Priceline Hotel: Newbie needs some feedback on Colorado trip

[bzook67]

Hi all...This is a great place for good information. I am sooooo happy to have found it. I have been "reasearching" this whole Priceline thing and would really like to have any feedback you are willing to share. I have been trying to get my head around the whole bidding/rebidding process. I have the bidding part figured out, still a bit fuzzy on the free rebid info vs. just waiting until the next day to bid. But that's not really what I want feedback about. The following are the details of our Colorado trip and any helpful information you would like to add would be very much appreciated.

2 adults and 1 teenager (15 yr old)

3* or 3.5* Hotel (depending on the "rating of the day")

Max. $50 per night

City/State Check in/Check out Zone Preference

Hays, KS 7/27-7/28 No zone

Denver, CO 7/28-7/30 1st Zone 2 (South) 2nd Zone 1 (Airport)

Col. Sprngs, CO 7/30-8/3 Zone 6 (Downtown)

Garden City, KS or Dodge City, KS 8/3-8/4

Other info: Hubby and I are smokers, however we are more than willing to go to the "designated smoking areas" and don't have to smoke in the room.

Teenager is willing to sleep on an air mattress (that we will have w/us) if we request, but don't get, 2 beds.

To be perfectly honest, we would rather not stay at the Hilton. This is a vacation and we would rather just have to pack our hiking boots and flip flops if you know what I mean. :)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I'm not really sure what you're asking above... are you looking for approval of your itinerary, helping bidding for each leg of your stay, or something different?

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

[bzook67]

Thanks for the Welcome!

My question is what type of strategy should I use for the Denver & Col Springs bids?

I'm thinking maybe I just need to jump in and place a bid. It might make more sense if I go through the process on PL. If it's rejected I can see about the re-bidding and muddle my way through it.

My kids always tease me that I think too much. I'm probably making this a lot harder than it really is.

[thereuare]

We'll use this thread for your Denver stay... please start a NEW TOPIC for your Colorado Springs stay.

First thing you need to be aware of of that PRICELINE only guarnatees double occupancy... after that it's at the discretion of the hotel. It's possible that you receive a room with only one bed and the hotel unable, or unwilling, to change your room to one with two beds (and if they are, there coudl be an additional charge). Is this a risk you're willing to accept?

If not, HOTWIRE may be an option as they allow you to search for up to quad occupancy.

Let us know your thoughts and we'll take it from there.

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

[bzook67]

First thing you need to be aware of of that PRICELINE only guarnatees double occupancy... after that it's at the discretion of the hotel. It's possible that you receive a room with only one bed and the hotel unable, or unwilling, to change your room to one with two beds (and if they are, there coudl be an additional charge). Is this a risk you're willing to accept?

Yes, I realize it's double occupancy. That's why I mentioned the "traveling air mattress". That was actually a tip from another poster that was traveling w/kids. I have read other posts with successful results when traveling with kids and booking with PL.

[bzook67]

Woops...I got my Zones reversed in original post. Zone for Denver should be "6" Downtown.

[thereuare]

So for a hotel in Downtown Denver...

I assume a $50 maximum bid as per your first post? Are you willing to pay more for a 3.5* vs. a 3* or is the lowest priced 3* or better hotel what you're seeking for this stay?

If you let us know the above we'll be able to suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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