Hotwire Hotel: Newbie needs info - Miami - Feb 28 (one night)

[OttawaTraveller]

Hi there,

This is my first time posting here, and my first step into the world of PRICELINE and HOTWIRE. I've checked out postings on the Forum, and I guess it's best to set out what I'm looking for and ask for advice on bidding.

I just booked a flight into Miami on February 28, and need a one-night stay pre-cruise. I'm travelling with my kids (9 and 13), so I'll need to know what to do to bump up to 2 beds or a Kingsize (we can all sleep in one King bed, if need be). I'm not planning on getting a car for the day (unless anyone thinks that's a good idea???), so would be interested in a hotel by the port (although would love the beach), with a pool for the kids, maybe an airport shuttle too. So, how do I do this?

I noticed that a couple of weeks ago guy got the Hilton for the same night for $44. But I don't have too much time left, so I don't want to mess up by bidding too low. I'd like a nice place (we can handle dumps, but I'd rather pay for something decent), and would go as high as $100 for the night...but would like to get a bargain I can brag about! So, how do I do this?

I don't have a back-up, and have never been to Miami. All advice gratefully appreciated.

CC

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

First issue... PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the descretion of the hotel. You can request a room with two beds (or a king bed) but the hotel may be unable, or unwilling, to accomodate your request (or may charge an additional fee if they choose). I would think the risk here is lower than say in a larger city where hotel rooms are notoriously small (ie- NYC, Chicago, etc), but it's still a risk that you'll have to decide if you want ot accept or not.

If not, you can search HOTWIRE for up to quad occupancy which will ensure sleeping accomodations for everyone you include on your search. HOTWIRE will also enable you to take an educated guess as to the property you may received before your purchase, but HOTWIRE usually costs a little more than PRICELINE, so that is the trade-off.

Not knowing if you've cruised before, and what time you land the nite of 2/28, but i'll add that you probably won't have time to do all the things you're listing (pool, beach, etc). Often you're tired from flying, just want to relax and grab dinner, then the next morning it's off the port.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Let us know your thoughts given the above and we'll take it from there.

[OttawaTraveller]

Thanks thereuare. Here's some more info:

Not knowing if you've cruised before, and what time you land the nite of 2/28, but i'll add that you probably won't have time to do all the things you're listing (pool, beach, etc). Often you're tired from flying, just want to relax and grab dinner, then the next morning it's off the port.

We've never cruised before. We arrive at 2 p.m. the day before (I'll be tired, as we fly out at 8 a.m. from Ottawa through Toronto - but my kids will be up for a swim). So a pool will be a must. Other than that, you're right...we won't be doing much else. However, I'd like to be in a safe area (cuz of the kids).

I appreciate your info on the occupancy issue. I'll check out HOTWIRE, but may take the risk with PRICELINE. I'll think further on that one.

Any other tips before I dive in? (and I will use the links on this board)

[OttawaTraveller]

I'm back.

Hotwire lists a 4* Downtown Miami Hotel with Fitness room, Pool, restaurant, business, laundry and internet for $99 (one room, three people). 80% rate. Presume it's the Hyatt or Intercontinental based on comments on this forum. I think it may be my best bet, to be certain there's enough beds for the three of us. There were some 3* at the airport for $82 and $102, but I think it might be better to be by the port, with the cruise the next day.

Do you think I'm on the right track?

Thanks.

[thereuare]

The HOTWIRE property is a match for both the Hyatt and InterContinental, so either of these would be my best guess (no way to determine which is more likely than the other)

The Downtown area is close to the port so either of these should work fine for your needs.

If you do end up here, many pre-cruise guests in this area go to Bayside Marketplace for dinner as it's an outdoor mall type of set-up and the on the canal/water location can get you excited for your cruise.

Let us know what you ultimately decide or if we can be of further help.

Thanks in advance for using our PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your purchases.