Tell Us Your Priceline/Howire Deal

[ZPT1022]

We have found that it doesn't work very well for us to reserve interim stops along the way, so we just get the discount books from the rest areas and look for something. Usually we get into the first one we try, though coming back from Florida the last time we had to try three or four before we found something and it wasn't great.

I don't know if we'll be stopping on the way back since we'll have DH with us on the trip home. It's the way down that I'm really concerned about since it will be just me and the kids

If we reserve in advance, either we get there way too early and aren't really ready to stop for the night or weather and/or traffic delays make us exhausted when we arrive.

That's what I was thinking- if we're making good time and it's still relatively early, it seems silly to be locked in to a stop. When we could keep going and then have that much less driving the next day. Or on the flipside of that we could get stuck in traffic for hours and hours and just be ready to stop and be done and yet our reserved room is still 2 hours away. Yuck

Priceline reservations can not be refunded, so if you had auto trouble or something, you would be out the dough. I'd be more inclined to look for a refundable rate if I did reserve. You just never know what's going to delay you along the way.

I'm hoping we won't have car trouble since our car is fairly new, and I'm not even going to say the "A" word since I've been in one and it already makes me nervous As for refundable rates don't the typically have to be cancelled more like 24 hours or more in advance? So that wouldn't necessarily help me on that day if we change our mind for whatever reason.

I guess in the end it will come down to price and safety. I don't want to spend more than I have to since it is basically just to sleep and then shower in the am. We don't need any frills but clean and safe and preferably indoor corridors. I don't want to get stuck in some seedy place because we waited either though. What to do, what to do

 

[swilshire]

As for refundable rates don't the typically have to be cancelled more like 24 hours or more in advance?

Most of the chains will take a reservation with just a credit card guarantee and allow you to cancel until 6PM of the day of checkin. Usually by then, you'd have at least a pretty good idea of how the day is going.

I'm thinking of Marriotts, Hiltons, etc, but even some of the less expensive chains allow the same. We stayed in a Days Inn not too long ago that had this policy.

Sheila

 

[mjmcca]

For those of you priceline experts out there I am thinking of using it to reserve two hotel rooms on my way to FL this August. We're driving from CT to FL and I was thinking 1 night in Virginia or North Carolina and then the next in Georgia. Can I get something 3* or above for about $50/night or is thta just a crazy dream? I want something safe, clean, and with indoor corridors. Oh and non smoking but since that is a medical one I am hoping that will be easy enough to have honored. Thanks!

I drive from Brooklyn NY to Orlando a lot and never stop more than one night. ( well at least I don't now that the kids are no longer babies). I also am the only driver sometimes. I can also like to stop at South of the Border because they allow you to pull the car up to the door to the room. very convenient

 

[ZPT1022]

I drive from Brooklyn NY to Orlando a lot and never stop more than one night. ( well at least I don't now that the kids are no longer babies). I also am the only driver sometimes. I can also like to stop at South of the Border because they allow you to pull the car up to the door to the room. very convenient

Normally if DH was along we would drive straight through. However it will be just me and the kids. The kids will be 25 months, 25 months and 5, so not old enough to really be helpful or anything. Also the kids and I are driving farther south in FL to visit my grandparents before meeting DH in Orlando. A visit with the grandparents is not the thing to start already stressed out. They're great people but they can be stressful in and of themselves. Last year when we drove to WDW it took us literally 24 hours from our house to Pop Century. I'm thinking if I break it up into 8-10 hour blocks that we should all arrive fairly well rested. If that means that the last night we stop in FL and then arrive earlier in the day at my grandparents that's fine too. Maybe I should pull out my old trip tik from AAA and see exactly what we're dealing with. BTW- how did you feel going as the only driver? DH thinks I'm nuts.

 

[mjmcca]

I have driven it a lot starting when I was single. I have driven with then 6 times as the only driver only twice with another adult. I have also gone 2 other times with DH who did most of the driving. I like long road trips. With the kids you will have to make more stops. I like taking them to places like cracker barrel fro dinner where they can get out and walk a little instead of doing drive through. If you are planning on making it a longer trip you can make some stops that will allow them to stretch their legs.


I always bring things to keep them occupied. They each have a travel backpack that I put some toys and coloring books in. some of the stuff is old and a lot of it is new. I take gameboy and v smile pocket for them to play with. On my last trip we had a new car and we have XM radio in it and the kids channel is great mine loved it.

I had bought a portable DVD player but the sound was broken so we didn't get to use it.

I think it would be a lot easier to drive even making all of those stops with 3 kids by myself than trying to take a plane and lugging them and all of their stuff through the airport.

 

[keishashadow]

I drive from Brooklyn NY to Orlando a lot and never stop more than one night. ( well at least I don't now that the kids are no longer babies). I also am the only driver sometimes. I can also like to stop at South of the Border because they allow you to pull the car up to the door to the room. very convenient

Finally, someone else gives a to South of the Border accommodations.

Entertainment 50% off rates book up fast & must be guaranteed w/CC - their cancellation policy varies.

I do recall being asked for DL id when checking into hotels along I-95, even when I have CC guarantee.

I was nervous the 1st time I was the only adult driving on vacation too but, muddled through; even when my new car broke down & I had to parts shipped from back home to fix it (@ least we were already @ our destination). Things are safer with the advent of cellphones IMO. Enjoy!

 

[mjmcca]

Finally, someone else gives a to South of the Border accommodations.

Entertainment 50% off rates book up fast & must be guaranteed w/CC - their cancellation policy varies.

I do recall being asked for DL id when checking into hotels along I-95, even when I have CC guarantee.

I was nervous the 1st time I was the only adult driving on vacation too but, muddled through; even when my new car broke down & I had to parts shipped from back home to fix it (@ least we were already @ our destination). Things are safer with the advent of cellphones IMO. Enjoy!

Yup if i get there at the right time to stop that is the place I am going to stay the night.

 

[swilshire]

The kids will be 25 months, 25 months and 5, so not old enough to really be helpful or anything. how did you feel going as the only driver? DH thinks I'm nuts.

Got to admit, when I saw those ages, I thought you were a brave soul. The driving wouldn't be as bad as the other logistics.

How do you get them all to the bathroom, for example? Thank goodness family restrooms are showing up at more rest areas.

How do you get them into the hotel room along with the bags.

How do you take a shower without being concerned that one of them will manage to escape? I'm serious on this one. I guess most hotels have something up high that they couldn't reach to secure the door. Our last resort had no chain or anything. The deadbolt would open when you turned the door knob (not really a knob, more of a long skinny lever). We were terrified that our disabled 7yo would escape during the night. We stacked chairs in front of the door while we slept. He might of been hurt by the falling chairs, but at least it would have awakened the rest of us. I have distinct memories of my daughter, now 20, trying to get out of a room in Georgia when she was a babe. Luckily, the chain was attached and she made noise when it hit.

I'm exhausted just thinking about your trip. I would drive it with older kids, but would be WAY too chicken with the small ones.

My first babysitter's husband (20 years ago) refused to ever take his two small daughters anywhere alone. His position was, if somebody grabbed one, what would I do with the other one while I chased the bad guy? Sad that anyone would even consider such a thing, but it's a crazy World.

Sheila

 

[ZPT1022]

Sheila I totally hear what you are saying with the kids. I guess the first step is that we go plenty of places here and while it's a logistical PITA sometimes we are used to it. As for stops- rest stops won't be too bad. First off if we keep the driving to around 8 or so hours a day I shouldn't have to stop more than two, maybe three times. The twins will not likely be potty trained before we go. So that just leaves me and DD who will be 5. I don't think it will be too hard to wait a few hours. Last year on the way down we didn't care for the lack of sanitariness of the baby changers so we just changed the twins on the front seat of the car and will probably do that again. Then they can go in the double stroller. DD 5 will walk and we will use a handicap restroom. This is basically my life every day so we are used to it. Actually it's a treat if DH is with us and we don't have to. If there are family restrooms it will be that much easier. Also one more reason to not drive too much during the night. Daytime feels quite a bit safer for stops than some of those late at night ones we've made in the past.

The hotel room with the bags is a teensy bit trickier but I figured we would put most of our trip luggage in the clamshell on the roof rack and then all we need to grab is the duffel for overnight which I can carry while pushing the stroller and a bag for cosmetics and meds which I can stuff under the stroller. The stroller is key for keeping the twins contained. If there is bell services then I will use them and tip well.

The shower does make me nervous but most hotels have those latching things that will catch 2 inches out and not really allow anyone through. I can also either keep them in the pack & plays or stack the pack & plays in front of the door and let them be TV zombies. Take as quick a shower as possible and then get dressed in the room with them. It will be easy to be quick since I'll be paranoid.

As for being too chicken, I do have my moments when I question it but if we drive with DH it will stink. We would have to drive straight through, arrive exhausted, pay for a hotel the first night and then pay to fly DH home the first flight out the next day to have him home in time for work. No time to slow down and relax. And I also don't get to stop and visit my cousin in NJ and her new baby that way either. Honestly I'm more worried about keeping them away from my grandparents Hummels for a week. LOL

As far as the not taking kids out alone, unfortunately I don't have the luxury of waiting for DH for everything. I understand the reasoning behind it but if I waited to have another adult to help nothing would ever get done. Until the twins are old enough to listen and listen well that double stroller is our best friend. And then it will be time for another little one and it will all start again. LOL

 

[swilshire]

I've always had a lot of admiration for the parents of multiples. It must be EXHAUSTING! Certainly, the logistics are quite the challenge.

We scattered our brood out, not necessarily by choice, but it worked out that way. Ours are now 20, 18, 12, and 7. The older two were great help with the two younger. Now that they're not around much, the 12yo is stepping up to fill in the gap.

Eight hours with only two or three stops would never work for me, but then I'm not the best traveller. I stop about once an hour, even when I'm just the passenger, for a restroom break and to reload my caffeine. Maybe if I cut back on the drinks, I could spread out the stops, but I'd certainly be less alert. Also, anything more than an hour and my back and legs get very stiff. Old age, I guess.

Hope you have a great time on your trip. It is certainly how memories are made.

Sheila

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

Please share your Priceline or Hotwire deal.

What hotel did you get? LaQuinta Miami Airport North
What did you pay? $50.00
What did amenities did you request? 2 beds and non-smoking
When did you go? May 9, 2006
How far in advance did you bid? Feb. 25, 2006
Were you happy with the results? Wasn't sure if $50 was too high but for
that region, maybe it wasn't. The hotel was nice - typical LaQuinta -
and the staff was excellent. Just not sure about the high price.

I know there are great deals to be had, but let's hear some specifics!

Thanks everyone!

We only stayed one night because we were leaving the next morning for home. We also bid on a three star in Orlando and got

Holiday Inn International Drive Resort
Same price - $50.00
Bid at the same time Feb. 25, 2006
For May 8, 2006

We were happy with this one and it was only for one night. Again, the staff was excellent.

I've never been really displeased with my PL wins. I've gotten some real nice ones for a small bid and some not so nice for a higher bid, but still never paid close to the price on the web sites or the price I would have gotten, even with discounts. All in all, I'm happy with PL and have already booked 6 nights in CA and will book again for 6 nights in WDL in December.

Edited for spelling, naturally!!

 

[ohiomom28]

What hotel did you get? Amerisuites Convention Center
What did you pay? $40 plus tax
What did amenities did you request? 2.5*
When did you go? Mar 5-12
How far in advance did you bid? 5 weeks
Were you happy with the results? yes very

 

[chobie]

Bumping this up. I just got Gaylord Palms for $96 a night July 27-29. We're are going for DS birthday. He wants to go to Disney Quest and IOA for a day each since we will not be able to use our FLA seasonal passes at WDW.

 

[mamalle]

chobie- how did you bid to get gaylord mind I ask? disney resort area and what star rating? I have been lurking on priceline and the bidding one but not so sure if I should give it a try to get one night there.

 

[queenof2princesses]

I hate to jinx everyone, but I just won a bid on Priceline for 3* at Hotel Royal Plaza on 8/4/06 for $55. I was too chicken to book our entire 4 night stay-thought I could just add extra nights..now I find out extra nights are not available at my rate. Great...so now I have 1 night in the middle of our stay here..Bad bidding decision. Anyway, does anyone know what Priceline(or the hotel), does if there is a H#%&cane? I can't bring myself to say the word. I have always stayed on property and could cancel within few days..This is prepaid. If we can't get there due to evacuations, do we get to change our ressies? Hoping for the best.. TIA

 

[chobie]

chobie- how did you bid to get gaylord mind I ask? disney resort area and what star rating? I have been lurking on priceline and the bidding one but not so sure if I should give it a try to get one night there.

Resort in Disney area. I bid 89 and it was rejected, but they said if I added like $22 it would be accepted. Sop I changed the date (we had some flexibility) and raised the bid to $96 and it came up as Gaylord Palms. I've been watching Bidding for Travel and Gaylord and Hyatt Grand Cypress have been coming up a lot for around $96-99 and either one of those would have been fine with me.

 

[mamalle]

thank you!

 

[shondad]

I got the Wyndham Orlando International Drive, today, for $55.00 for one night in August before our onsite vacation starts. Perhaps I could have gotten it cheaper, but I did save $24 from the lowest rate I saw and that was on Expedia.

This was through Priceline with an option to extend my stay, before and/or after. I did not look at biddingfortravel.com first, I just went for it. My DH and I have used Priceline several times in the past and have gotten great rates. So far we have not been disappointed and I have no reason to believe that we will.

We've booked rooms for Austin (Marriott near the Capital), San Antonio (Hilton Airport), New Orleans twice (Doubletree Lakeside) pre Katrina, and Orlando (Renaissance, Airport I think). Each stay was great, except that Hilton did not seem to have Bell Services, which I found odd.

I, personally would not hesitate to use them, especially for our hotel needs.

 

[kidsister]

Although I've always come out ok with Priceline...I stilll get a wee bit nervous when I do it!

Best deals were:
Sheraton Resort Hotel in N.Miami Beach : a delux room with all the bells and whistles recently remodeled: $45 bucks a night!!!!!!

The Westin at LAX: $45 a night!!!!!

I researched 'resort' hotels in the location I was bidding and knew that they were the only ones...so that if I won, chances were high that it would be that specific hotel.

Around Disney, I got the HI that was just off World Drive but is now some other resort. Despite all the complaints here on the Dis, our room was well worth the $36 (inc tax) I liked the duvets on the beds and the fact that the beds were triple sheeted.

I haven't tried getting a luxury hotel near Disney, just because if I am going to pay that then I would rather stay DVC. Of course that doesn't work well on weekends.

Wondering if the Portifino or HRH are ever on Priceline? Anybody know????

 

[AdventurerKat]

I have used Priceline a few times and plan to again for a stay in a couple weeks. I usually bid less than two weeks out.

What hotel did you get? Gaylord Palms
What did you pay? $80.00 plus tax and fees
What did amenities did you request? Resort
When did you go? April 1-3 2005
How far in advance did you bid? 3 days
Were you happy with the results? Yes! I love this hotel.

What hotel did you get? Sheraton Safari
What did you pay? $36 + tax and fees
What did amenities did you request? 3 star
When did you go? November 10-12
How far in advance did you bid? night before. This was a last minute trip.
Were you happy with the results? yes


What hotel did you get? Wyndham DTD (now Buena Vista Palace or something. I also think it has been downgraded recently)
What did you pay? $56 + tax and fees
What did amenities did you request? Resort
When did you go? July 15-16 2005
How far in advance did you bid? About a week before
Were you happy with the results? yes

I will update this after I bid for my next trip.