Priceline Hotel: Newbie questions

[oldacura]

Hi -

New to this forum. I've read some of the related topics & pinned topics but I'm still not sure how this works. I've never used Hotwire or Priceline.

We're planning a weeklong trip to DC sometime in May. I've only been to DC once - many years ago. I've looked at hotels on Orbitz, Expedia, etc as well as hotel websites.

If I use one of those websites, I'd be lucky to get a 3.5* or 4* hotel for $200/night. My wife is very skeptical of HW or PL because she has an attitude of "you get what you pay for". I'd be willing to take a risk but I don't want an "I told you so" on the other end.

Not being familiar with the area, I don't know what areas to look for. Some have suggested Crystal City or Rosslyn. We'll probably fly into DCA. I want to be near a Metro station as we won't have a car.

We're flying in from Denver and are bringing a tandem bike with us. The basic plan is to spend about half the time looking at museums & monuments via the Metro and foot and the other half riding around the area looking at sites.

So, I'm not really sure how to start looking for a hotel and whether or not to try HW or PL. I am a sucker for a deal, I just don't want to find out that "if it seems too good to be true.........".

Thanks in advance - John

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you haven't seen it yet start here: I've Never Used Priceline or Hotwire

You have to act in a manner which you (and your wife) are comfortable. It seems like HOTWIRE may be a better option for you since you'll have an educated guess as to the property you may receive, but as you haven't listed your dates (not sure if they're firm yet) so can't tell if any of their offerings would be within your budget or not.

Once your dates are set let us know and we'll move forward from there.

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

[oldacura]

OK - from recommendations from a co-worker I think we've narrowed it down to Crystal City and the dates of 5/9 - 5/16. The dates are somewhat flexible but a Sat - Sat in May.

I've used the links from this site to HW & PL and browsed the deals there. It seems like the posted HW prices are below the rack rates at the hotels but still way above the winning bids on PL.

Seems like a 3.5* to 4* hotel with a rack rate of about $280 is listed on HW for about $200 and the PL wins are in the $50 - $60 range.

Seems too good to be true. I've spoken w/co-worker who pointed me to this forum and he assures me that the deals really can be this good.

Anyway, I've read the link to "I've never used PL or HW" write up so I think I better understand the way they work. Sounds like PL can be the best deal but with a little more uncertainty.

I think I'll try to sell the concept to my wife before I place a bid.

Thanks for all of your help.

[thereuare]

Just so you don't "oversell" the idea...

PRICELINE is usually a little cheaper than HOTWIRE... not typically $100 a nite cheaper like you imply above.

Rates fluctuate and are date specific so you need to compare apples-to-apples. Your dates may be high occupancy which accounts for the very high rack rates, and still 'somewhat high' HOTWIRE rates... you should expect to save money with PRICELINE, but if HOTWIRE is at $200, you shouldn't expect to win a bid on PRICELINE for $60 (which may have been during low occupancy dates)

As well, not sure of your budget, but if you're looking to do 'touristy things' in DC i think i would sooner look to staying directly in the city (Dupont Circle, White House, Embassy Row, Capitol Hill, etc) rather than Crystal City.

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