Priceline or Hotwire.com ???

[carolina gal']

Hi. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to tell me if they have had a better experience using Priceline or Hotwire?? I posted last night looking for a hotel near Orlando Int'l airport. I got so many wonderful responses and was encouraged to try both web-sites for hotel rates. I visited Hot-Wire and they offer more information than Priceline in the way of hotel ammenities and comments from people who have stayed at the various properties. Priceline does not offer anything other than you telling them the location you are looking for and your "bid". On the contrary it seems that people get better rates using priceline.

We are going on our $99 return cruise on Dec. 5th and flying in the night before. I was hoping to either be lucky enough to stay at the Hyatt or the Renaissance hotel. Any hints as to how to secure either of these hotels using either site? Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks and have a great weekend!!

 

[inkkognito]

We have never had a problem with either Hotwire or Priceline. We started out with Hotwire and stuck with them for a while because I learned how to figure out which hotel was the Amerisuites, and it was so reasonably priced.
With Priceline, we really lucked into the Renaissance...not sure how, as the hotel was totally booked when we arrived. They must have really underestimated the demand on that day. We only paid $28, and the rest of the people paid so much more! That encouraged us to use them again, but lately it's been the LaQuinta.
I know there are message boards with Priceline strategies, but I have never visited them. Maybe someone else here will know the URL (Dave, did you post it once?).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[scottie]

I have found one site that gives PriceLine help/hints... Hope it helps you out carolina gal'

http://pub109.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding

 

[inkkognito]

That's the one I was thinking of, Scottie...thanks!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[peg2001]

Another bidding tips website is www.biddingfortravel.com, it gives some good overall advice (such as how to use "free" bids) as well as providing a place for people to post their success and failure bidding.

I've used both Hotwire and Priceline for hotel rooms and as long as you understand how they work, they are great tools. Please do not bid with the expectation for a particular hotel as you can be greatly disappointed. You CAN control the quality level, however, as well as the general location. Also, be aware that for either site, your credit card is charged immediately so you must be very sure of your travel dates.

Good luck.

 

[AprilN]

We used Hotwire to book a hotel pre-cruise near MCO for 2/21/03, and received a rate of $58 per night (total charge $70.95 for one night) for the Marriott Orlando Airport, rated 4 out of 5 stars on Hotwire. A super rate for what sounds like quite a nice hotel.

We've used Hotwire a few times for flights, hotels and car rentals, and I prefer it to Priceline because we know the exact cost before we take the offer. We've never been disappointed!

April