Priceline Hotel: 3* Newark (Elizabeth) Residence Inn

[AlwaysBooking]

I wanted a hotel adjacent to Newark Airport arriving on 7/28 evening, but didn't want to end up staying in downtown Newark (which is an option when you bid for Zone 1 - since they seem to include downtown Newark in the same zone as the airport). So I bid for Elizabeth (which is a short distance from the airport and most of the properties have free shuttle service to/from EWR) My bid:

3 * Newark (Elizabeth) - bid $50 (I know, a bit low) and was REJECTED (and not surprised)

However, then something happened that I had never seen - the PRICELINE screen offered me a "special opportunity" - they said that they don't "normally" do this, but IF I could increase my bid by at least $14, they would re-submit it WITHOUT my having to change or add zones or star level. So, feeling I really didn't have much to lose as the trip was still a couple of weeks off, I took their offer and bid:

3* Newark (Elizabeth) - bid $64 and bid was accepted at Marriott Residence Inn, with free shuttle. Very nice! :)

I don't know how often they offer this "special opportunity", but it sure worked out fine for me.

I used the PRICELINE link on BetterBidding.com

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to see you received a hotel which meets your needs, and this is a favorite in the area among some board members.

The "special opportunity" is what we refer to as a counter-offer and is discussed in more detail in this Priceline Suggests Price to Pay thread. Any questionsl regarding this subject feel free to ask.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and using our PRICELINE link to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.

[AlwaysBooking]

Thanks - now I know about counter-offers. In this case, since it was only $14, I'm fine with it. If they had asked for a lot more (e.g.. $50) I would not have done it. Learn a bit more about bidding every day!

[szymon]

FYI - the Holiday Inn has been running $59/nt rates for some time now. These are fully cancellable (up to 4PM or 6PM day of checkin). That hotel also has a free shuttle to the airport. This may be a good backup hotel while you try bidding for something cheaper in the area.

Szymon

[dahammer]

FYI - the Holiday Inn has been running $59/nt rates for some time now. These are fully cancellable (up to 4PM or 6PM day of checkin). That hotel also has a free shuttle to the airport.

this $59 rate at the Holiday Inn does not include parking, breakfast, or Manager's Reception which are all included at the Residence Inn.