Priceline/Hotwire with kids???

[pigby]

I'd love to have a go and get a really great deal with one of these but I read that you are only guaranteed to get a room for 2.

There are 3 of us - 2 adults/1 child - I'd hate to take a gamble and risk DD sleeping on the floor! Anyone ever 'bit the bullet' and booked anyway?

I'd love to try for the Dolphin, for example - would there be any rooms there that would sleep less than 4 anyway?


Your expert advice appreciated. Thanks.

Sue

 

[maconga]

I've never had a problem getting two double beds on a priceline room.

You most likely will not get the swan/dolphin on priceline. They've not shown up on winning bids in a while.

Check biddingfortravel.com's orlando page to see what hotels are going. Right now the resort level seems to be the gaylord palms. If you try for something you most likely will be disappointed.

 

[madelyn]

We generally have not have trouble getting our room requests when staying at a hotel we got through Priceline, but last month when I got my mom, sister and brother rooms in Chicago (they got a Westin), the only available rooms were king bedded rooms. So I was glad that I decided to bid for 2 rooms since they stayed there 3 nights and it would not have been comfortable to have someone on the floor that long! They also cannot guarantee a smoking or non-smoking room, if that is important to you. But in general, I have been very pleased with all my Priceline bids, other than the time I bid for a 2-star property. I try not to go below a 3-star, as a general rule.

 

[kilee]

Actually you are guaranteed a non-smoking room w/ priceline!! I've checked due to asthma. I too have never had problems getting 2 beds. We are the same situation as you 2 adults and 1 child. You do run a higher risk in "big" cities. Meaning cities that are more business oriented DC, NYC, Chicago, ect....

These cities tend to have more King rooms than double rooms to accomodate the business travelers. So, you run a much higher risk not getting 2 beds. Places like Orlando--- well you have waaaaay more double rooms than King rooms. In orlando most of the hotels are so family friendly they never bat an eye when you ask for 2 beds. On my last priceline reservation at the Sheraton Safari-- the lady asked me right away if I wanted 1 or 2 beds.

The back-up plan for us, is to get an air mattress for DS from the closest Walmart/Target if we do only ever get 1 bed.

 

[madelyn]

That's interesting. I didn't realize that you were guaranteed a non-smoking room. My sister mentioned that the room they were in smelled of smoke, although it wasn't designated as non-smoking or smoking. She got the feeling that the hotel was really full because they asked for connecting rooms and were given consecutive room numbers but the rooms were down the hall from each other and not connecting. I told her to complain and ask to be moved the next morning but she didn't even ask.

 

[Lewisc]

You're not guaranteed a non-smoking room. PL claims they request a non-smoking room BUT when I check in most hotels claim PL requested a smoking room. I've never had any trouble switching to a non-smoking room. I think if you have a health issue you can contact the hotel as a ADA requirement. You'll either get a guaranteed non-smoking room or a refund.

Check these boards and BFT. There have been almost no cases in which a person (in Orlando) couldn't get a room with 2 beds. BUT this isn't true in other cities.