Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Orange County (Disneyland) Hyatt Regency Orange County

[jperiod]

I need one night in Anaheim, check in 5/29 and check out 5/30. In reading about the star levels and hotels in the area, I would REALLY like to be in a 3* because too many of the 3.5* have crazy fees! I don't need a shuttle (have car).

I have bid $37~$42 about 3-4 times over the last two weeks. I start out with Anaheim and add Laguna beach while raising my bid a couple dollars. Last night I specifically tried $37 and then $40.

I'd like my final price with taxes/fees to be around $50.

Thoughts? :)

[jewelergirl]

Hi jperiod,

I just booked an Anaheim hotel the other day using priceline. My husband and I researched all of the 3 and 3.5 *'s and found that a lot of the 3's were as or more expensive on their regular rate than the 3.5's. When you bid a 3* level, you run the risk of getitng a 3.5*. If you really are firm about trying to avoid that, you might try a 2.5 and keep it under $39. You have a much slimmer chance of getting accepted by a 3.5* at that rate, but again, it's possible.

Some of the 3.5's really don't have too many fee ad ons. The Crowne Plaza does have a $12 parking fee, but the shuttle is free. If you opt for the free shuttle rather than taking your car, you save the $11 daily parking fee at DL, so it evens it out if you have a few people.

The 3.5's that have a much higher cost are the Marriotts', Doubletree and Sheraton, but their rack rates are well over $100 (100 - 129). You have a very minute chance of being accepted there at $39 or $40 a night. The Crowne Plaza and the Hyatt both have a rack rate of under $90 and are the most likely to accept a low-ball bid. The Hyatt will cost an extra $15.10 a day, with free shuttle, and again, the Crown Plaza is $12 a day with free shuttle.

Hope that helps you budget.

Have an awesome trip!

[jewelergirl]

Hi again jperiod,

Another thought- if you want control of the rate as well as the resort/parking fees, you might try HOTWIRE. They have three 3* hotels at $61 and under. It is a little higher, but you'd know exactly what you are in for ahead of time. To find out which hotels are which on hotwire, you can go the the Orange County HOTWIRE forum, list the rate, hotel location, and amenities- there are people on that forum who know that area like the back of their hands :). If you find out which hotel is which, you can research what extra fees are involved before you buy. It might even make is more comfortable to go for a 2.5 star so you can stay in that under $50 total range, if you know the hotel ahead of time. Quite a few of them are completely fine to stay at- just check out the reviews.

Again- happy trip to you!

[jperiod]

I have a parking pass on my annual pass, so that's why I'd rather skip the fee and shuttle. :) I also checked Hotwire a couple days ago and cross-referenced the hotels and the few I felt comfortable with would end up being over $70 with taxes. :)

I was seeing people get the Holiday Inn for around $40 earlier, I was hoping I might get that. It'd be really frustrating if I increased my bid and one of those 3.5* with the $12 fee came in a sniped it!

[jewelergirl]

Yeah- I see your point there- if you've got a parking pass it kills the shuttle value. Lately I have seen the Crowne PLaza and Hyatt accepting $40 bids. It really is a gamble. Looks like you might be stuck betweena rock and a hard place on this one- wish I had some better ideas for you- best of luck to you- we'll be there on the 29th too- should be beautiful weather :)

Patti

[jperiod]

Just got Hyatt Regency Orange County for $41. Lame. :) Started out at $36, told me I could rebid if I added $10. Instead I added laguna beach and raised my price to $41. And the darn 3.5* nabbed it. :)

Forgot to use the special PRICELINE link too!! Sorry!!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing your results wtih the board.

Please try to remember to use the requested PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your future travel purchases.

Enjoy your stay.