Hi,
We're heading to California for the first time in February, spending a couple days in LA and a few in SF. I am thinking about trying Priceline for the first time for our hotel in San Francisco.

I have tried Hotwire but would like to take a swing at Priceline, too.(got the Maui Hyatt on Hotwire for $200/night for next month). I would bid for a 4 star hotel in Union Square, and have already checked out biddingfortravel.com for the hotel lists.

A couple questions:
1.) Any experiences with PL in SF in this area? Prices you won, good/bad rooms or tips?
2.) How far in advance should a PL bid be done?

Thanks!!
2.)

I'm leaving for SF tomorrow. I bid my rooms in March. I started for 4 stars in Union Square. I didn't want to go over $80. I didn't get anything after one try. I decided to take a chance and go for boutique and I got the Harbor Court for $65 (not including taxes and fees). I'm happy. The hotel looks good. My experience w/ Priceline is the earlier the bid the better

Haven't stayed yet, but I was successful on a $75 night 4* in Union Square.

Have you taken a look at www.biddingfortravel.com ? People regularly post bids they have won including the price, zone, hotel, and dates.

Try www.BetterBidding.com

Friendlier and much more helpful.

They also cover Hotwire so you can utilize whichever service (Priceline or Hotwire) that works best for your plans.

i have gotten the Grand Hyatt and Hilton for $60-$65 a night.

I have gotten the Westin St. Francis and the Hilton for $65 on Priceline.

I booked a Boutique Hotel in Union Square last week for $63. Won't be there until October to see how it works out. biddingfortravel.com was very helpful to me.

Hilton many times for $60-70. Beware a little of the Botique hotels in San Francisco as they can be a bit lower in quaility than you might expect.

Also check out hotelres.com I use them to keep an eye out for specials like $89 rates at the St. Francis!

The hotel reviews on biddingfortravel.com for Priceline hotels in San Francisco were so discouraging when I was perusing them the other day. In the course of checking reviews on TripAdvisor for the same hotels, I discovered the Argonaut. Reviews for this hotel on TripAdvisor and Citysearch were so amazing I nearly booked it directly ($190/night, $170 AAA rate). However, when shopping Hotwire packages, it was the only 4.5* hotel in the FW area. Since only one 4.5* came up when I checked hotel rooms only, I took a chance. We're staying at the Argonaut for $129/night with Hotwire and we are thrilled.

I have also had excellent results with Priceline bidding far in advance.