Never Pricelined - could I in Sonoma/Napa in May?
Aug 15th, 2007, 03:35 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Never Pricelined - could I in Sonoma/Napa in May?
We will be in Sonoma/Napa area to do wineries and redwoods for three nights May 18 -21. Priceline is so tempting and we'd be happy with 3 to 5 stars. Is it not a good time to bid on priceline? Would it be better to just go ahead and book Marriott for $150 a night? Would certainly rather spend $ on restaurants but don't want to get stuck in depressing motel. Thanks to all for your thoughts.
Aug 16th, 2007, 06:37 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, you certainly could. Consult www.biddingfortravel.com for a list of the hotels that could come up and to get an idea of what to bid. Then decide if you want to take the chance. I blow hot and cold on Priceline--works great in some areas, and you save a huge amou7nt, but it's not the "sure thing" it was a few years ago.
Aug 16th, 2007, 08:39 AM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with Marilyn to look at biddingfortravel.com to see what hotels use Priceline and what others are getting.
However, for a May trip, now is probably a little early to start bidding. If there is availability at the Marriott for $150, you can go ahead and make a reservation - you can always cancel it later (assuming the $150 rate is not one requiring pre-payment from something like Expedia). This will give you plenty of time to research what is available thru Priceline and you can monitor bidding activity via biddingfortravel.
However, for a May trip, now is probably a little early to start bidding. If there is availability at the Marriott for $150, you can go ahead and make a reservation - you can always cancel it later (assuming the $150 rate is not one requiring pre-payment from something like Expedia). This will give you plenty of time to research what is available thru Priceline and you can monitor bidding activity via biddingfortravel.
Aug 16th, 2007, 10:09 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've never used Priceline in Sonoma/Napa, but I have used it in other areas. I almost always bid on at least 3 star and have never ended up with a depressing motel. I've gotten Marriotts, Hyatts, and Radissons, which have all been great.
The lowest end place I have ever gotten was an Amerisuites, which was fine - not as nice as the other places, but in that case I was looking for something cheap. We had to go see the inlaws, didn't have much money to spend at the time, and DID NOT want to sleep on their floor - LOL. So I bid on a 2.5 star in an area where I knew all the hotels/motels and knew that none in that range were dives.
Definitely check biddingfortravel though - you can see a list of lodging that other people have gotten for your area of interest. Then you can decide if you want to try.
And as mentioned before, if the rate at the Marriott is cancelable, then go ahead and make the reservation. That way, you will have it, but if you find something better, you can cancel.
The lowest end place I have ever gotten was an Amerisuites, which was fine - not as nice as the other places, but in that case I was looking for something cheap. We had to go see the inlaws, didn't have much money to spend at the time, and DID NOT want to sleep on their floor - LOL. So I bid on a 2.5 star in an area where I knew all the hotels/motels and knew that none in that range were dives.
Definitely check biddingfortravel though - you can see a list of lodging that other people have gotten for your area of interest. Then you can decide if you want to try.
And as mentioned before, if the rate at the Marriott is cancelable, then go ahead and make the reservation. That way, you will have it, but if you find something better, you can cancel.
Aug 16th, 2007, 10:31 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, kdappleton!
Over these last several years, since discovering Priceline, I've been able to bid successfully on Priceline for hotels in both the Napa and the Sonoma areas.
I bid no lower than 3*.
Successful bid prices have been from a low of $55 to a high of $130.
I've gotten the 3* Napa Marriott on several occasions for $55 - $75 (maybe $80). Also gotten both of the 4*s listed for over $100.
In Sonoma, I've gotten all three of the 3*s, the Sheraton, the Hilton and the Doubletree for $55-$90. Of the three, my favorite is the Doubletree.
Since you going just as the summer rush begins, I would suggest testing the waters soon after New Years. If you don't get anything that early, then keep trying and intensify your efforts from about mid-February on, giving yourself a 3-month window.
There is no need to go below a 3*.
Yes, do read BFT!
Good luck!
Over these last several years, since discovering Priceline, I've been able to bid successfully on Priceline for hotels in both the Napa and the Sonoma areas.
I bid no lower than 3*.
Successful bid prices have been from a low of $55 to a high of $130.
I've gotten the 3* Napa Marriott on several occasions for $55 - $75 (maybe $80). Also gotten both of the 4*s listed for over $100.
In Sonoma, I've gotten all three of the 3*s, the Sheraton, the Hilton and the Doubletree for $55-$90. Of the three, my favorite is the Doubletree.
Since you going just as the summer rush begins, I would suggest testing the waters soon after New Years. If you don't get anything that early, then keep trying and intensify your efforts from about mid-February on, giving yourself a 3-month window.
There is no need to go below a 3*.
Yes, do read BFT!
Good luck!
Aug 16th, 2007, 11:36 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thank you all for encouragement and tips. I will book Marriott directly and then start trying after the New Year. I have also looked at biddingfortravel. I'm always impressed by the generosity and knowledge of people who take the time to respond to strangers' questions. I'll let you know how I did in a few months.
