Who uses bidding sites?

[Maple]

Just wondered how many people use a site to bid for the best rates for a motel/hotel? Was it what you thought it would be? Did you have any problems? Did you get one bed or two in your room. Which site did you like best? Jenn is helping me discover this route and it still scares me a bit.

 

[RLAlden]

We've only used it once and were fine with it, since we got a great rate. The reason that we don't use it more is that we have an idea which hotel(s) we want to stay in, but you never know on some of those sites which hotel you've booked until after you've paid. We have seen tips on certain amenities to look for for various hotels (Universal Hotels - Orlando), so you have a better chance of getting the one you want at a pretty good rate. We're just picky...

 

[vcasey]

I've used priceline many times and most recently bid for my DL trip. We got the Hyatt for $40/nt. Apr 7-10. I have saved a ton of money doing the auctions but you need to be aware of the 'risks' and make a personal decision whether it is worth it.

Regarding the 1 or 2 beds, priceline only guarantees double occupancy so really you can only be sure of 1 but I have to say except in NY city I've always gotten 2. I just call the hotel directly ahead of time and request it. Not sure if its worth the risk for you. Another issue is you aren't guaranteed amenities like a pool which is essential to us on vacation but again most hotels in warm tourist areas have one so that issue is low risk too. I use www.biddingfortravel.com for all my research. They provide an idea of what hotels you are likely to get, you'll see people's winning bids and there are some hotel reviews.

Good luck!

 

[disneychrista]

In the Disneyland area you are almost garenteed to get Hyatt. Which unfortunetly has very old/dirty rooms that they give to most priceline guests. They will, however, allow you to upgrade for an additional $25 - $40 to a North Tower Suite room, if available. Also note that parking is $12 per night, not included in your room rate/Priceline Rate.

As for bedding, I have always emailed the hotel direct and requested two bed and have always gotten it.

 

[vcasey]

WOW DisneyChrista, I'm surprised to hear your comments about the Hyatt, I travel a lot and Hyatt's are usually reliable.

Just the same in light of the post theme, I still say if you do your research first using bidding sites can save you a bundle.

 

[Maple]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[MandaMom]

vcasey

I have stayed at many Hyatt's, I used to be an employee. I had gotten used to quality. Having said that there are a lot of Hyatt properties that are showing their age and are in desparate need of a remodel.

Case in point all of the general areas at the Hyatt Orange County are more than acceptable with all the usual Hyatt amenities, Starbucks, restaurant, bar/lounge, gift shop, Pizza Hut etc.

Unfortunately the South and North tower in this hotel differ like night and day. The South towers is very 80's/dated and needs to be remodeled while the North tower has spanking clean new rooms/suites that are spacious and modern. No complaints here when we get this hotel we upgrade to a kids suite for 45.00.

We were told by the front desk that the South tower was scheduled to be remodeled and then 9/11 happened, they had a drop in occupancy and hospitality/banquets so they had to delay it. They don't know when they will be able to get to it. I think it's a shame because I would not want the South tower rooms on my priceline rate and I would be very upset if I paid rack rate!

Hope that explains the great discrepancy on Hyatt reviews but you can read the hotel reviews on this hotel at biddingfortravel.com.

MandaMom

 

[epicureangirl]

I haven't used Priceline, but I love using Hotwire. By checking out the information at www.betterbidding.com (as vcasey suggested), I've been able to pretty much figure out which hotel I'll be staying at before making my selection. I might pay a bit more than Priceline, but I feel I have more control over the results.

Example, I'll be paying $49/night for the Hyatt Orange County. Even if I decide to pay for an upgrade (or am given one) this will still be a good value in my opinion.

 

[daannzzz]

I have used Priceline many times and Hotwire a couple. I have gotten great results with both and been happy with all my stays as well as with my car rental deals. That being said there are some areas I will use it and others I won't. When I am traveling to a destination resort such as WDW, Disneyland, Hawaii or such I like to be in control of where I stay. When I am a little more open about it, like in Key West, Reno or when traveling through an area it is fine. I have used it for first night arrival in Orlando and Anaheim and had good results.
At Disneyland I have a certain small area I like to stay in which allows me to walk to and from the park within 5-7 minutes. Priceline and Hotwire can put you in hotels that require a long walk or it's not really walkable and you have to take a shuttle.
The one time I used it in Anaheim I got the Residence Inn for $39. It was a fine and wonderful place but a bit to long of a walk to be convenient.
In orlando I have gotten the Doubletree / Renaissance / Orlando Worldgate a couple of times for $39 AND $45 and the Gaylord Palms for $97. Here locally in Sunnyvale and California we have gotten the Windam Santa Clara for $29 and the Sunnyvale Sheraton for $45.