Priceline Hotel: Ft. Lauderdale hotel?

[spagirl]

I need 3 rooms at a precruise hotel in Fort Lauderdale for 12/18. Have gotten Embassy Suites in the past for $55. Is there a reason why I don't see any posts re: Embassy Suites? I need any advice on a good precruise hotel (3* or better) and how to go about bidding. Thanks!

[thereuare]

The Embassy Suites has been tougher to get ever since (this year) they started contracting directly with the cruise ships to be an 'offical hotel' of the cruise line (ie- a hotel that you can receive when booking lodging directly thru the cruise line).

I assume that $55 was not for a December stay?

What is the maximum bid you are willing to try. We can then suggest an appropriate strategy.

[spagirl]

Thereuare,

My $55 bid was for September 2003. For this cruise, I will need 3 rooms, and the current consensus is not to exceed a $90 bid per room. If this is unrealistic, please let me know. Thanks!

[thereuare]

It's not likely based upon current prices, but since you have some time, give this a shot anyway:

You have two RE-BID ZONES available at the 3* level (if you're not familiar with re-bidding feel free to ask and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board)

Selelct 3* Downtown and...

Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone and...

Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone and...

Bid $80

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Don't forget to select 3 rooms from the drop-down menu.

If you're not successful in the Downtown area, the Airport zone is always a possibility as well, and can probably be won today under your price range.

[thereuare]

Here is another idea if you're willing to take a calculated gamble:

There is a 2.5* on Hotwire coming up for $124/nite. Based upon prior reports this property matches the AmeriSuites. However, the AmeriSuites website offers this date for $90/nite.

Purchase the Hotwire hotel and submit a double the difference guarantee form. If successful:

$124 (Hotwire room)

$68 (double the difference $34 x 2)

Net cost: $56/nite

[spagirl]

Thanks for the tips. I remember that Miramar is one re-bid zone. Are there any others?

[thereuare]

Yes, there are two.

The way to check what star levels are available in each zone is to open a Priceline page, check ONLY the zone you are inquiring about, and then proceed to the next page (as if you were going to select a zone)... this will give you the available star ratings in that area. You can then hit BACK on your browser, uncheck the current box, check the next box, and repeat the process. It is important to do this before EACH attempt at adding a zone that you really don't want, as new hotels can be added and the star ratings can change at any time.

As noted above, 'remembering' (from last year i presume) is not a good idea, as hotels are added/removed/upgraded/downgraded all the time, and what was a re-bid zone last year may no longer be a re-bid zone today.