mouse Posted September 22, 2004 Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 this is my first time using priceline/hotwire. wd prefer to use priceline to get better rate. looking for 4.5 to 5* hotel in downtown Toronto for 10/21 to 10/24 for special 40th birthday celebration with family (incl 2 young kids, ages 2 and 7). Read the Intercontinental on Front Street is 4.5* (on Hotwire at least) but is absolutely NOT family friendly (terrible pool hrs, cold reception etc)Is there anyway to avoid this particular hotel while requesting a 4.5 to 5* hotel?Are certain 5* hotels that are not as suitable for kids (e.g. Metropolitan) not offered through priceline if we list our 2 kids as staying in our room?what is a decent starting bid?wd I possibly get a better (i.e. 5* rather than 4* hotel) if my starting bid was on the higher side?thanks in advance for your help - certainly I will let you know what happens! Link to comment
thereuare Posted September 22, 2004 Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 Welcome to BetterBidding!You can certainly go with Priceline, but Hotwire may be your better choice in this instance as:1) you're looking for occupancy for 4 people. Hotwire now allows you to make a purchase for 2 adults and 2 children... while Priceline still only guarantees double occupancy and no differentiation for kids vs. adults2) you're trying to avoid certain properties... this can't be done with Priceline, but you can almost guarantee avoiding certain properties with HotwireNext you'll need to take a look at how Priceline and/or Hotwire rate hotels. I don't think either has 5* hotels in this area, and Hotwire does not use a 4.5* rating in their system.Feel free to ask questions regarding the above. If you choose to go with Priceline we'll suggest a bidding strategy if you let us know what your maximum bid amount is. If you choose to go with Hotwire list the star rating and amenities shown of the hotel you are considering and we'll try to help you identifiy it.Oh yeah, and here's an answer to your other question: DON'T BID HIGHER FOR A SPECIFIC HOTEL. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
mouse Posted September 22, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 Thanks for quick reply!will go with Hotwire as you suggested. For 10/21-10/24 listing 2 adults, 2 kids, I did find: 4.5* restaurant, pool, fitness cent, bus centr, spa $121 4* rest, pool, fit centr, bus centr, (best value) $84 3.5* rest, pool, fit centr, bus centr, spa (favorite) $ 76my guesses are Intercontinental on Front str, Hilton, Sheraton respectively ??????same dates for 2 adults, 1 child (baby cd sleep in king with us) + cot maybe additional listed: 4* rest, pool , fit centr, bus cntr $90 cd this be the Hotel Intercontinental on Bloor?? last question: to insure a great room, is it possible to go with a 4* and pay extra ($50??/night) for upgraded room?thanks again! Link to comment
thereuare Posted September 22, 2004 Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 Here are my best guesses:4.5* restaurant, pool, fitness cent, bus centr, spa $121Inter-Continental on Front4* rest, pool, fit centr, bus centr, (best value) $84Hilton or Inter-Continental on Bloor(same amenities and star rating, so no way to differentiate before purchase)3.5* rest, pool, fit centr, bus centr, spa (favorite) $ 76Sheraton or Sutton Place Hotel (it's unknown if the Sutton is also a Customer Favorite... so more likely the Sheraton, but the Sutton is possible too)I don't see any difference (besides price) in the description of the 4* search with 2 children vs. 1 child.Some hotels offer all guest a chance to upgrade for an additional fee, but this is more the exception of the rule. Once you know the hotel you can do a little research and if there are a few different room classes you can ask for an upgrade at check-in (additional fee may apply) or you could try TIPPING AT HOTELS (this thread begins as appropriate tip amounts, but evolves into tipping the check-in clerk to get an upgrade). Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
mouse Posted September 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 booked 1 room for 2 adults, 2 kids (ages 2, 7) for downtown Hilton for 10/21 - 10/24 (Th-Sun)paid $85 (USD) before taxes and fees Link to comment
mouse Posted September 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 almost forgot....downtown Hilton also listed as "Best Value" Link to comment
thereuare Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 Congratulations... your first Priceline/Hotwire win! I assume the amenities are as descirbed above for the 4* hotel, and they raised the price $1 on you since early today :) <lol>Enjoy your stay and time with your family. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
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