Priceline and Hotwire - Sooner? or Later?

[kapica3]

I have not yet used these services and frankly, I'm scared of what I can get and of bidding too high, so I am grilling all of you friendly folk here on the Dis to try to help me make a decision.

I was wondering....... I need 4 days in July (1-4th) is it better to try sooner? (like now) or later (like 1 week before).

Does anyone have any idea where the rooms come from?

I can't figure out if it is a block of rooms sold to Priceline and when they're gone, they're gone or if they release a few at a time according to percentage booked or do they just send "left-over" rooms to Priceline at the end a short time before they are to be used.

So I guess I am asking - should I try now - or is there no chance I will get a room for July 06 or should I wait until closer?

Thanks for any input anyone has on this subject.

 

[spiceycat]

I think I heard somewhere - they are left over.

So you may get one - but your best bid is to wait.

go look at site for further instructions

www.Biddingfortravel.com

 

[DianeV]

If you go to www.biddingfortravel.com my best advice is to read for info but dont post unless you post exactly how the moderators want it or you could be blasted..(of course the main one seems to be on a vacation right now so that may not totally apply right now)

Another board is www.betterbidding.com

My advice is to bid conservatively now as you have plenty of time. Dont bid more then you would want to pay and keep trying every few weeks.

For example for a 3* I would not bid over $40 right now and for a resort I would not bid over $60 right now..

 

[kilee]

Definetly do your research on this one. Priceline and Hotwire are great w/ the right research. Now what is a good deal/bid for the level and area you are bidding. I've used them for Orlando trips as well as NYC. I have always gotten excellent deals. I used the www.biddingfortravel.com site for all my research-- however, I did not post- because as someone else mentioned they are not too friendly.

I don't think you'll have to wait until 1 week prior- BUT I don't think you'll get the best deal right now either. I'd start at about 4-6 weeks out from the trip. Also, it might be a good idea to start looking for a good deal back-up reservation that can be cancelled w/o penalty.

 

[kapica3]

Hi Thanks everyone, you've all been very helpful.

I already have POP booked for those first 4 nights of our vacation incase I do not get anything else. I think I have until 5 days before to cancel just in case.

About bidding conservatively now, I'm afraid to bid too low and wind up with Omni or Hilton instead of the "prettier" resorts. Wonder if I have a better chance starting with a bit of a higher bid. But what if there is no availability at the resorts I have my eye on.... then I wind up paying higher for a resort I didn't really want to get in the first place.

(I know I have this bee in my bonnet right now about Priceline, but with my type of pesonnality (have to have a very detailed vacation plan - to the point of I'm picking my counter service meals now) I don't know if I can live through the stress of Priceline.

I was on the betterbidding and biddingfortravel sites and although there is some good information, I'm not sure I like the uppity, sharp, "you're wasting my time" attitude of those folks - some of the fresh answers to some poor people's questions just turned me off to them.

Of course I am WAY to cowardly to post anything over there and so....I thank you guys for all of your help!

 

[HunnyPots]

I am also trying to get a great deal for our summer trip, June 4-11. I don't think you'll get anything for the price you want on PL right now. I tried tonight for a 3 star in the WDW vicinity and my $45 bid was turned down. I'll try again in a few weeks. I think it is just too early. Like you, I want everything planned out and budgeted for waaaaaay in advance. PL may not be a good choice for us OCD planners!

 

[jdm]

I'm not sure that Priceline is for you. I have used it several times and have scored some fab deals. I couldn't have done it without the knowledge I gained from biddingfortravel. That said, it isn't for everyone.

There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to which hotel you will get. It doesn't seem based on how much or little you bid but more on availability. One particular trip to Boston, I got a beautiful Marriot stay for less $$ than a hotel in the same *rating but definitely not as nice. All in the same week. I bid back to back for different nights because I was having difficulty getting accepted for all 4 nights. Ya just never know.

Also, are you aware that Priceline only guarantees you one bed? If you are not a risk taker and are traveling with children this might cause you lots of stress. I have always been fortunate in that I have gotten rooms with 2 beds on request, especially in the Orlando area, but you can't count on it. A couple of times, I was very worried about it.

All in all, I've had great experiences but I'm willing to take the risk. If you think you might not be happy with the room you get, then I wouldn't do it if I were you.


While I agree with some of your points on bidding for travel, you can still take advantage of all the good information without posting.That site has helped save me lots of $$$

Good luck and have fun
Jenn

 

[DianeV]

I havent seen anyone being mean on www.betterbidding.com but on the other one? Yes

As far as one bed you shouldnt have that problem in Orlando as most hotels have 2 beds and usually charge more for rooms with one bed! ORlando is set up for families

You cannot go in hoping to get one certain hotel or avoid one either. Bidding higher in hopes of the Gaylord Palms for example can lead you to overbid for the Hilton (which I have heard is fine and the location is great)