Bidding for rooms on Priceline?

[Howry]

Anyone have any experience bidding for rooms on Priceline?

My only concern is that you get a standard room I believe. Does anyone know if you can request to be changed to say 1 king bed, rather then 2 queens or vice versa etc. The price looks awesome but im not sure I want to risk being in a standard room with 1 queen bed with a 5 year old and a 1 1-1/2 year old. Anyone have any stories/experiences?

It appears the 3 1/2 stars are going for around $45 per night.


Anaheim Hilton LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Anaheim Marriott LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Doubletree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
Red Lion Anaheim (formerly Anaheim Maingate Hotel and Radisson Maingate) LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort (formerly Coast Anaheim) LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW

Where as the 3 star are going for slightly less.

Anabella Hotel LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Courtyard Disneyland
Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort Area LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Residence Inn Anaheim/Disneyland LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Sheraton Anaheim Hotel LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW image
Staybridge Suites

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

I have used Priceline many times for rooms near Disney. Never been disspointed - always allowed to request and be granted two beds vs. the one you are quoted. My usual prices are from 42.00 to 55.00 without fees. Have reeived Hilton, Marriott, Crowne Plaza and Hyatt.

Depending on the hotel and time I think your chances are good for receiving two beds BUT the hotel doesn't have to do this and it is a chance you take.

 

[LVTiffy]

I used priceline a couple of times..last year i bid for a 4 star...$69 without taxes...however there was a huge parking fee to park on their site..but i received the hyatt orange country and i was pleased...They did not have any more 2 beds available but they did bring a roll away bed at no extra charge..plus they had a shuttle for free to take u to disney and back.

Now just the other day i used priceline for my upcoming trip in 2 weeks. I bid 48$ without taxes and received the Red Lion which looks decent and of course there is a parking fee. but it doesn't look too bad.

I also bid on a hotel in san diego, and newport beach. All with outragously high parking fees...

 

[Mom2micayla]

Same here. I've used it a few time and got a great rate. Often you'll get hit with some high parking fees, so sort of factor that in just in case in your final mental cost before bidding. And of course you're not guaranteed any specific room, so if you have to have 2 beds, then you shouldn't be bidding with them. Could your 1 yr old sleep in a pack-n-play if you only get one bed? Might be something to consider if you're really trying to cut corners and save money on your room.

 

[Howry]

Ya our 1 year old is going to be in a pack and play. But we also have the wife, myself and our 5 year old. But I imagine bringing an air mattress would be fine for him as well.

One thing I noticed is that it appears pretty much none of the 3 1/2 star options have a mini fridge in the room and only 4 of the 6, 3 stars do. That surprised me since they are close to Disney and it seems like almost a must especially for families.



Appreciate the input from you all.

 

[cats mom]

Just be aware that when you bid on Priceline they only guarantee a room that will accomodate 2 people, any other needs must be arranged through the hotel.

Most hotels I've booked through Priceline have been good to work with, but you are at their mercy.

I once got a Residence Inn that had specific rooms allocated for Priceline customers: king suite, no privacy divider, limited view. The place was practically deserted, so I asked if we could have either 2 queens or a king with a privacy divider (same price as the room they assigned us, just better for our needs) They were absolutely inflexible. It wasn't a huge deal as there were only 2 of us, but the attitude was a bit annoying.

The above experience was the exception rather than the rule when it comes to Priceline bookings, but it does happen.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I love priceline & use it often. Our family has stayed in many a 4 star for really low prices. Usually I find a fancy hotel in a prime area like San Antonio riverwalk or San Francisco fishermans wharf area you do get a high parking rate. However, in those areas you have to pay big prices to park anyway & when you get a $250 hotel for $60 to $70 bucks you are still way ahead.
Priceline does state rooms are for 2 people. They do not guarantee non-smoking rooms or 2 beds. As soon as we get a room on priceline we follow up with a call in a few days nicely requesting either 2 beds or a king whichever we need at the time & a non-smoking room. Usually, Most hotels will give you what you want...BUT they don't have too! Roll-aways are usually first come - first get & usually we find carry a $10 extra charge.

 

[Howry]

Ya I noticed alot of the hotels have steep parking prices. Thats fine with me as we can park our car at Dolphins Cove resort which has free parking since our parents will be staying there and we wont need the car for alot since we will spend most of our time at disney.

I guess at this point my only hesitation is the chance of getting a room without a mini fridge. Option, Options. Vacations arent always easy. =)

 

[stacielee]

Check out www.betterbidding.com and www.biddingfortravel.com to see what people have gotten for bids and find out which areas/hotels have parking fees. They also give you a strategy for bidding in the Anaheim/Disneyland area.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I second Stacielee's post above about betterbidding and biddingfortravel. Also, there's a great thread on Micechat that discusses all about bidding on Priceline.

 

[Howry]

Thank you all

 

[Howry]

One more follow up question.

We are planning on going for 6 nights, Sunday-Saturday. Is this going to severely limit my chance of getting a good deal? From reading many of the forums people seem to be landing the good prices for 1-2-3 nights but I havent seen anything longer then that?

 

[Mom2micayla]

I think it would really depend on when you're going and how likely they are to be full. That said, I've never tried them for more than 3 days, personally.

 

[Disney Anna]

Moments ago I used Priceline for very first time. I got Anaheim Marriott Suites for $45, with tax $58, parking is $12 so total will be: $70.

I put in 3.5 stars, near Disney also added Garden Grove/Cerritos bc I like Cerritos Sheraton in Cerritos.

Anyway, I'm happy. I'm going to Dodgers playoff game on Friday nite. I will go to Disneyland before on Friday and then again on Saturday.

 

[Look_Its_Nikki]

I have done priceline 4 or 5 times now. I love it. I pid 2.3 stars and $39. I have always been upgraded to 3 stars and it has always been the Holiday inn on south manchester. I love that hotel. Its very nice and clean. Not walking distance but the ART picks up right in front. I have been very happy with it. Right after I would call the hotel and ask for a king bed. Hope this helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask.