Priceline/Hotwire tips for night before cruise?

[Bellewish]

I am looking to get a super cheap rate at an MCO area resort for the night before our cruise. But we aren't renting a car so I need to make sure the hotel has a shuttle (preferably free). Can anyone give me any tips on what to look for and the benefits of Priceline and/or Hotwire? What should I expect to bid on Priceline and what ammenities should I look for on Hotwire?

Thanks so much!

 

[nicurnc]

Hi Bellewish!
If you'll check out www.biddingfortravel.com you'll find lots of help before you bid on priceline. I don't know of such a place for hotwire, but there is a thread on the resorts board about what to look for on hotwire for the WDW area. Seems like one the the posters on that board had a system, they might be able to offer some tips.
I think at the port you'd be looking for the Radisson, not sure if any other hotels offer shuttle service. If that's important, you might just wait for specials on the Radisson. Which has a convenient location (walking distance to restaurant, etc.). Also not sure of cab service in Cocoa Beach if you were able to score a super rate on one of the other hotels in the are. You could check out www.dcltibute.com , Dave has descriptions of the area hotels.
Good luck, my own experienc with priceline has been a pretty mixed bag. It might be worth the peace of mind to just book ahead and know where you'll be resting your head the night before the cruise

Loretta

 

[nicurnc]

Ooh,
Sorry! I just reread and realized you asked about a MCO area hotel. I don't think any of them are gonna give you a free ride to the port, if that's what you want the shuttle for.
The Hyatt is right on the airport property and you can catch the Disney shuttle from there.
I think Barb at www.castawayclub.com stays at hotels through priceline the night before their cruises and use free shuttles back and forth to the airport, she mentions the name in her trip reports.

Loretta

 

[ZebraStripes]

I've used priceline twice for MCO airport area hotels. I've had good luck so far....Holiday Inn Express and the Marriott. I always bid for 3* and the most I paid was $35. I think I usually start with whatever is the minimum bid for the level. Both were good/clean hotels. We use the aiport to hotel shuttle which has always worked out. I don't know if any provide transportation to the port. Perhaps you could try a car service for that.

 

[ElaineMc]

When booking through Hotwire or Priceline the room you bid on is based on double occupancy, although I've heard if you contact the hotel they will give you a room with two doubles. This was not the case for us. When we got to our hotel I asked for a room with two doubles and the clerk looked at our reservation and saw that we booked through Hotwire and told us that they could not change because of that type of booking. As it turned out there was a sofa sleeper in our room which my daughter slept on just fine. That's the only down fall of using Hotwire or Priceline. Although my friend used Priceline and the hotel did give them a room with two doubles, so it may just depend on the hotel or how busy they are.

 

[Bellewish]

I should have been more clear - I am looking for a hotel near the airport that has a shuttle to and from the airport. We are using Happy Limo to get to the port. Thanks for the tips!

 

[inkkognito]

We use Priceline all the time and usually pay $25 to $28 and end up with the MCO Marriott. Make sure you specify the highest star level of hotel and you're virtually guaranteed that they will have a free shuttle. We do the same as you, stay near MCO the night before and take Happy Limo in the morning.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Dreamer04]

I just booked the Radisson for the night before our cruise in Feb'04. I am planning on using Happy Limo for the ride from the airport to the hotel and the shuttle from the hotel to the port. The Radisson rate is $159 per room, per night! Alot of money and I am not crazy about the idea of the shuttle in the morning.

I am thinking of changing things a bit. Going for Priceline, using Barb's advice, to secure cheaper rooms at an MCO area hotel and going with Happy Limo for the ride from the hotel to the port in the morning.

The cruise itself is alot of money. The airfare is expensive, too. Jetblue for Jan' 11 04-our original cruise date- was $89 each way. The rate for 2/13/04 is $224 each way!! Big difference! I am not happy about this, but I love Jetblue-new planes, TV's great for the kids. And me. I love HGTV!

Sigh! Talk about luxury problems!! LOL

 

[inkkognito]

Dreamer,
Depending on what time you get in, you might find it's a lot more relaxing to stay the night near MCO. Our flight typically gets in at midnight, so all we want to do is crash. The Marriott's shuttle is usually pretty fast, and since we use Happy Limo instead of going back to the airport for a DCL bus, we can sleep in a little and start our vacation nice and rested. I wouldn't want to travel to the port at night...ugh! It wouldn't be bad with an earlier flight, but even when we get in at a decent hour, we still like to stay near MCO. There are lots of restaurants within walking distance of the hotels, so if we're early, we typically enjoy a nice meal.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[modiey]

Try:

http://pub210.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding

I swear by it- be sure to read all the FAQ's before you bid, and remember to check Expedia to see the rates of the hotels.... My upcoming trip many of the Resort hotels are sold out so no surprise when my bids are rejected.

When you look at each city thread, the first post will be a Hotel List. While not 100% comprehensive it has never steered us wrong.

Good Luck

Dave

 

[Bellewish]

Thanks to all of your tips I was able to book a room at the Marriott Renaissance at the airport for a bid of $31!! Total cost with taxes, fees, etc - $40. Thanks again!