Priceline Hotel: New to Priceline

[musicman79]

Sorry for the doulble post I just wanted to make sure I got it in the right place

As the title states I have never used PRICELINE before, so here I go.

I am looking for a 3 1/2* in Cleveland downtown area for 2 rooms and 2 nights on 8/19-8/21

I have checked PRICELINE's normal prices $129-$199(higher than the actual Hotels) and HOTWIRE has close to the same downtown area for $66.

I have checked out the forum and saw rooms go for $35-$45 but, I tried those prices changing my area according to the forum so I can rebid. I would like to know for sure as soon as possible but, I have about a week to get my plans in order.

So I guess my questions are

1. Do I make the same bids day after day or are their prices already set for my dates ?

2. Do I need to have a different name for each room that I book ?

3. What is the best bidding strategy ? (would I be better of bidding for the rooms separately)

I have also never seen the suggested price or counter offer that I have seen people talk about on the forum.

Thanks in advance for any information

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the site. :)

A few things:

1. You will not always be shown a counter-offer and if you see a counter offer you do not have to accept it. However, it gives you an idea that you are "within range".

2. You do not have to make the same bids day after day.

3. I would think that you would have to have a different name for each room, but I may be mistaken on that.

4. What would be your budget per night?

5. Just to confirm, did you try booking at $35-45?

Please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchase.

[musicman79]

Thanks for your reply AaronJB

Yes I did bid in increments starting at $35 and ending at $45, BUT I used my name for both rooms that may be the problem.

I do not want to spend more than $50 per night And I would really like it to be even less. I know a friend just got 2 nights for $35 2 weeks ago which is right on par with other reports on here.

Should I try bidding the same amount for a few days or is thier price already set for my dates or should I just change my whole gameplan after I try bidding those prices with 2 different names on the rooms.

Sorry my post is all over the place I just want to cover everything.

Thanks again

[thereuare]

Using the same name for each room, or different names for each room, is not an issue... either is acceptable (just that whoever's name is on the reservation for the room MUST be there at check-in time)

The only sub-$45 hotel at the 3.5* level recently won in this zone is the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade, and as rates are dates specific, this "ultra-low" rate may only be available when the hotel has very low occupancy. Current rates at thsi particular hotel start at $160+ for your dates, making your current bids well under 1/3 (and in some instances less than 1/4) of prevailing rates... while we have seen wins at this much of a discount, such a deep discounts isn't something that should be expected. Since you have tried and faild at these prices, i would bid up to your maximum, as this would still represent a very good deal vs. a conventionally booked room.

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

Any questions feel free to ask

Good luck and let us know how it goes.