Bidding on a Hotel Room

[earlydisneyfan]

We're planning a weekend trip in a few weeks (admittedly, not to Orlando), and I've considered bidding on a room. For those of you who can offer some advice: What has been your experience? Are there any "hidden" fees that would make doing this less of a bargain?

I'm just worried that I might end up with not such a great deal. It'll only be for one night, but I'd hate to have the entire weekend ruined if we ended up at the "Bates Motel/Motor Court!"

Thanks for your help!
Delaney

 

[CarolA]

My suggestion is to go to www.biddingfortravel.com and read everything on bidding. They also have great lists of what people have received for bidding in just about every place you can imagine!

 

[kilee]

I would definetly read the above referenced website. I have only used priceline for Orlando an NYC. Just remember you are only guaranteed 1 bed. Some cities are so family friendly that it's rare to hear of a problem getting 2 beds (i.e. Orlando). Other's you're hardpressed to get 2 beds (NYC and DC). When we go to NYC we usually leave DS w/ grandma. So I still feel comfortable doing it.

I have gotten some over the top deals. With research it can really save you a lot of money. So far I have gotten off priceline: NYC-- Grand Hyatt in Orlando-- Sheraton Safari and Holiday Inn Nikki Bird

 

[powellrj]

we have used priceline many times and have always been happy with what we get. I also recommend you read the biddingfortravel site before you bid. Lots of great information, but don't ask any questions until after you have read everything on the site. They can be a little gruff if you ask a question they have already answered. Usually you will pay taxes and a fee to priceline and sometimes a resort fee depending on where you are staying. We used priceline last weekend and got a room for $45 and the cheapest price I found anywhere for the same room was $159, so you really can save a bundle. With taxes and fees I think we paid $53 total.

 

[Lewisc]

Some hotels in Orlando charge a resort fee, charge for parking and charge for the shuttle service to Disney. These fees are the same that the hotels charge to all guests not just PL or Hotwire customers.

With PL you might get a hotel that's slightly misrated. What you consider to be a 2* hotel PL might rate 3*. I suggest bidding 3* or higher.

 

[kilee]

Unless I were really comfortable w/ all the listed hotels in a category (even though one not listed might still pop up) I don't bid that level. Very rarely does one not listed on biddingfortravel pop up (BUT IT DOES HAPPEN). It's a gamble, but the savings can be huge!!!!!

 

[earlydisneyfan]

Thanks, everyone, for your help! I'll check out that web site to learn all I can about it.

Have a great evening!
Delaney

 

[msteddom]

Some hotels also charge for parking in addition to their nightly rate. At one holtel I had a Priceline bid og $30, but it was $12/day to park!




Melissa