Priceline Hotel: 4* strategy help

[jonshu]

Hi

I need a 4* hotel in SF between Feb. 23 and the Feb. 27. I don't have any special requirements - I figure any 4* hotel will be good enough for me.

I understood the rebidding system so I will definetely add more areas as i go along - I want to be in USE or USW, so a 4* hotel seems perfect for this as it is not offered in other areas. My question is about the timing - is it better to bid now or wait for the last minute in hope more hotels will allocate rooms in the area?

I want to stay under $80 a night - I think it's quite possible reading other people's experiences here. How low should I start?

[jonshu]

also, forgot to mention in original post:

I need two separate beds, not a king/queen one. do you think this will be a problem? and if so, will hotwire be better or do I have to go through Expedia?

thanks!

[thereuare]

Priceline only guarnatees double occupany... bed type is not guaranteed. THIS THREAD gives a good summary of the situation.

Some take the chance and it works out just fine, but it is a risk, and one that you have to decide for yourself if you are willing ot take.

You can try Expedia as some of their hotels let you book specific room types.

A better choice is to try HOTWIRE and search for at least 3 people in the room... this may increase the room cost a bit, but Hotwire will guarantee enough sleeping accomodations for the number of people booked. So by searching for 3 people you essentially guarantee more than one bed (although they're within their right to offer a pull-out couch, cot, etc... although giving a customer a cot in this situation seems a bit extreme in my opinion)

I would do a HOTWIRE search and post the star rating and amenities of any hotels that are within your budget/interest adn we will try to help you identify them.