Priceline?

[100%Disney]

Do you pay a fee to use Priceline?

 

[BrianMonk]

Yes, just prior to submiting a final bid, you'll see a fee added on to the cost of you're bid. The fee varies depending on what it is you're bidding on.

 

[CheapMom]

yes there is a fee
Priceline scares the bejabbers out of me- I used them for the 1st time and got an oceanfront hotel roomat Cocoa Beach ifor $40 plus a $10 fee- I was so proud of myself UNTIL- I saw the reviews for it on tripadvisor.com- ROACHES IN THE ROOMS- we may just get a new hotel and take a $50 loss- some people love Priceline but I will never do it again for hotel rooms-

 

[Lewisc]

Reserve judgement until you see the room. PL is (usually) OK as long as you bid 3* and better. I use PL for hotel but wouldn't use them for air. Don't want to risk losing the first and last day of my trip.

Originally posted by CheapMom
yes there is a fee
Priceline scares the bejabbers out of me- I used them for the 1st time and got an oceanfront hotel roomat Cocoa Beach ifor $40 plus a $10 fee- I was so proud of myself UNTIL- I saw the reviews for it on tripadvisor.com- ROACHES IN THE ROOMS- we may just get a new hotel and take a $50 loss- some people love Priceline but I will never do it again for hotel rooms-

 

[100%Disney]

Thank you so much.

 

[100%Disney]

What would be a reasonable bid for a 3* in the Disney area?

 

[funnygarcia]

Check the boards at http://www.biddingfortravel.com

They list all sorts of ways to bid effectively- can help you with strategy to bid and others post what they bid and what they got for hotel.

I haven't used Priceline for WDW but had enormous success for DL ($40 or less at Marriot or Hilton) .

 

[100%Disney]

Thanks

 

[CarolA]

I take TripAdvisor with a grain of salt. Keep in mind people generally only post if they are unhappy. So it could be one time thing.

The other thing is I am convinced that some people post about the same hotel OVER and OVER again. It is a personal vendatta with them. I have seen some clues on some reviews and my gut tells me it's the same person with a different name. LOL!

I have always had good luck with Priceline and would use them for hotels and cars, but not for airfares. Way too much chance there.

 

[maggiew]

Originally posted by 100%Disney
What would be a reasonable bid for a 3* in the Disney area?

I second the advice to go to http://www.betterbidding.com

I think the 3* on priceline usually go for around $35.

I have never used priceline, I prefer Hotwire. You may pay a few dollars more for the room than priceline, but you know better which hotel you are getting.

Maggie

 

[CheapMom]

I did bid 3* and not only did I see more than 1 negative review on tripadvisor but I heard bad stuff here on the DisBoards- however there were a couple of people who reassured me that the hotel is fine and that it is being renovated so it should be okay- I am still undecided what to do.
biddingfortravel has pretty good information if you are using hotwire. Unfortunately hotwire didn't have anything in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach.

 

[binkyj826]

I have use Priceline 3 times now and I love it. I don't think I will book a hotel (other than Disney, of course!) without using it.

I have never used it for Orlando but I did get the Hyatt Regency in Miami (pre-cruise stay) for 3 days at $38/day.

I got the Concord Colonial Inn in Lexington, MA for $30.

And I just booked the Marriott in Springfield, MA (4 miles from Six Flaggs) for $35/night.

Go to biddingfortravel.com

They will tell you what hotels you coudld possibly be bidding for.

Never used it for air travel and don't think I will try, either.

--Tammie

 

[100%Disney]

I really want to try it. I may bid for my last night to see what I get.

 

[roadtripper]

In addition to reading the winning bids on www.biddingfortravel.com, make sure you read the Hotel FAQ and the Orlando Hotel FAQ on the site. I have gotten great deals on airfare-- (Bermuda 225) and hotels all over. Don't fret about the hotel yet-- we have never been disappointed with a 3*.

 

[kilee]

I wouldn't take my loss on a hotel until I've seen it. Not everyone has the same opinions. Too many times you can read reviews (here and at Trip Advisor) where someone will HATE, HATE, HATE the Holiday Inn-- but they were expecting the Grand Floridian!!


Anyhow, I bid for a 3* for the middle of March-- we got the Sheraton Safari for $38 a night-- 2 rooms. This hotel was great!!! I would LOVE to get this again, and for the price too!!!

I, personally, love priceline. I get alittle leary when traveling w/ our son. I'm always afraid of the day we can only get 1 bed. I have used them elsewhere too. This year I have gotten: 3* Sheraton Safari in Orlando for $38/nt, I got Holiday Nikki Bird 2.5* for $27/nt, and I got the Grand Hyatt in NYC 4* for $151/nt.

Pretty much w/ a 3* in the WDW area you are pretty safe. Try to avoid going lower if you can!! Some of the 2.5* and less aren't the best-- I've learned to hard way. I got greedy-- wanted to save even more money-- I've learned my lesson-- only 3* or better.

 

[kilee]

Just wanted to add 1 more thing--

Big difference between hotwire and priceline-- you'll pay an average of $5-10 more per night. BUT-- Hotwire is more lenient in it's ratings. Many hotels that Hotwire rate a 3* are only 2.5* on priceline. So you could end up paying more for a truly lesser quality hotel!! Also, some of the rates on hotwire are close to travelocity and expedia rates (seen this happen recently over on betterbidding for the D.C. area).