Priceline Hotel: Strategy for Rome?

[besj]

When would be the best time to bid for a hotel in central Rome? I have just now booked two non-refundable flight tickets with Ryanair from Sweden to Rome-Ciampino. They are only USD 60 per person return so that is not a major problem in case of cancelling the trip.

I have booked back up hotel room ( a three star central) thorugh www.venere.com that can be canceled a week in advance. I would however prefer a luxury central hotel in Rome. When do you think is the righht time for bidding?

I know there is no simple answer but please give your ideas...

[thereuare]

Actually the answer is simple: Bid as soon as your plans are firm (which it sounds as if they are) but keep your bids within the low-end of the range. Bidding with time on your hands is always prefered to last minute and no time for 72 hour waiting periods.

If you'd like further help please provide the date(s) of travel.

[besj]

My dates are 18th of March to 20th of March, so it is 2 nights Friday to Sunday.

[WillTravel]

Do you feel confident the Priceline 4* hotels would necessarily be better in terms of location and comfort than the 3* hotel you selected? I would be a bit concerned about that. Or maybe you want to bid only for a 5* hotel?

[besj]

Yes, the 3* hotel I booked was not really that fantastic. It was cheap and OK for the money but nothing more. Looking at a central 4* or 5* at a low price would be better. It is anyway always interesting to try to catch a real bargain...

[Mparis184]

OK.

What is a good rate to bid for a Rome Hotel that is 4 or 5 stars in Central Rome?

I am booking for next September so I have a lot of time to wait for a good rate but need to know where to start.

Thanks

[WillTravel]

There may or may not be inventory at this time for Rome.

First start by looking for a Rome hotel that you think you would be willing to stay in, and find out what that price is. You might consider booking this as a backup, because September is high season in Rome.

Then look at some of the 4* and 5* hotels that are either on the list here, or that Priceline offers in vacation packages. Find out what the rates are for your dates on the web site. I'd recommend starting a bid at 50% of the web site rate, but that's just a guess.

I really don't like the zone map for Central Rome or the Vatican, and I wouldn't be happy with a lot of the locations offered. I decided I wasn't willing to risk my trip with a less than desirable location, particularly as I wouldn't likely save any money. You probably have a better chance of getting a good location if you stick to 5* only. Just my opinion.

I recently stayed at this simple 3* hotel in Rome - http://www.hoteljulia.it . The advantages - an excellent location, a quiet street, friendly staff, and a good included breakfast. The disadvantages - small room (which can also happen with Priceline). On the Fodors.com forums there is frequent discussion of hotels in the historical center of Rome, so you might like to take a look there. Two popular hotels right now on that forum are Albergo del Senato and Teatropace.