Bidding on a hotel in Vancouver question

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I've never done it before and I'm a little nervous. Have you guys ever been burned or had it not work out? I'm looking at the Downtown/Coal Harbour/Stanley Park area at a 4-5 star hotel.

I kind of feel like no matter what happens I will be in a 4-5 star hotel so how bad could it be?

I think I read that Priceline is only based on double occupancy, but they seem to accept lower bids. What would a family of four do in that situation?

I'm having a bit of trouble finding tips and tricks so if anyone has any they want to share I would love to hear it!

 

[MunFam]

Research here: http://www.betterbidding.com/

They will help you figure out what you are going to get prior to bidding.

 

[bumbershoot]

Definitely do the research. And remember that 4-5 stars is priceline's version of stars, not necessarily the majority's opinion.

Have you looked at what hotels you are interested in? I know summer rates are higher than, say, the rate we had the other weekend at the Hyatt Regency, but maybe you don't *have to* bid to get a decent rate?

 

[missyp]

Last summer a lot of people on our cruise were getting amazing rates at the Pan Pacific by bidding. I didn't want to risk it and paid more than them to stay at the Marriott residence inn ( which was very very nice- loved it) but it would have been nice to stay at the Pan Pacific. After the cruise we stayed at the Hyatt. We really didn't like that hotel. Felt very institutional, Marriott Residence Inn was much nicer.

 

[linetbo]

I did the Hotwire secret hotel in Vancuver for after the cruise. It was a $200 fir night hotel and
I got the Marriott Pinneacle Vancouver, it was good, but not as great as the Shangri-La Vancouver. We paid less than $300 an was a 5 star hotel.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I want the Pan Pacific more than anything!!! It's sold out on their site so I don't have super high hopes. This must be a very popular weekend, maybe I waited too long. Marriott Residence Inn looks great, also sold out.

 

[Ofinn]

I want the Pan Pacific more than anything!!! It's sold out on their site so I don't have super high hopes. This must be a very popular weekend, maybe I waited too long. Marriott Residence Inn looks great, also sold out.

What week are you going. I always use "LMT club". Were going in May the Pan is 165.00 a night on that sight. Hyatt is 132.00. The Westin is 149.00. Prices keep dropping because the CAD is in a Free fall. I'm going to have to cancel and rebook because all the hotels have dropped about 13.00 a night from when I booked 2 weeks ago. They are predicting the CAD to bottom out at about .60. I don't think I would book anything un-refundable. Everything on LMT is refundable up to 3 days prior.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I'm looking for the evening of 6/12/16. If anyone sees any awesome deals I would certainly appreciate it! I do want to try to stay in that general area. I keep thinking there must be something else going on this weekend, prices seem very high if the hotel isn't already sold out.

 

[DLgeeks]

We're staying at the Pan that same weekend (are you on the 13th-20th cruise too?) and booked through Hotwire, but that was a couple of months ago, I would assume if they are showing as sold out then it's unlikely there's going to be anything open on the other sites, but there are a ton of nice hotels in the immediate area so it's likely you'll get something nice by bidding.

One of the tricks I use for bidding is to do a search with the same parameters (location/star level, etc) on the site to see what comes up first, as long as you are comfortable with any of the options then go for it with the bidding, it's unlikely anything else is going to come up when you bid. If there a few that seem a little sketchy I'd try to readjust the parameters before you commit. You may have better luck for a family using Hotwire as I think you can specify more than 2 people in a room.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Yes, we are on the 13th-20th. Can't wait!

 

[Ofinn]

The Westin is 150.00 a night for your dates on Last minute travel club". It's on the seawall next to Stanley park. We stayed at the Pan before our Hawaii cruise. I chose the Westin this time because I wanted to be close to Stanley park, Robson St, and the restaurants near the Marina. The Pan was nice, but nothing exceptional. There are so many 4 and 5 star hotels within walking distance or a cheap cab ride I wouldn't stress about having to stay there.

 

[bumbershoot]

The Westin is 150.00 a night for your dates on Last minute travel club". It's on the seawall next to Stanley park.

Bayshore? That's an INCREDIBLE rate for Westin Bayshore. And it's a nice hotel in a nice area. (well, most of downtown Vancouver is a nice area, and if that block doesn't feel nice, the next one up and back will!)

 

[DLgeeks]

Yes, we are on the 13th-20th. Can't wait!

you should come join us on the cruise meet section, it's a small group so far but we have an FE group started if you're interested!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Ok, here are my choices:

With last minute travel, NONE of these came up. I only got them by calling.

Delta Vancouver suites total 172

Westin Bayshore total 190

Sheriton total 205

Executive hotel Le soleil 135 (I can't remember if this is with tax so maybe another 30)

Orbitz
Hotel blu total 162

Thank you guys for all of your input!

I will probably join the group but I don't think I'm going to do FE's.

 

[xlxo]

Ok, here are my choices:

With last minute travel, NONE of these came up. I only got them by calling.

Delta Vancouver suites total 172

Westin Bayshore total 190

Sheriton total 205

Executive hotel Le soleil 135 (I can't remember if this is with tax so maybe another 30)

Orbitz
Hotel blu total 162

Thank you guys for all of your input!

I will probably join the group but I don't think I'm going to do FE's.

Thoughts....

• All great choices.
• Delta for gastown and savings
• Bayshore for Stanley park
• Sheriton for Davie restaurants
• Executive is the center of it all
• Blu if you want quick access to sport arenas

 

[Ofinn]

Bayshore? That's an INCREDIBLE rate for Westin Bayshore. And it's a nice hotel in a nice area. (well, most of downtown Vancouver is a nice area, and if that block doesn't feel nice, the next one up and back will!)

Good to know because that's what I booked. I think I paid 149.00 a night. Yes, it's a good time to visit Canada. I may have to add a night on and stay three nights before the cruise.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I also booked the Westin Bayshore. With taxes it was $180. I feel pretty good about it! I actually emailed them yesterday twice with a couple of questions about the area and they responded instantly. Great service already! Thank you guys for all of your help!

Also, this was through last minute travel. When I called they gave me several great choices, none of which were available on the web-site. In the future, I will always call them. They were also very friendly and helpful. I will use them again in the future!

 

[Ofinn]

I also booked the Westin Bayshore. With taxes it was $180. I feel pretty good about it! I actually emailed them yesterday twice with a couple of questions about the area and they responded instantly. Great service already! Thank you guys for all of your help!

Also, this was through last minute travel. When I called they gave me several great choices, none of which were available on the web-site. In the future, I will always call them. They were also very friendly and helpful. I will use them again in the future!

I always use them and have been very happy. They dont have a huge selection of hotels, but they always have the best prices. If you have to cancel the refunds are very prompt. They dont adjust for price drops though. You will have to cancel and rebook if the price drops.