HELP WITH PRICELINE.COM
 

OK...I,m new to this site so bear with me on this. I think I understand how Priceline.com <BR>works and have even tried to use this site just now but when it gets right down to it, <BR>it seems like once I ok a price, I'm locked <BR>into a certain hotel (which doesnt show me <BR>which one-just a certain level I've asked for)and charges my credit card* Is this how <BR>it goes before I go any further with this? I <BR>thought I would get a list of possible hotel <BR>sites to choose from before I said OK to the <BR>charges* Please help with what to do next* <BR>Thanks*

You have the procedure correct... you agree to a price and then are committed. The hotel won't be revealed to you until you are committed. <BR> <BR>For help on how to bid, prior winning bids for the region you're bidding on, and bonus money add to your bid, try: <BR> <BR>www.biddingfortravel.com <BR>

Make sure you click on the highest rated hotels (number of stars). <BR> <BR>Make sure it's in the neighborhood of the city where you want to stay. <BR> <BR>Then enter a price you would pay for an economy or moderate price hotel. <BR> <BR>You'd be surprised at what you can get for $30 - $40 or, even in NYC, a great hotel for $80 - 100. <BR> <BR>I understand your reluctance to just accept any hotel they throw at you. But remember, if you click on the higest number of stars, it's not going to be a dump. <BR> <BR>With the games the hotels play with their rates - one room goes for $350 per night while someone gets the very same room for $85, Priceline becomes a very fun tool to use when traveling. <BR> <BR>

The advice above about keeping the stars high (3 or more) and the area you want is good. And don't be put off by the screen that pops up and says "NYC is an expensive place and, (in effect), you can't be serious"--just push "submit". If it is turned down you have to change something just a little to resubmit. We got a hotel for $110/ which lists for $440/ and some folks were checking out who were paying that price (and they were gulping).

Does priceline.com work better when the trip is closer to the date of travel? Is there an optimum number of weeks before travel when you should bid?