Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Boston (Copley Square-Theatre District) Sheraton Boston

[travelAlot]

Pretty methodical bidding (with free rebids) to obtain this hotel. Research from available PRICELINE-likely 3.5-4-star hotels in the 2 zones I desired (Copley for 3.5 stars, Fanueil for 4 stars) and current HOTWIRE pricing gave me a pretty good idea that I'd be successful. I also, knowing that I arrive on a holiday weekend (Labor Day) and will be staying during weekdays, wanted to get this over with.

For the Copley 3.5-star, was unsuccessful last week up to $76/night. Began at $65, and upped bids in $3, then $2 increments. Received a counteroffer at $79 -- for $17 immediate acceptance at $96 -- and immediately accepted at $81 rebid. (Not sure if the $79 mightve been accepted as it was actually a dupe bid where I included a combination of Copley-2nd zone combo without including a 3rd zone.) Knew that Park Plaza was also possible based on current retail rates.

For the same time period, I also unsuccessfully tried for a 4-star in the Fanueil zone knowing the Omni would be likely (it's priced $9 more than the Sheraton's retail rate) if accepted -- tried to $94/night and stopped before beginning the successful Copley 3.5-star strategy.

For search sake: Retail published rates were Sheraton $165/night, Park Plaza $147/night (for Copley 3.5 stars), and Omni Parker House $174/night (Faneuil 4 stars -- with free internet and breakfast beverage/pastry included via guest program). HOTWIRE also showed the Sheraton at $84/night as well.

One possible trend for those bidding 3.5-star in Copley zone: looking at winning bids and based on my experience (I've never been to Boston before and was cautious/meticulous), it appears that Sheraton Boston is much more likely to come up (vs Park Plaza) if the travel dates are several months in advance. Park Plaza was $147 vs Sheraton $165. If you look at posted successful winning bids that are within a month or so of the stay, that's when you typically see the Park Plaza coming up. The Sheraton seems to be almost always the successful hotel when far in advance (3+ months) -- perhaps Priceline has a given number of rooms' inventory.

Used Entertainment Book $10/night bonus so saved $40. Originally linked from this website to PRICELINE, before pasting my Entertainment link for the bonus. Thrilled I got this out of the way (even have my Red Sox tix and plane ticket). Thanks as always for the wonderful research data posted and tips!

[yellowdog]

Congratulations on your success!

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

Enjoy your stay.

Yellowdog.