Priceline Hotel: 5* Prague 01/05/09 - 01/09/09

[123290]

Dear All,

I have searched for 5* hotels near thr Old Town in Prague on mulitple sites. I see the average rate is about $250 per night.

On Priceline the "East" region covers the Old Town, plus a rather large area beyond it. The Marriott East falls in this area on Priceline.

Pricline has this hotel offered at $104 per night, which is well below all other 5* hotels in the area.

It seems like a good rate, but not really my first choice of hotel. Nevertheless, if I am to do a bid and name my own price this hotel is throwing things off. If all other 5* are much more I can't make a higher bid than this in hopes of getting another hotel. It seems obvious that this will be the one that is accepted. Right?

I mean by offering this one hotel at this rate isn't Priceline efffectively killing the the market? It makes no sense to bid say $125 for a 5* hotel in the East district of Prague when the Marriott falls into this category and is available without bidding at $104. This means there is no chance to get another hotel in East Prague when bidding.

What am I missing here?

Thanks.

[AaronJB]

The hotel sets the price, not PRICELINE. This is something that has to be considered when bidding, and the price variations may be different on different dates. However, on these particular dates, while the Marriott is offering a much lower price. This does not necessarily mean that the hotel has PRICELINE inventory on the bidding side of PRICELINE, but you have to bid as if they might.

Bid low - as if you're bidding considering the Marriott price. Additionally, with Priceline in general you have to be willing to accept what hotel you get in general - you cannot bid a certain amount in order to get a certain hotel or you risk overbidding.

[123290]

The hotel sets the price, not PRICELINE. This is something that has to be considered when bidding, and the price variations may be different on different dates. However, on these particular dates, while the Marriott is offering a much lower price. This does not necessarily mean that the hotel has PRICELINE inventory on the bidding side of PRICELINE, but you have to bid as if they might.

Bid low - as if you're bidding considering the Marriott price. Additionally, with Priceline in general you have to be willing to accept what hotel you get in general - you cannot bid a certain amount in order to get a certain hotel or you risk overbidding.

Thanks for the reply. I had actually bid yesterday with teh Marriott rate in mind. Therefore I put just $70 per night. It was rejected. My concern on going up to say $125 per night, which is much lower than the average rate from other sites, is that the Marriott is listed at $104. If I wanted the Marriott I would just book it at that. Since I have to consider this rate it kills the category. I can't bid $125 for a 5* now, as I might get the Marriott anyway.

Ugh!

[AaronJB]

Now, keep in mind I know very little (read: nothing) about Prague aside from the fact that it looks absolutely beautiful.

However, Orbitz has the Eurostars Thalia for $125.41. Use coupon code FABSAVE10 to get 10% off.

That would get you a 1BR room. Mostly good reviews, too.

The FABSAVE10 coupon should work on most Orbitz properties. Please use the site's Orbitz.com link if this is of interest.

[Rhine-and-Roses]

Check out the Marriott site (with a link from here, if there is one?) A few weeks ago the Marriott's own site had incredible rates, I think AAA rates, which were less than what you saw on Priceline. Good luck.

[tenerifesharon]

Have a look at this offer that just came in from Travelzoo:

http://de.reise-angebote.travelzoo.com/hot...&tppct=done

Sorry, I just realized that it is the german version of Travelzoo. It may also appear on the U.S. version tomorrow. But, if there is anything in this one that you don't understand (language-wise), just post here and I'll translate. Or, just click on the link and you'll have the Interconti site in english. :)

[123290]

Have a look at this offer that just came in from Travelzoo:

http://de.reise-angebote.travelzoo.com/hot...&tppct=done

Sorry, I just realized that it is the german version of Travelzoo. It may also appear on the U.S. version tomorrow. But, if there is anything in this one that you don't understand (language-wise), just post here and I'll translate. Or, just click on the link and you'll have the Interconti site in english. :)

Thanks! That did look like a great offer, but when I clicked the link and put in my dates it came up with "There are no rooms available for your requested travel criteria. Please consider modifying your preferences or requested reservation dates." The only criteria I defined was my dates and those are fixed.

A colleague that lives in Prague recommended the Icon Hotel. The best rate I found online was

[Colfax]

William Shatner would be proud of your negotiating skills, 123290.

Enjoy your stay at the Icon.