Priceline Hotel: Austin hotels 3/1/09 to 3/6/09

[joehotel]

There is a tech convention of 2000+ (prior attendance) on these dates in Austin where I would like to use Priceline. Boss does not want me to prepay hotel rooms in case of cancellation so I figure I would book a cheap refundable room, then use Priceline nearer the date to book the hotel. Considering the economy I am thinking travel will be curtailed by many companies.

4 hotels show in the official hotel booking list:

Courtyard Austin Downtown/Convention Center $190 convention price, web price $260

Hilton Austin (Host Hotel) $194 conv. price, $279 web price

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown $185 conv. price, $249 web price

Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center $200 conv. price, $189 web price (!)

QUESTIONS:

1. Does anyone know what a convention of 2000+ attendees will do to the hotel situation in Austin?

2. Is it reasonable to wait until later to book with Priceline?

[thereuare]

1. Does anyone know what a convention of 2000+ attendees will do to the hotel situation in Austin?

I don't know the convention specifics of this area, but i wouldn't think that 2000 attendees is too large of a convention for this area.

2. Is it reasonable to wait until later to book with Priceline?

As your boss doesn't want to book a non-cancellable reservation at this point in time, you don't seem to have much choice :) But booking a cancellable back-up and then trying PRICELINE closer to your stay seems like a logical gameplan.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. (and please check our support page for your hotel direct booking as well)

Keep us updated and let us know if we can be of further help along the way.