Priceline Hotel: Help with Fort Lauderdale 3*+

[ThreeDs]

I've been trying to book a room Downtown at the Rennaissance, Embassy Suites, or Marriott Marina without success for pre-cruise. Please tell me what I'm doing wrong. Maybe I haven't been bidding high enough? Or is it because I just want a Saturday night?

11-16-04 bid:

Downtown 4* $86

Downtown 3* $86

Miramar 3* $91

Rejected

11-19-04 repeated the same with $90, $95 -Rejected

11-23 same with $100, $105 - Rejected

I've been starting with 4* because I'd prefer the Rennaissance.

I can't find a way to get another free bid. All the other zones have a 3*, including Hollywood.

I would like to pay less than $100. Is that realistic?

I did book a backup hotel that is cancellable.

Thank you!

[thereuare]

You have 4 re-bid zones when bidding 4*... since you're close to your $100 limit anyway you can bid only 4* up to your limit, then follow your 3* approach (this way you have a better chance at the 4* property... although you may pay a bit more for it than the 3*).

I don't think much inventory has yet been released for this date, but i would book yourself a cancellable back-up while you continue to try.

[TheWog]

I ran into the same problems for late January for 3* Downtown. I bid 4* in the beach zone and got the Hyatt Pier 66 for $95.00. I would start a little lower and see if they accept, only if this hotel is acceptable to you.

[ThreeDs]

Thank you both for your help.

I haven't used all the 4* rebids because I'd be just as happy with a 3* Downtown and if I rebid the 4's it just bumps up the price if I then opt for a 3. (whatever sense that makes!)

How far in advance do hotels typically release inventory?

I'd really like to get a downtown hotel... reviews of Hyatt Pier 66 are all over the board and I'm not gutsy enough to risk it I guess.

If I was to move beyond Downtown, The Rennaissance Plantation looks nice, but it seems quite a ways from the airport and the cruiseport. I then get concerned about transportation costs. Any thoughts?

[thereuare]

If you have a back-up then just be patient with this one.