CubsHOF Posted March 22, 2009 Report Posted March 22, 2009 I have been using Priceline for a couple years for various cities and have scored some wonderful deals. So much so that I refuse to travel via any other method. Last night I decided I would try to find some bidding tips and found this wonderful site! Remember everyone use the links from this site to start your search so we can keep this site going.However, last night I ran into some trouble for the first time. Here are the details of my trip:The hotel must be in the North Michigan Avenue Area.Check-in is May 12th and Checkout is May 17th, the dates are not flexible. This is a Tuesday check-in to a Sunday check-out.There are four re-bid zones for a 4 star hotel that I was able to use so I could up my bid without risking not receiving a hotel in the North Michigan Avenue Area.Since I had so many free re-bids, I started my bidding at $40 and went all the way up to $85 to no avail. I have booked this trip on Priceline for anywhere from $75 a night to $85 a night in the past. Last year I won at $85.I also tried a 3.5 star bid, which is the lowest I will consider, that has three re-bid zones and was unable to secure a room all the way up to $70. I would have to be pretty desperate to go much higher on a 3.5, as I really want the 4.I am wondering what type of strategy I should pursue from here? This is the first time I have tried to book a Friday and Saturday on this trip. Should I expect to be paying more and if so any idea as to how much? This is also the earliest I have tried to book via Priceline. Is it possible that prices will drop if demand for these rooms is weak or is this an unrealistic expectation? I have all most two months to secure a room so I have plenty of time to "play the system." Any help would be greatly appreciated!
thereuare Posted March 22, 2009 Report Posted March 22, 2009 Welcome to BetterBidding!Rates are date specific, and you're starting to hit the spring which may be affect rates as well. If you see this Priceline Chicago win for the first date of your stay it took that user between $91-$101 to be successful. I don't think you're too far off from a win for this complete stay, but there does appear to be a rate change for the midweek vs. weekend dates, is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option?Let us know your thoughts and we'll advise accordingly.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
CubsHOF Posted March 22, 2009 Author Report Posted March 22, 2009 Thank you for posting back so quickly! I had considered splitting my bid, but will leave that as more of a last resort. I talked it over with the wife and adding The Loop, Millennium Park, and Grant Park area is now an option. We are mainly there to see the Cubs for the week and spend the rest of time just viewing the city. I believe I will try the Millennium Park area before moving on and trying to split our bid. It appears that area can be had a little cheaper for just as nice of a hotel. It'll probably be Monday before I bid again so any tips that anyone can provide would be very helpful! Remember everyone, start your bid with the links above!!P.S. I also read in another thread that there was a very large restaurant convention in town that could be driving up prices beyond what they were last year. I was actually hoping prices were a bit depressed due to the current economic conditions.
thereuare Posted March 23, 2009 Report Posted March 23, 2009 At the 4* level you have FOUR re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.I'm assuming your maximum bid is at the same level you previously bid, up to $85/nite.Select 4* Loop...Bid $59, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $62, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $68, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $70, if rejected close browser and use our links to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* Loop and NMA...Bid $73, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $76, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $79, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $82, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $85Any questionsl feel free to ask.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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