Priceline ?

[maci]

Ok, for all of you who have used pricline. Is there someway to pick the hotel you want???? I would say this is a great service is this were the case. But for what I can tell, you dont get to pick what so ever, you just pick an area and they stick you where they stick you. Did I miss something somewhere, or is this really the case?
I wanted to find a great deal as close to Universal as possible.

Also, does pricline have rooms at onsite hotels, hard rock, etc.? I know hotels.com does.

One more thing, if anyone has used them (priceline), please tell me what you thought.
Thanks

 

[BonnieA]

There is no way to pick your own hotel. You bid for an area and a star rating and then, as you said, they "stick you where they want". But I've been "stuck" in some very nice places paying very little money. I just returned from a trip to San Francisco where I stayed at the Hilton Fishermans Wharf and the Hyatt Regency at the airport. Got the Hilton for $70/night (internet price $189), the Hyatt was $30/night and it was beautiful. In Orlando I've gotten the Doubletree villas ($30) and Hyatt Orlando ($35). I think you have to be a bit of an adverturer to use priceline, or someone who loves suprises. And you have to take what you get, no refunds.

 

[maci]

One more question. How soon do you hear back from them? Is there a set time frame?
Thanks again!

 

[CarolA]

I suggest you go to either www.biddingfortravel.com or www.betterbidding.com and read up.

You should NOT use priceline if you have to have a certain hotel.

Reponse time is fast. Lately I just wait for them to pop up the response, but they always tell you within 15 minutes.

Priceline has some DTD hotels, rarely the Swan/Dolphin, but NO Disney owned hotels. Not sure about Universal area since I don't stay there.

 

[Emerald31]

Hello, there is no way to pick the hotel of your choice you have to be willing to accept what they give you. You are allowed to choose your dates, area and star quality. I generally go 3 star and above, become leery of going any lower. On my last bid for 3 star in the WDW area for our trip in December I received an answer on my bids within 2 minutes or less.

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

My DH and I are retired and have used PL extensively for hotel rooms. I, too, always book 3* or up and have gotten some very good deals. I did book 2* once and got what I paid for but for a few dollars more, I could have gotten a highter rated hotel. My one and only experience with lower than a 3*.

I recommend PL if you're not looking for a particular hotel/motel/resort. We've always gotten a good deal with them.

I agree with CarolA about using their FAQ's and learning as much as you can about the process. Don't go in there blind because you'll probably pay too much. PL is great for rooms and some airline tickets. I've never used them for car rentals but from some of the posts, you can get good deals on that too. Worth a try.

 

[tinaluis]

Priceline doesn't have access to the Universal on-site properties, but Hotwire does. For tips on how to figure out which hotel has come up on Hotwire see www.betterbidding.com. We've gotten some INCREDIBLE deals using Priceline in the past. We bid 2.5* or higher in the WDW and Universal zones and have gotten the Amerisuites (2.5*), Wellesley Inn and Suites (2.5*), Wyndham on I-Drive (3*), Sheraton Safari (3*), and Rosen Centre (3*) -- each one for $35/night or less. Reservations are non-refundable and non-changeable so make sure your dates are set in stone before you bid. If you can be a little flexible, Priceline can save you a TON of $$$. Good luck.

 

[maci]

Thanks for all the info! I did check out the biddingfortravel site, it has a ton of info! I just dont know if I am willing to give up my control that much with this particular trip, but I may try it in the future!!
I was really wanting to get a good deal with a onsite hotel at universal. May just bite the bullet and pay the money for the front of the line priveleges!!!!
Thanks again

 

[Lewisc]

The best rates at the Universal Hotels are usually the Entertainment Book rates (call the hotel) or through Hotwire (use betterbidding.com so that you can be almost 100% sure of the hotel).

 

[daannzzz]

I love Priceline but will not use it for my Disney trips (except for my room on arrival night). It is actually fun to find out what you will get. They have not sent me to a bad place yet. I was a bit disappointed with one 3* hotel in Oregon as far as the location and look of the place but the room was nice and quiet.
When it comes to certain vacations I like to pick my resort. When it comes to trveling through an area Priceline is great. I have also gotten a couple really good deals on car rentals.