Priceline Hotel: Savannah Westin a 4* or a resort?

[bdf7]

We are trying to get the Westin Savannah Harbor from 12/30/08 to 01/03/09. On the regular Priceline it is listed as "Resorts". The Name Your Own Price section of Priceline lists both a 4* Deluxe and Resorts. Which one should we go for? And what price should we start with?

Thanks.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Are you refering to PRICELINE's (Name Your Own Priceline) "Historic District" zone? If it's listed as a Resort property on the 'retail' PRICELINE site, and also listed as a Resort property in the Priceline Hotel List on this site, then you would likely want to bid "Resort" via the bidding section of PRICELINE.

Before bidding, you are aware that you're not bidding on a particular property but instead on any Resort class property in the zone? (and you could receive a hotel other than the Westin)

If the above is acceptable, what is the hotel direct rate for the Westin? What is your maximum bid for this stay? (per nite before fees and taxes)

Let us know the above and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[bdf7]

Thank you for the prompt response and the clarifications.

We would love to stay at the Westin. However, the Hyatt (3.5*) is going for as low as $55. So unless we can get the Westin for around $100 per night, we'll stick with the cheaper Hyatt.

Do you think that'll fly? If yes, what is the best way to proceed?

Thanks.

[thereuare]

Where is the Hyatt available for $55/nite... thru their own website, thru PRICELINE, HOTWIRE, or are you seeing other winning bids at this price? If the latter, are these wins for the same dates as your own?

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

[bdf7]

That win was posted on this website from PRICELINE bid.

No, the dates are not the same as ours.

Any suggestions?

[thereuare]

Rates are date specific, so it's not safe to assume that just because somebody won the Hyatt for $55 for dates other than your own that you will be able to win that property for the same amount. Hotel direct rates from the Hyatt are only ~$130/nite average, so it's possible, but given the New Year's Eve holiday i wouldn't say the $55 rate should be assumed.

Given the above, do you want to try for a Resort first up to $100/nite, if that is rejected lower your bid to 3.5* and try up to $55 (or some other figure), and if that is rejected we can further the discussion whether to increase your bid for a Resort or for a 3.5*.

Let us know and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[bdf7]

Excellent suggestion. I'll try and report back. Thanks.