Summary of Winning Bids on Priceline, Hotwire, etc.

[yj2cute]

Has anyone won a bid for a San Juan Hotel on Dec. 31, 2010 ?

 

Thanks!

 

Check better bidding's calendar of wins for that date/location.

[VOLLEYBALLDUDE2000]

This is my first time, trying Priceline. What happens if i need a room for 2 adults and 2 kids. Is Priceline not for me then. It looks like they only guarantee you room for 2 adults.

Any bidding advice is appreciated.

[yj2cute]

This is my first time, trying Priceline. What happens if i need a room for 2 adults and 2 kids. Is Priceline not for me then. It looks like they only guarantee you room for 2 adults.

Any bidding advice is appreciated.

 

In this instance P/L may not be for you. What kind of set up were you thinking? 2 beds, 2 people in each bed? It's possible that you could get that using P/L, but not guaranteed. You may very well end up with a King bed. Requests to the hotel are not guaranteed to be honored. You can request 2 separate rooms and get a good deal on P/L. I've used it many times with excellent results, but it's not a perfect fit for every situation.

[hightownCO]

So my first Priceline experience has not really been a good one. I'm assuming my fault for lack of research but thought I'd post for other's benefit.

 

Was trying to get 3.5 star in area 8 and THOUGHT there were no 3.5 stars in several other areas, including Rio Grande. Was using those non 3.5 star areas to change my bid while increasing $$.

 

Well, there is a 3.5 star in Rio Grande area - Rio Mar Beach Resort is apparently now a 3.5 star. I had read on bidding for travel that it was a Resort level.

 

So I don't know if we'll stay there. Will add a large transport/cab bill and this is just a one night precruise.

 

There's no add'l charging for a simple no show is there?

[yj2cute]

So my first Priceline experience has not really been a good one. I'm assuming my fault for lack of research but thought I'd post for other's benefit.

 

Was trying to get 3.5 star in area 8 and THOUGHT there were no 3.5 stars in several other areas, including Rio Grande. Was using those non 3.5 star areas to change my bid while increasing $$.

 

Well, there is a 3.5 star in Rio Grande area - Rio Mar Beach Resort is apparently now a 3.5 star. I had read on bidding for travel that it was a Resort level.

 

So I don't know if we'll stay there. Will add a large transport/cab bill and this is just a one night precruise.

 

There's no add'l charging for a simple no show is there?

 

Sorry about your bad luck here. There will be no charge for not showing up. For future reference, the way you check which star levels are available in each zone, check on P/L itself, not on the other websites. When you get to the point of choosing which zone you want, just check one at a time, just below it, the available star levels will highlight. I did the same thing myself last week and there are several zones with no 3.5* properties.

 

Unfortunately, you are right, this was a simple error on your part, but experience is the best teacher. You'll know better for next time. P/L is still the best way to go. Good luck in the future.

[hightownCO]

For future reference, the way you check which star levels are available in each zone, check on P/L itself, not on the other websites. When you get to the point of choosing which zone you want, just check one at a time, just below it, the available star levels will highlight.

 

I didn't know about that at all! What a dummy. Like you said, will be better informed if I use in the future.

 

I guess the good part is I do have Sheraton Hotel and Casino reserved on Starwood point and see I can change to Sheraton old san Juan if I want. Was just trying to get a cheap price and then save my points. But can keep a hotel on points and not have to lay out more cash for a better location or deal with staying far out at Rio Mar.

 

Thanks for your tip!

[CarolRick]

So my first Priceline experience has not really been a good one. I'm assuming my fault for lack of research but thought I'd post for other's benefit.

 

Was trying to get 3.5 star in area 8 and THOUGHT there were no 3.5 stars in several other areas, including Rio Grande. Was using those non 3.5 star areas to change my bid while increasing $$.

 

Well, there is a 3.5 star in Rio Grande area - Rio Mar Beach Resort is apparently now a 3.5 star. I had read on bidding for travel that it was a Resort level.

 

So I don't know if we'll stay there. Will add a large transport/cab bill and this is just a one night precruise.

 

There's no add'l charging for a simple no show is there?

 

We have stayed at Rio Mar precruise for one night. We rented a car from Charlie's; they pick you up at the airport. We drove to Rio Mar (about 45 minutes) and did a rainforest tour in the morning. Took the rental car back to Charlie's on Ashford Ave (Condado area) on cruise day. It is doable and the Rio Mar is very close to the rain forest.

[hightownCO]

We have stayed at Rio Mar precruise for one night. We rented a car from Charlie's; they pick you up at the airport. We drove to Rio Mar (about 45 minutes) and did a rainforest tour in the morning. Took the rental car back to Charlie's on Ashford Ave (Condado area) on cruise day. It is doable and the Rio Mar is very close to the rain forest.

 

If we had more time there - got in earlier, it might be an option. But our plane gets in at 9:45PM Saturday night. So with getting off the plane and waiting for luggage, it's 10:15pm. I'm a single mom traveling with my teen daughter. I really don't want to be treking around in an unfamiliar place at that time of night. But thanks anyway. It does look very nice.

[sweetair]

hightownco: i am not sure but you might be able to sell it or give it to someone on your ships roll call. Half the money is better than nothing.

I know priceline wont refund but did you try calling them and explaining your mistake and maybe ask for a partial credit to use to re-bid on something else Worst case scenario they say no You have nothing to lose.

*sweet*

[Sass4]

Just spent 45 mins reading this thread, so if someone could save me some time I would appreciate it.

 

Would like Old San Juan Sheraton

 

so on Priceline do 3.5 and resorts?

 

Just want to make sure I have this right as last time I screwed up.

 

Thank you!!!

[yj2cute]

Just spent 45 mins reading this thread, so if someone could save me some time I would appreciate it.

 

Would like Old San Juan Sheraton

 

so on Priceline do 3.5 and resorts?

 

Just want to make sure I have this right as last time I screwed up.

 

Thank you!!!

 

If you want only the Sheraton Old San Juan, just bid for 3.5*, not Resorts. If you are open to receiving a resort as well, than that's fine, you can click 3.5*, 4* and Resort. However, please remember, you are in no way guaranteed to receive any specific property. You will get a property in the zone you want, at the star level you want, but not a specific hotel.

 

That said, your chances of getting the Sheraton Old San Juan are good, I've seen that property several times in the last couple weeks for winning bids. I got it with a $75 bid last week. Good luck!

[Amosmoses33]

TO HIGHTOWNCO:

 

What did you bid to win that? And what did you bid that was refused that you had to rebid? I am going a week before you and was curious of the dollar amount you bid.

 

Thanks!

[Sass4]

If you want only the Sheraton Old San Juan, just bid for 3.5*, not Resorts. If you are open to receiving a resort as well, than that's fine, you can click 3.5*, 4* and Resort. However, please remember, you are in no way guaranteed to receive any specific property. You will get a property in the zone you want, at the star level you want, but not a specific hotel.

 

That said, your chances of getting the Sheraton Old San Juan are good, I've seen that property several times in the last couple weeks for winning bids. I got it with a $75 bid last week. Good luck!

 

I did bid the 1st time at $75 rejected, then it said to add more/change my criteria but 4 star, resorts was checked even though I didnt check them nor could I uncheck them What gives?

 

Can I only bid once every 24 hours?

[hightownCO]

TO HIGHTOWNCO:

 

What did you bid to win that? And what did you bid that was refused that you had to rebid? I am going a week before you and was curious of the dollar amount you bid.

 

Thanks!

 

I had been playing around for a week or so and think I started bidding around $85 and building up. When I made my mistake, I started I think at 95 and increased $ in about 3$ increments - about. I "WON" at $106 which was about as high as I wanted to go.

[yj2cute]

I did bid the 1st time at $75 rejected, then it said to add more/change my criteria but 4 star, resorts was checked even though I didnt check them nor could I uncheck them What gives?

 

Can I only bid once every 24 hours?

 

Yes, you're right. It automatically checks the higher levels and you can't uncheck them. You are only able to bid once every 24 hours for the same request. However, if you use free rebids you can bid immediately. Go to P/L and highlight each zone individually. See what star levels are offered in each zone. Write down the zones that don't offer a 3.5* or higher property. If your bid is rejected and you just want to increase the price, check one of those zones and increase your bid by a few dollars. You can get a detailed explanation on this procedure at biddingfortravel.com. If you haven't already, go to this website as well as betterbidding.com to see posts of winning bids and use this in your bidding strategy.

 

Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

[Sass4]

Bidding up to $81 for end of Feb but no luck. Will keep trying...

[explorergrl]

Just got the intercontinental San Juan resort for a bid of $115. Stayed there last year and loved the property.

[yj2cute]

Bidding up to $81 for end of Feb but no luck. Will keep trying...

 

I checked better bidding and there's been no posts of wins yet for that time period. Did you use all of your free rebids? Also, check the hotel website and see what they are offering for a room at that time period and use that as your guide. I don't know what date you're searching for, but I used Feb. 25, 2011 and the rates are significantly higher than then end of Oct. when I'm going. It's starting at $259, which is why they won't accept $81. You will have to bid higher. Maybe even start at $150. That's obviously a higher travel period for this location. Good luck.

[erby2283]

My cruise isn't until Nov 2011 but am hoping to get the Sheraton. Never used priceline before but saw that I needed to bid for a 3.5* hotel. Do I need to select a zone or area when placing my bid?

[CarolRick]

My cruise isn't until Nov 2011 but am hoping to get the Sheraton. Never used priceline before but saw that I needed to bid for a 3.5* hotel. Do I need to select a zone or area when placing my bid?

 

Yes, you need to bid a zone. Betterbidding dot com is a good resource on how to bid priceline.

[cpdad]

My cruise isn't until Nov 2011 but am hoping to get the Sheraton. Never used priceline before but saw that I needed to bid for a 3.5* hotel. Do I need to select a zone or area when placing my bid?

Yes, you should select area #8 -San Juan. Please note that the SJ area is quite extensive, and stretches among three separate hotel neighborhoods - from Isla Verde near the airport, through Condado area and into Old San Juan.

I mention this because you may win a hotel in any of these neighborhoods - there are absolutely no guarantees you will even get a hotel in Old San Juan, let alone the Sheraton. Recent bidders have reported winning the Sheraton, but for November 2011 - who knows?

 

Before using Priceline you should be clear that winning a 3.5* hotel near the airport will be acceptable to you. If this is not OK, then do not use Priceline. Also, you will not be able to bid now for November 2011. It is way too early and Pricleine will not accept bids that far in advance.

God luc.

[cruzntori]

Hello all,

 

I am new to this Priceline business but not sure. I have a couple of questions...

 

I am going to need 2 rooms, one night each, Jan 7th 2010 pre cruise. One room will sleep 2 and the other 3. I would like to stay at Marriott Stellaris.

 

Can I ask for a 2 beds at check in?

What should I bid if rooms on Marriott's website are $285?

Do I still pay the resort fee?

What are the chances you think I would get Marriott?

Is there a property I would not want to win in the "resort" option?

 

Thanks for any help in improving my chances :)

[yj2cute]

Hello all,

 

I am new to this Priceline business but not sure. I have a couple of questions...

 

I am going to need 2 rooms, one night each, Jan 7th 2010 pre cruise. One room will sleep 2 and the other 3. I would like to stay at Marriott Stellaris.

 

Can I ask for a 2 beds at check in?

What should I bid if rooms on Marriott's website are $285?

Do I still pay the resort fee?

What are the chances you think I would get Marriott?

Is there a property I would not want to win in the "resort" option?

 

Thanks for any help in improving my chances :)

 

You must be aware that when using P/L, you are guaranteed accommodations for 2 people. You cannot be guaranteed a room with 2 beds. You can request it, but you cannot be guaranteed that your request will be honored. It's my understanding that if you're staying at a resort, or any SJU hotel with a casino you will be charged the resort fee. I didn't think I would be charged a resort fee since the Sheraton is a 3.5* property, but I did get a message that I would be charged a 9% resort fee. I guess because there is a casino at this hotel.

 

No one can give you odds on whether you will receive the Marriott. It really is just a roll of the dice. I would think you would be very comfortable in any Resort property. I would go to betterbidding.com and request help with your bidding strategy. Be sure to read the board info on how to request this help before submitting your request. They have specific info they request you include, such as the current rates at a few hotels. Good luck.

[warthog999]

first time using priceline and got 77 dollar room at Sheraton Old San Juan for 12-3-10 as we leave out on the Summit on the 4th. Thank you priceline saved 100 bucks

[yj2cute]

first time using priceline and got 77 dollar room at Sheraton Old San Juan for 12-3-10 as we leave out on the Summit on the 4th. Thank you priceline saved 100 bucks

 

Great job! Congratulations. Don't you just love Priceline? :)