Priceline Experience in Ft. Lauderdale.

[DawnCt1]

I have read Bidding For Travel and Better Bidding. I have been successful in the past getting a great hotel for a good price but I have bid two days in a row, (i know, not very much) and no luck. I would like a four star downtown and Fort Lauderdale Jan 7 pre cruise. The beach would be fine too. On cruisecritic, someone got the W for $109 on Hotwire. There is a 4 star available in January for $143. I am guessing it might be the same hotel and if I booked it directly, it would be more that $400 (if its the same hotel) Am I looking to lock in too soon? How long should I keep trying before I take the $143 from Hotwire?

I have had good luck with Hotwire with rental cars. Plan to rent one for Ft. Meyers this week. It will be $100 less than the one I found discounted the 'traditional' way.

 

[Green Tea]

Try lastminutetravel.com Sort of the same opaque bidding but they show a bird's eye view on the map so you can probably figure out which property they are selling. They have had things available for me when I failed with Priceline and the hotel showed no availability on their own website.

 

[LukenDC]

I have always had the best luck bidding within four weeks of my travel date. The best deals for NYC were obtained the week of travel. My suggestion is to make a standard reservation at a property that you know will meet your needs and then keep bidding for a room. If your bid is successful, you can cancel the other reservation. If not, then you at least have a room that will make you happy.