4* Disney area priceline

[kilee]

I have noticed that in the info section of biddingfortravel they list nothing for 4*. Is this because people generally don't bid 4* for that area. If you bid it are you really just going to overpay for a 3*, or always get turned down? I was going to bid resort, then began looking at the 3*, which seem to be 1/2 that price. I of course want to save as much as possible. We aren't really picky. We want a good location (I'll only bid in Disney area, if it's not accepted then I won't rebid another zone). I want something clean (all of the hotels that could come up, seem completely acceptable). Obviously I'm not going to have to worry about the Econolodge coming up for a 3*. (which we have stayed at in the past without complaint). I was thinking of starting either resort with a $60.00 bid, or 3* with a $35.00 bid. I am so confused on which to go for.

 

[candaceg]

I can only reply based on my experiences. My sister and I went to WDW last October. We bid for a 3* in the WDW area and got the Renaissance WorldGate for $35 a night. We were much happier there than we had been at All Star Music the year before - the main highlights were non-instant coffee and our own refrigerator with no extra charge. The hotel was clean, the staff was very friendly, and we had no complaints. So I would say that as long as you're only looking for a clean place to sleep, you'll be fine with a 3*. If you're going to spend time at the pool and lounging around the resort, then go for the Resort*.

 

[Emerald31]

There is no 4* hotels in the WDW vicinity anymore. I believe several months ago that the Swan and Dolphin hotels were considered 4* but now have been moved up to resort level. My only experience is with the 3* hotels. Normally the 3* hotels range from $35 to $40. I have bid on priceline before for airport hotels and this year I finally worked up the nerve to bid for a WDW vicinity 3* hotel and received the Hotel Royal Plaza. I have seen the the Renaissance Worldgate, Grovesnor and Hyatt Orlando also come up as well for bids of $35. The resort hotels seem to come up with a starting bid of $60. If you decide to use Priceline I wish you luck with your bidding.

 

[DVC California]

Hi kilee -

If you would be happy with any of the 3*'s that have generally been won on Priceline (WDW zone) then by all means bid that level. I would start out at $34/night though. The Sheraton Safari has been showing up lately at that price and is a real steal.

The other 3*s that have been popping up at $35.00 are the Renaissance WorldGate and the Hyatt Orlando. We've enjoyed a stay at the Hyatt on a Priceline stay last Easter. It is an older property but very well maintained and well located on Hwy 192 to access shopping/dining as well as WDW main. Although Priceline bids included Mears shuttle transportaion from the Hyatt to the WDW, it was faster and simpler to just drive.

If you will have a car with you, I think that a 3* will save you quite a bit of money over the Resort* levels, most of which will tack on an additional Resort fee ($5-10/night!)

As to why there are no 4*s in the WDW zone, I think that stems back to when Priceline addded the Resort* level from their previous 1* to 4* ratings. Most of those 4* hotels were promoted up to Resort*, with the dubious exception of the Swan/Dolphin. The S/D was also later promoted, leaving the 4* WDW zone empty.

Unless another hotel, with the necessary 4* amenities, makes Priceline inventory available, or one of the Resort* loses status, I don't think we will see any winning 4* bids.

HTH, Steve

 

[kilee]

They all seem nice enough to me. We paid $32 a night on our last trip at the Days Inn on 192. For alittle more, it should be nicer than that. I am so excited. I will put in my initial bid next week, and I can't wait to see what we can get.

 

[DisneyPoly]

Can anyone tell me what hotels usually appear in the resort category?

Thanks!

 

[Emerald31]

The following hotels have shown up under the resort catagory: Swan and Dolphin, Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa, MOWC, Hilton Walt Disney World Village and Gaylord Palms. I had heard that the Swan and Dolphin has not accepted bids recently.

 

[DisneyPoly]

Thanks for the info.!