Priceline Question Re: Extended Stay

[bond_james_bond]

I was considering a longer stay, say 10 nights.

I see that BFT and betterbidding.com recommend that bids for extended stays be split into multiple bids.

But how???

In this case, what is the ideal maximum that one bid should be for? 4 nights? 3? 2?

Thanks for any help.

 

[EagerBeaver]

BJB,

I would break it up into bids of 3, 3, and 4 nights, although you can go 5 and 5. Chances are less with 5 and 5 of getting a lower price, as there may not be inventory for 1 or more nights at that price level.

You could end up staying at 3 different hotels, if you break up your bids.

 

[bond_james_bond]

Thanks, EB, that sounds reasonable. Max of 4 nights per bid.

 

[breadman]

Good luck...ive been trying priceline for my extended stay in October but have had no luck at all. Was told hotels tend to accept lower bids 2 weeks before the date your bidding...but two weeks isnt that much time if they dont accept.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Breadman,

There are various theories on how long one should wait to bid prior to one's stay. I have bid a month before and a day before. I have heard it is better to wait until the days before the stay, but in some cases if inventory is out you could be stuck.

I think 2 weeks is reasonable. If you are bidding on the 3 stars and have set up 2 accounts, that means you can make 2 bids every 24 hours. BFT will give you a good idea of where to start. If you are bidding for 2 weekends out I would suggest starting at around $60 and going up in increments of $5.

I have heard that a 3 star bid for this weekend was accepted at $75, however I think prices will come down in the ensuing weeks.

Good luck to you.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Priceline Update!

Breadman,

I just checked BFT and the Sheraton has accepted a 3 star bid this weekend (4 night stay) at $72/night.

The Hyatt has accepted a 3 night stay the following weekend at $65/night.

Adjust your bids accordingly.

 

[bond_james_bond]

The high season of summer is drawing to a close.

It becomes cheaper to visit Montreal during the off season, as I think will do more of.

I just hope the SP availability is the same.