]

Not much you can do at this point except book a cancellable back-up and try again.

I would wait at least 10 days. At that point bump this thread (or send me a PM) and we'll take a fresh look at rates and i'll post a strategy.

I wouldn't give up hope just yet, we often see bids declined for weeks until one day the user is going thru the 'same old routine' and finally comes up with a win at prices that were previously rejected.