Priceline - better earlier or later?

[LoDivaLoca]

Hi everyone -

I wanted to know what everyone's general experience was with Priceline. Is it better to bid 5 months before or 5 days before? I want to know what time frame would get you the better hotel....

Thanks! Alex

 

[disneychrista]

I am not sure if either one is better. I like to wait until a few weeks before because you can NOT get a refund if you have to cancel.

 

[robinb]

IMO, as long as your dates are set, it's not too early to bid. However, it can be too early to bid too high! Go to www.biddingfortravel.com and look at the prices that others are getting for the "usual" hotels in you quality range. Then, check availability and make sure the regular rates are not really high or sold out, then bid. Set your limit and do not go over it! Availability on PL changes all the time and one hotel that does not have availability might have it later on. If you need some help, ask over at BFT (read the FAQs first!) and someone will be able to help you.

Good luck!

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by robinb
Go to www.biddingfortravel.com and look at the prices that others are getting for the "usual" hotels in you quality range.

Oh I forgot to post this. Yes go to the site above and take a look see. But I caution you on posting there. The Moderator is quite harsh and is likely to big your head off, if you post anything like the question you did here( I know from first hand experience.) I will never post there (again) but will go to look and see what others have gotten to get an idea of what to post.

 

[LoDivaLoca]

LOL.....ok, thanks for the info (and the head's up!)

 

[smart cookie]

Because of the harsh moderater at the above posted site, someone started another more user-friendly site: http://www.betterbidding.com/

Not as many entries at this site, but there are some that are not at the previously posted site.

 

[CarolA]

Folks, if you don't post on bidding for travel then you should figure others are not either so the data is not as useful. I post. WHO CARES if the mods fuss? I don't KNOW THEM! I figure their negative energy is their problem not mine.

 

[princessmomma]

Bidding for travel is a great site!

Yes, I too have noticed that the moderators can be a little "short" at times, but I can't imagine the number of posts they must sort through every day!

I follow it quite regularly and some of the posters are quite vague with their requests and ask for help when they are not ready to bid.

The moderators only request that you do your homework before asking questions that are already answered in the FAQ.

Please go ahead and post! It helps all of us in the long run!

 

[Rpsemont]

LoDivaLoca,
Disneychrista said it all. If your dates are set and you are ready to finalize your accomodations then go for it. Personally, I'm amazed at the people who secure great deals on priceline for reservations 8-10 month out. That's too far out for non refundable for me. Anyway, for our trip last feb, I started bidding in October. No luck for 4 months (Bid $60-$73 for Resort level) Finally, on Jan 30 (for a Feb 21-3) Reservation I got the Dolphin for $72 night. I was thrilled!.
How far in advance also might depend on when you're going. We going in October and whil I have some backup reservations I'm really holding out to see if WDW comew out with any room only specials. I'd rather pay $49-$55 for an All Star Resort for a couple nights, than take a chance at being off site at a resort level for $60 (plus resort fees, etc...)
Spend some time reading through the bidding for travel site, decide parameters, make a back up reservation and go for it.
BTW, my general philsophy is that if I get information from a board, I try to post information in return. After all, the more people that post, the more hopeful the board becomes.

 

[LoDivaLoca]

Rpsemont, good tips! Yes, I always post back if I can help someone's question, so the good favor will be returned to me.

Thanks!