Priceline Hotel: Need: Monterey 5-15 through 5-18, 2009

[zzdocxx]

I have a meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey and I would like to stay there, or nearby, (Pacific Grove?).

That is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, 5/15 through 5/18.

I posted in another thread, there was a remark about Seaside having a "Resort Class" property listed on Priceline, but I did not see that there. The point being that could throw a wrench into the bidding strategy.

Suggestions?

I was thinking of starting out by bidding on PG for 3.5* and above, then adding Carmel, and then adding Seaside.

OK what do you guys think? Also, what about that Resort issue, is that still a problem?

Thank you.

:)

[Colfax]

OK what do you guys think? Also, what about that Resort issue, is that still a problem?

The Hyatt is a 3.5* in Monterey-Pacific Grove zone; that's what you're shooting for. You could also win the 3.5* Casa Munras though.

Priceline bids can be upgraded to a higher class. Resort is a higher class than 3.5*. Marina-Seaside zone used to offer Resort bidding, but they no longer do. While Resort class bidding was an option if you added Marina-Seaside to your 3.5* Monterey bid you could win a Resort in Marina.

Now Marina-Seaside only goes to 2*, so it's a free rebid for Monterey. So is Carmel-Carmel Valley. Immediately before you bid you should recheck that Resort bidding hasn't been reintroduced in either zone. Things can change at any time.

Please use this PRICELINE link for your bids.

[zzdocxx]

Thanks so much, that answers my question precisely, namely about the resort offering. Funny thing is, it was mentioned in a very recent thread. That's why I wanted to double check.

I think if I get the Munras it will be a quick hop over to the Hyatt, so it will be OK.

Another option would be to rent a condo, there is one-bedroom nearby for $145 per night. An advantage would be having a kitchen, and so forth. I found it on VRBO.

OK I am going to give it one last think-through and then start!

:)

[zzdocxx]

Just checked reviews for Casa Munras on tripadvisor, they are lukewarm and some feel it is really more like a motel.

I wonder how the star ratings get changed?

I was going to start bidding till I saw this, going to hold off till later today probably.

Anyone stayed there? I'm going to do a search here, I thought I'd seen a favorable experience on this site.

:)

[thereuare]

If you didn't find it, this is the HOTEL REVIEW you may have seen on the board for the Casa Munras.

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

[zzdocxx]

Thanks TUA, I have already got PRICELINE opened from the link here, just waiting to figure out how to proceed.

:)

[Colfax]

Hyatt is $252 for your dates and Casa Munras is only $165.

That means it's more likely you'll win Casa Munras on a 3.5* bid than the Hyatt. (Although Hyatt is still possible.)

The Hyatt is a 4* on HOTWIRE and it can be identified by its icons. Unfortunately Hotwire is displaying a different 4* hotel for your dates, at $209. It looks like the Intercontinental.

Have you tried any PRICELINE bidding yet?

[zzdocxx]

I got a reminder to follow up on this thread, thanks!

What I ended up doing was renting a condo for ~$135 per night, very near to the Hyatt Regency.

Mainly I was unimpressed with the Casa Munras reviews and didn't want to get stuck there. Plus, I like having a kitchen so I can fix my own meals when I want to.

Thanks everyone for your input!