London hotels via Priceline bidding
 

I’m interested in feedback from travelers who have used Priceline to secure London lodging, especially if you’re a frequent Priceline user in the city. Here are my issues:

1) For the uninitiated first time visitor, I’m curious as to which of the 14 bidding zones are the best for the general tourist, offering superior proximity for general touring and access to key sites. Are there zones that you would ignore? Of some priority is access to transit within the city, (we’re arriving in the city via train from Edinburgh) and also will depart the city from Heathrow. Also, are there select zones that might offer some price relief during the usually expensive M-TH business week period?

2) As a regular and active user of Priceline, I know the service guarantees only that the room will accommodate two people, but makes no guarantees on type or number of beds. I am traveling in London with another single person and really need two beds. I’m interested in your past experiences and general thoughts as to how accommodating London hotels might be in fulfilling a request for 2 beds with the name your own price option. Is it a lost cause, or is there hope that they can accommodate such a request? Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

I'd go with Bloomsbury, Chelsea, Kensington, Mayfair, or Westminster.

I have used Priceline in London with my daughter, and ended up with a king sized beds after asking for twin. I wonder whether you'd be better off with Hotwire and booking for 3 persons?

I haven't done Priceline in London but have stayed in MANY different hotels there - and IMHO a room with one double is much more common than two twins. Some hotels may have quite a few twins and others won;t have any.

If you must have twins - and I would under the circumstances - I would not do Priceline. But agree that those areas are central and pleasant. You might also consider Knightsbridge.

I have used Priceline in London several times, although not in the past 2 or 3 years. (I now use Hiltons for the points and benefits.) When I traveled with my mother, I simply emailed the hotel reservation desk with the Priceline Conf. # stating this, and asked for twins. I never had a problem.

Assuming you want the blind-bidding Priceline section, two websites offer feedback on winning bids. The information is mostly about prices but includes names of hotels that were won.
http://www.betterbidding.com
http://www.biddingfortravel.com

Okay, I have not used Priceline but stayed in Bloomsbury at the Grafton, before a tour and it was a great location. 2.5 years ago, we were paying $210 a night with breakfast. location, a block or so to the Metro, which had access everywhere. Quick walk to the British Museum. Nearby grocery store, photo shop, restaurants, and a McDonalds. We flew into Heathrow, and since there were 4 of us, booked a car (recommended in this forum) in advance to the hotel, which was very reasonable. Although we were a couple, our room did have twin beds, and included a great hot buffet breakfast.

Westminster used to be one of the best zones - but IMO one should avoid it now. Several years ago PL redrew the zones and Westminster now covers vauxhall on the 'wrong' side of the river and 80% of the time. - vauxhall is what you'll get.

Every single time I've checked in to a PL hotel in London, I've been aske if I wanted a double or a twin. So I agree w/ denisede and just contact the hotel after you 'win' your bid, and ask for a twin. No 100% guarantees but you'll most likely get one.