Priceline Hotel: 5 rooms, 7 nights, Capitol Hill or White House area, December

[lindainphx]

Dec. 3-10. What are my chances of getting 5 nice (3-4 star) rooms for <$110/night? We wouldn't want to change hotels mid-stay.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

I think you have a shot, but hardly a 'sure thing'.

Are you ready to bid now? If so, did you want to try up to your limit first for a 4*, then if rejected try for a 3.5*, etc, etc OR is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay?

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

[lindainphx]

No, I'm not ready to bid quite yet. I think I want the best room I can get for $110 (not including tax), but I don't know how the bidding would differ if I went for the other option you cited.

[thereuare]

One strategy would start at 4* and bid up to your maximum bid, then if rejected try for a 3.5*, then if rejected try for a 3*... the option is to start at 3* trying for the least expensive hotel at that star rating or higher.

Let us know once your plans are firm and you're ready to bid and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[lindainphx]

At last, I am ready to bid on four rooms. I see that other people have snagged very low rates in early Dec., but since I want 8 nights:

-I may have to go (a lot) higher?

-I may have to wait until the 11th hour?

I want a hotel in the Convention Center/Capitol Hill area, so I will start there, then increase my bid by adding areas that do not have 4* hotels, right?

The price I bid is the base price per day and Priceline will add ~$11/day for taxes/fees, yes?

In other words, I do not have to worry about the 14.5 percent DC hotel tax being added on top of everything else (?).

Thank you for your help.

[AaronJB]

At last, I am ready to bid on four rooms. I see that other people have snagged very low rates in early Dec., but since I want 8 nights:

-I may have to go (a lot) higher?

-I may have to wait until the 11th hour?

I want a hotel in the Convention Center/Capitol Hill area, so I will start there, then increase my bid by adding areas that do not have 4* hotels, right?

The price I bid is the base price per day and Priceline will add ~$11/day for taxes/fees, yes?

In other words, I do not have to worry about the 14.5 percent DC hotel tax being added on top of everything else (?).

Thank you for your help.

Taxes are going to be added.

There should not be any reason to have to wait until the 11th hour.

You would add areas that do not have 4*'s to use "rebidding", correct.

I'd start at $100 for a 4*. While the chances are not fantastic, there is a chance you may get accepted at $100 and it's worth a try. If not, then you can move up your bids from there and/or move down to a 3.5*.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links.

[lindainphx]

I have made two attempts.

First attempt:

4* Convention Center/Capitol Hill - $60 - rejected

Added Bethesda - $66 - rejected

Added Crystal City - $70 - rejected

Added DC suburbs - $72 - rejected

Added Mt. Vernon - $75 - rejected

Added Silver Springs - $77 - rejected

Second attempt:

4* Convention Center/Capitol Hill - $75 - rejected

Added Bethesda - $80 - rejected

Added Crystal City - $85 - rejected

Added DC suburbs - $87 - rejected

Added Mt. Vernon - $90 - rejected

Added Silver Springs - $95 - rejected

I'm dithering. The Melrose Hotel (Foggy Bottom) is offering a weekly rate of $99 plus breakfast, so I'm torn between taking a sure thing vs. bidding on an unknown quantity. I figure I'm most likely to get the Renaissance Washington or the Renaissance Mayflower (if I add White House/Downtown). I want to be within striking distance of the National Archives, Library of Congress, and DAR Library. I could go to 3.5*, but if I go lower, the hotel might be in a much less desirable location...

[yellowdog]

Thanx for your update!

Please post what you decide to do. We got a good selection of links on our support page if you choose to book directly.

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

Yellowdog.

[Doubleplay]

The National Christmas Tree lighting is Dec 3. My guess is if you can check in on Dec 4, you might find your offers accepted...Just a guess though!

[lindainphx]

Thank you all for your input. My dates are fixed and those first two nights are costly. So, I reserved 5 rooms at the $99 + breakfast-for-2 rate offered by the Melrose Hotel (TravelZoo promo). I can cancel 24 hrs. before arrival, but I think this is going to be it. I've got six people to please besides me -- I'm scared to gamble!

[lindainphx]

Maybe I spoke too soon. I've been reading some scary tripadvisor reviews! Who to believe. I think I'd better keep looking!

[AaronJB]

Good morning. :)

While the overall tripadvisor average isn't too bad, there are some recent reviews (bed bugs in one review) that are definitely worrying.

While more expensive, there is a 3.5* in the Dupont Circle-Embassy Row area w/Suite, Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Complimentary Breakfast, Business, Laundry for $139. This is likely the Embassy Suites, which would offer breakfast and evening reception. Instead of 5 rooms at $99, possibly 4 suites at $139? It would still be a little more expensive, but the larger space and free evening reception are nice additional bonuses. If that is the ES - and I'm guessing it very likely is - than that hotel gets outstanding reviews (4.5/5 on tripadvisor.)

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links, and please let us know your thoughts on the above idea or if you would like further help, as there are likely other possible ideas for this stay.