Most of the people I tell about Priceline and it's even better twin, Hotwire freak out about not knowing the hotel or where it's gonna be located.
For the uninitiated, Priceline allows you to bid on an unknown hotel. You know how many stars the property has (more about stars later) & where the hotel is located.
For example, I love Chicago.. I love the River North area and the Mag Mile also. I'm not a fan of the Loop at night.. there just isn't that much to do down there. So I'm happy to bid on a 3 star (Holiday Inn is a 3 star) or higher hotel in either of my two favorite areas. I don't mind having an unknown hotel because if I've never stayed there before.. it gives me a chance to check out another micro neighborhood.
You have to give Priceline your credit card in advance and 'bid' on a property. If you submit a bid and they accept it.. BOOM.. they hit your credit card for the amount right then and afterward.. you learn of your hotel. I like the suspense, truthfully.
If you get 'turned down' for a bid.. you have to change something about the bid, besides the price.. if you've bid 3 stars and up for $60 (I've gotten 4 stars for $60) then you have to drop your star level to 2.5 or change your area.
Or.. you have to wait a certain period of time, before you can bid again. However, recently, Priceline has taken to suggesting you jack your bid up a pre-determined amount and they will allow you a new bid.
I watch those ads with Captain Kirk and like him.. I want to bid low. So I generally say 'screw that'.
I go to Hotwire, Priceline's benevolent cousin instead. At Hotwire, they give you the number of stars and the location.. and the price.. you accept that deal by giving them your credit card (which goes BOOM again!) and then you find out the hotel.
That removes the joy of the bidding like a real man but the results are instant.. and that's good too.
I managed to get the Drake in Chicago right after New Years this year for $101 with taxes and fees.. one of the best deals I've ever gotten on a hotel. An incredible hotel... couldn't have been more pleased.. with a view of Lake Shore Drive.
And almost as good.. maybe better.. after Michigan State beat Kansas in the NCAA Regional Semi- Finals I was able to land the Spartan hotel in downtown Indy for $55 for the Saturday night before the Sunday game vs. Louisville. Not only was the location superb.. but we easily got that room for $100 less than others who stayed there.
MSU beats Louisville... everyone wins.
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