Should I book on Priceline?

[tomgreen41]

2 Priceline questions re: Orlando WDW vacation.

1. If we're a family of 5, should I avoid Priceline? I know their max occupancy rules and the risks involved booking for more than 2. But how likely is it that we'd only get a room with just 1 bed? Also, since Priceline doesn't show amenities, is there a concern that I might get a hotel without a pool (which is a must for us). I would assume most, if not all, hotels would have pools but you know what they say about 'assuming'.

2. When is the best time to book? According to HotelDealsRevealed.com, the best time to bid on Priceline is around 2 weeks but that really seems like it's cutting it close, especially during spring break. Do most of the hotels in Orlando fill up during peak seasons?

 

[swilshire]

Will you be booking two rooms? If not, it is doubtful you will get a room that allows five.

If a pool is a must, you might use Hotwire instead. It won't be quite as cheap, but you have more control over the amenities. I always want a unit with a refrigerator.

I would not wait until the last minute to book Spring break unless your break is at an odd time. Some years ours is. If you are talking about typical college Spring break or around Easter, you could easily wind up paying too much for a room.

Sheila

 

[davinakb]

Depending on your star level I cannot imagine a place without a pool.

The 5 people, not only against the rules it's just very uncomfortable and crowded. Are 3 people small kids? It's a gamble for sure. (BTW I just PL the Holiday Inn LBV, got 2Q room which is quite large, just no guarantee.)

Yes most of the better places will be booked peak dates and fewer places will release rooms at lower rates on PL or HW b/c it's peak or holiday. Or they charge more. Then once you add resort/parking fees, not sure of the 'bargain'.

How long a stay? If 5+ nights, maybe a small condo might be better, cheaper? Anyway good luck and have a good trip.

 

[4kids4karen]

I have known people use priceline a few days out for cheer competitions in Kissimmee and were happy with the hotel selected. They were just looking for a one night stay.

Here are the people I know who were unhappy using a 3rd party booking.

Me: Years ago before my 9 year old daughter was 3 we went to Universal Studios and booked through Expedia. We needed to cut our vacation one day short so we went to checkout a day early. The hotel was more than willing to not charge us the last night, but then he noticed the 3rd party booking and says you have to go back to them for a refund.

Military Friend: Used priceline to book for a week at Disney. Our boss decided not to approve her leave requests. She went back to priceline and had a difficult time getting a refund even though she had the disapproved leave form and a letter signed by the commander stating her leave was cancelled. The hotel was fine with her cancellation for this reason. I am not sure if she ever did get a refund from priceline and it went on for several weeks with them.

Once I had to cancel reservations last minute due to my brother's death the night before we were suppose to check-in at the hotel. The hotel (Shades of Green) was great and allowed us to re-book for a later date with no penalty.\


So for a 3rd party agency, please keep all of this in mind.

 

[staceyeileen]

I'd go with Hotwire instead.

 

[JLS]

Priceline is great if you just want a room in a general area and within a certain category of room (3 star, 4 star, etc.) you don't care which hotel you get. I usually check prices for the same thing on Hotwire and then I will underbid Hotwire and sometimes it works.

But as mentioned, definitely keep in mind that you cannot cancel or change. For this reason, its a really bad idea to book Priceline far in advance. Wait until around a week before and then check Hotwire and Priceline. That is when they get a lot of unsold inventory released and may have the best options.

For 5 people you should consider doing a timeshare unit - check out Orange Lake Country Club, Sheraton Vistana Villages, Bonnet Creek, or other options. You can usually get a 2 bedroom at one of the lesser expensive off-property timeshares for around $100 per night - its an absolute steal and much much better than cramming 5 people into a hotel room no matter what the price.

 

[TheSixOfUs]

I concur with what everyone has said so far. If you book with Priceline, it's risky. Hotwire a bit less risky but you usually pay a higher price.