Priceline Hotel: Santa Cruz Help

[iowagal]

I've searched Hotwire for our stay date (august 11th depart 12th). I only get one 3 star for $166

I submitted a bid for a 4 star on Priceline for $75, not accepted. Resubmitted for 3 & 4 star for $50, not accepted. I'm not willing to take a 2 star and there is only one zone for Santa Cruz.

Any suggestions? I haven't seen any posting on this board for any luck wiith Santa Cruz hotels....

Thanks

[TravelGuy]

I think it's going to take a little more for a 4*. I think $85 should do it - a little higher than perhaps you wanted to go, but still roughly half the hotwire rate for a 3*, and less than half of the lowest prevailing rate for the Chaminade ($179), the only 4* I've seen reported for Santa Cruz anywhere.

[iowagal]

Alright I'll try $85 for a 4 star and then 3 star...I'll post my results.

Thanks for the help. :)

[TravelGuy]

You're welcome. If you get a rejection at 4*, I would lower the 3* bid to $65 or $70 max. (The lowest prevailing rate for the Hilton, the only 3* I've seen come up in that zone, is $140.)

[GCM]

Santa Cruz is tough to get a great deal on since there's only one 3* (Hilton which is actually in Scotts Valley) and one 4* (Chaminade) and only one zone.

[iowagal]

:)

Tried my bid again after my 72 hours wait..

$85 for 4 star .....rejected

$85 for 3 star ....also rejected

I'll ponder my willingness to go much higher as with the taxes/fees it gets over $100 with an $85 bid.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Lynette

[TravelGuy]

I would suggest making a fully cancelable backup reservation somewhere if you haven't already. As inventory on Priceline changes all the time, you could keep bidding every 72 hours and something may very well turn up eventually. The last thing I can think of is that Santa Cruz does offer 2* bidding, so depending on your requirements, you may want to consider that. (Maybe a lowball bid for a 2*?)

[iowagal]

Tried a $35 bid for a 2 star rejected. According to Expedia, Travelocity etc. there appears to be plenty of rooms... :)

will keep trying for the 2 star up to $45 when I can on Friday. May just take our chances and see what we find when we're out there next week. :)