Hotel problem - Don't know what to do.

[Orcrone]

There are four of us (two adults, two teenagers) in our party. I booked a room through Priceline at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport for March 25. I had called previously to request two double beds. I called back today to double check it. The person I spoke to said they have the request, however all rooms with doubles are already booked, so essentially we're waiting listed.

I then looked at their website and went through the motions of booking a room. Sure enough two double beds is an option for that night. Any suggestions of what I should do would be appreciated. Should I call and ask them about it? Do you think they hold all rooms for full-price guests, and won't commit ahead of time?

Thanks.

[DFD1]

If I were you, I'd call the hotel direct and speak to the general manager. Relay the details to him/her and see if you can get some relief. If there are discriminations against Priceline users, they should be published someplace.

I like the savings from the online booking agencies, but I always worry about the unexpected and their ability to deal with it.

Good Luck and I hope you have a great cruise.

[AirGorilla]

The worst case scenario would be to request two rollaways, if you get stuck with a room with one king bed.

Good luck!

[divinggirl]

Hi Orcrone,

Unfortunately, this is most likely because of the Priceline thing. Nobody is going to come out and say that those who book rooms through discounters are often shafted one way or another, but it happens. Another thread regarding a smiliar problem contains a post linking to an article about this, here is the article...I know it doesn't solve your problem but maybe a heads up for next time??

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/12/07/TRGM239RJJ1.DTL

Sorry, I hope this works out for you, and I agree that your best bet would be to call... :(

Hope you do lots of diving!!

Nikki

[Globaliser]

If there are discriminations against Priceline users, they should be published someplace.Priceline specifically says that they only guarantee two people in one room - they do not guarantee any further facilities than that. I don't see any reason why the hotel shouldn't reserve its two double bed rooms for retail sale at non-Priceline rates. If you book through Priceline and need space for four people, you should really be trying to get two rooms.

[Orcrone]

I'll try calling later or tomorrow. I may first call Sheraton's 800 number to verify that rooms with two doubles are available before calling them back.

Divinggirl - Interesting article. Our flight doesn't arrive until 10 PM. I thought that would hurt us. However the article says that hotel guests are more likely to get what they need if they check in early or late. So maybe we'll get lucky.

If not, then two of the ladies can sleep on the bed, one can take the couch and since it was my brilliant idea to use Priceline, I can always use the parking lot.

Divinggirl - Haven't figured where I'm diving yet. We're going to Tortola, so I'm going to try and dive the Rhone. Probably won't dive in St. Thomas. DW wants to take the ferry to St. Johns. That leaves HMC (where I dove in November) and Nassau. Any suggestions?

[Orcrone]

Priceline specifically says that they only guarantee two people in one room - they do not guarantee any further facilities than that. I don't see any reason why the hotel shouldn't reserve its two double bed rooms for retail sale at non-Priceline rates. If you book through Priceline and need space for four people, you should really be trying to get two rooms.Globaliser,

I realize that Priceline only guarantees two to a room. In hindsight I should have booked with Hotwire. The hotel told me that they have the request, but all rooms are reserved. However, their website indicates availability. Do you suppose they make it a policy to not assign a room with two double beds to Priceline customers and reserve them for their full fare guests? Then if those rooms are still available on the day of checkin, they free them up?

Not complaining about that policy, as you say Priceline rooms are guaranteed for two people. I'm just trying to get some insight.

[divinggirl]

Divinggirl - Interesting article. Our flight doesn't arrive until 10 PM. I thought that would hurt us. However the article says that hotel guests are more likely to get what they need if they check in early or late. So maybe we'll get lucky.


Divinggirl - Haven't figured where I'm diving yet. We're going to Tortola, so I'm going to try and dive the Rhone. Probably won't dive in St. Thomas. DW wants to take the ferry to St. Johns. That leaves HMC (where I dove in November) and Nassau. Any suggestions?

I have not had the opportunity to do any diving in those areas (yet), although I hear from many sources that the Rhone is not to be missed! The cruise that I'm doing on the houseboat in Panama is in an archipelago with lots of divingthat we can do off the houseboat, and we're also staying in an overwater bungalow in Bocas and can dive/snorkel off of our deck!

I think that arriving at hotels later is often a good idea, the thought being that they will usually upgrade you if they are pretty sure that rooms will not be booked. My friend flew out to Vegas for my wedding and arrived at 11 PM, and when he checked into his room at the Aladdin, he was upgraded from an $80/night room to one of their panoramic suites ($600/night!). It was so very nice...

I think now you just need to get DW to dive, my husband and I both dive so no time wasted shopping, etc!! :D

Nikki

[dakrewser]

Why would a room with 2 double beds be considered "more desirable" (and thus denied to Priceline customers) than one with a single king bed???? The number of guests doesn't matter as it's the room amenities we're talking about.

And, yes, there do appear to be double-bedded rooms available (at least according to the Starwood web site).

Hmm... when I check on PlacesToStay (which shows more rate packages) there are no 2-bed rooms listed under the Advanced Purchase rate ($140), the AAA rate ($145) so it may be that, like airfares and cruisefares, the discount rates are capacity controlled....

-dave

[DFD1]

Orcrone: Don't mean to but in again, but I would bypass the 800 number and go straight to the General Manager of the property. He most likely has priority over any automated company reservation system.

I spent 15 years in the travel business (long time ago) and there was never a good substitute for the GM of a property when I needed help.

Hope this works out for you.

[Globaliser]

Do you suppose they make it a policy to not assign a room with two double beds to Priceline customers and reserve them for their full fare guests? Then if those rooms are still available on the day of checkin, they free them up?My guess is that Priceline reservations are really taken on a "run of house" basis - ie because they're sold as deep discount "distressed inventory", they simply sell as many rooms cheap through Priceline as they think would otherwise remain empty, counting only the number of rooms sold with no real heed as to what type of space they have left.

The hotel will also take more specific reservations at normal (non-Priceline) rates, but do so more conventionally according to their actual inventory of specific types of room.

Come the day of check-in, Priceline guests then get given rooms that are not otherwise needed for more specific reservations. If there are rooms with two double beds available, you might well get one. But if my guess is right, it's obvious why it can't be guaranteed.

[DoctorFeelgood]

Globaliser,

Do you suppose they make it a policy to not assign a room with two double beds to Priceline customers and reserve them for their full fare guests?




My guess is that they probably give priority of room configuration selection to the people who are willing to pay more money. It makes sense to me.

Why don't you just book a second room?

[Orcrone]

I think now you just need to get DW to dive, my husband and I both dive so no time wasted shopping, etc!! :D

NikkiDW is claustrophobic. She tried taking intro courses a couple of times. One time was on our honeymoon. She took the four hour crash course including time in the pool, got on the boat, went slightly under the water and that was it. They tried calming her and letting her go at her own speed, but it wasn't happening. Now I try to combine diving with snorkeling (which she loves). At St. Thomas we went to Coki Beach where they have beach diving, as well as snorkeling. So we spent a while snorkeling, I then went diving while she relaxed on the beach and then I joined her after the dive.

[Orcrone]

My guess is that they probably give priority of room configuration selection to the people who are willing to pay more money. It makes sense to me.

Why don't you just book a second room?I booked the room on Priceline for about $55. If I try again, there's no guarantee I'll get the same hotel. I'd rather fit four to a room (three women in the king bed, me in the doghouse) than go to two seperate hotels. In fact, I bid on a two-star hotel, hoping to not land at the Sheraton and the upgraded me to the three-star hotel, so obviously no guarantee.

The reguilar rate is $179.

[CDRMark]

Marc:
I have dove (diven?) several times in Nassau and had an awesome time each trip. Stuart Cove was tops in my book; great variety of locations; the tongue of the ocean (TOTO) wall (6000 ft so be careful) was outstanding. good boats and DMs. never returned to port with fewer divers than started with. If anyone has more recent experience maybe they will pipe up.
www.stuartcove.com (http://www.stuartcove.com/)
sigh, no I am not affiliated with nor related to them.
Cheers
MarkB

[Sea Island Lady]

The perfect solution is to book another room through Priceline. ;)

This happened to us before we realized that Priceline only guarantee's two to a room. Once we checked in, we found out we would have a king bed, so we just booked another room. The hotel was gracious in letting us use the priceline rate.:)

[gizmo]

Bite the bullet and book another room directly with the hotel. You said there were rooms with double beds available. Why worry yourself sick over not reading the fine print? Stuff happens. Chalk it up to experience.

Dakreswer,
Some rooms with double beds are more desirable than a king. Ever stay in a Marriott Courtyard? The layout in some of the rooms with the king bed is terrible.

[dakrewser]

Dakreswer,
Some rooms with double beds are more desirable than a king. Ever stay in a Marriott Courtyard? The layout in some of the rooms with the king bed is terrible.

Funny, it was Marriott I was thinking about - most of their rooms seem designed for a king and putting in two doubles really cuts down on the "walk around" space - usually means one less chair/sofa too.

But, then, that's just my impression :rolleyes: !

[gizmo]

Dakrewser,

I am talking about a Marriott Courtyard. I don't know if I can describe this but will give it a try. When you enter the room the windows are on the opposite side. The dresser will be either on the left wall or right wall. The TV is on the dresser. In more than one Courtyard, the king size bed faces the windows. It is difficult to lay in bed and watch TV especially if you are on the far side of the bed. You can lay in bed and touch the wall with your hand it is so close. There is a small love seat in the room, which is usually not very comfortable. I do not like these rooms at all.

The double beds face the dresser making it much easier to watch TV. Instead of the love seat, there is a nice lounge chair. IMO, this is a much better room.

[Esme]

I booked the room on Priceline for about $55. If I try again, there's no guarantee I'll get the same hotel. I'd rather fit four to a room (three women in the king bed, me in the doghouse) than go to two seperate hotels. In fact, I bid on a two-star hotel, hoping to not land at the Sheraton and the upgraded me to the three-star hotel, so obviously no guarantee.

The reguilar rate is $179.

Three women in a King bed - you've got to be kidding. :) :p They'd be kicking each other all night. :D

We recently stayed at Hampton Inn Suites on Stirling Road and had 2 double beds in the bedroom, and a pull out sofa that slept 2 in the living room + 2 tv's. It was great and they have super pillows and mattresses. Cost us $125.00 for 3 of us. Free Continental breakfast that was very good. Maybe you should have just paid this price, 'cause looks like you are going to have to get 2 rooms.

[Orcrone]

Marc:
I have dove (diven?) several times in Nassau and had an awesome time each trip. Stuart Cove was tops in my book; great variety of locations; the tongue of the ocean (TOTO) wall (6000 ft so be careful) was outstanding. good boats and DMs. never returned to port with fewer divers than started with. If anyone has more recent experience maybe they will pipe up.
www.stuartcove.com (http://www.stuartcove.com/)
sigh, no I am not affiliated with nor related to them.
Cheers
MarkBMark,

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never been to Nassau, but I've heard a few people suggest staying on the ship. So that would also make it a good place to dive.

[dakrewser]

I am talking about a Marriott Courtyard. I don't know if I can describe this but will give it a try.

Umm, not all Courtyards look the same, Giz - I know, I've stayed in at least half a dozen different ones in the past year. My favorite is the downtown Cortyard in San Diego - it's a converted bank building. Of course for Mark's trip a 1-BR suite at Courtyard would be better - king-size bed in the bedroom and a convertible sofa in the living room - with seperate TVs in each.

-dave

[obriendan]

Somewhere I read (probably on FAQ's on Biddingfortravel.com) that you have the option to add a room to your original bid on Priceline if you do it within 30 days of your original bid. This might be worthwhile to investigate in your case.

[obriendan]

My memory was faulty. Below I've copied the FAQ that I remembered from Biddingfortravel but it has to do with additional nights rather than rooms.

The help section from Priceline (see below) suggests either lowestfares.com or calling the hotel directly to see if they might accomodate you.

24. Can I add nights at the same hotel to my existing Priceline reservation?

In some cases, yes you can. In order to do so, you will need to click through to the Help section of Priceline's website and click on the link that addresses this. Please check there for the full details, but most importantly, this must be done within 30 days of when the original offer was accepted and you can only do this one time (neither the 72 hour re-bid rule or free re-bids apply) and for the same number of rooms and bid amount as your original bid.

From Priceline help section:
Can I add rooms to my accepted offer?

If you need additional rooms for your stay, you do have a few options.

First, you can make another priceline hotel offer for the extra rooms. Priceline cannot guarantee that the same hotel will accept your request, so you could end up with rooms in a different hotel.

Another option is lowestfare.com. While the savings may not be as deep as those you got through priceline, lowestfare.com offers great deals and you get to choose the exact hotel you want. That way you can be sure that the other members of your party won't be at a different hotel across the street or across town!

Of course you can always contact the hotel that accepted your original request directly and ask whether they'll be able to accommodate you. Keep in mind that if they can, the extra rooms will be charged at their prevailing rates, which will be higher than what you paid through priceline.

Once hotel rooms are purchased through priceline they cannot be changed or cancelled -- by priceline or by the hotel accepts your offer.

[peaches from georgia]

If I were you I would just look at this as having learned a lesson and I would book another room at regular price and stop worrying about it. Below is all I see on Bidding for Travel about your exact situation:

1. We are 3 or more people wanting to share one hotel room. How do we know if the hotel will allow this and that we will get a room with two beds?

If this is a concern to you, you must read THIS POST. Your circumstances are not unique.

You are only guaranteed a room with double occupancy, regardless of what type of rooms the hotel may offer. Any special requests must be made directly with the hotel once your bid has been accepted, but the hotel is not obligated in any way to accommodate the request. It is very important to note that there are some hotels that Priceline uses that offer only one bed in a room, especially when bidding 1* or 2*, but it has happened at all quality levels. This should be taken into account if you require more than one bed.

[gizmo]

Umm, not all Courtyards look the same, Giz - I know, I've stayed in at least half a dozen different ones in the past year. My favorite is the downtown Cortyard in San Diego - it's a converted bank building. Of course for Mark's trip a 1-BR suite at Courtyard would be better - king-size bed in the bedroom and a convertible sofa in the living room - with seperate TVs in each.

-dave

Sorry about that, I didn't make myself clear. I should have said some Courtyards. So many are like the ones I described but I agree, there are others that are different.

Before sailing on the Statendam, I stayed at your favorite Courtyard in San Diego that is the converted bank building. I loved that hotel !!! I toured the entire building. Did you go down stairs where the old Safe Deposit Box Vault was? When I was there it was open and a hotel employee took us in. There were still some boxes in the walls. It is now used as a meeting room. The brass from the tellers windows was a nice touch in the lobby. Marriott did a fantastic job with this hotel since they did not gut the entire thing and lose all the charm from the bank. It was especially fascinating to me since my job has taken me to many beautiful banks through out this country, many of which no longer exist.

[dakrewser]

Before sailing on the Statendam, I stayed at your favorite Courtyard in San Diego that is the converted bank building. I loved that hotel !!!

Isn't it great! Except for the valet parking (it can take 20 minutes to get a car, even when it's not busy!). I understand Marriott did the same thing in downtown Washington, DC, but I haven't had the chance to stay there yet...

-dave

[gizmo]

Isn't it great! Except for the valet parking (it can take 20 minutes to get a car, even when it's not busy!). I understand Marriott did the same thing in downtown Washington, DC, but I haven't had the chance to stay there yet...

-dave

We used a cab since it was only 1 night, but I was aware of the valet parking. We debated about renting a car to just drive around but being in the Gaslight District we figured a car was not needed. That is a great hotel, and I would stay there again.

I heard they did the same thing in Philly. Marriott bought an old building, not sure what it was) and turned it into a Courtyard.

[iluvcruzin]

Marc - I remember when you booked this back in September. There's really nothing you can do to get a confirmed booking for 2 beds. It's a noted request on your reservation but you won't know until you arrive. It's like a guaranteed room. What they do is hold your reservation as a "room count". If there is availability for a double when you arrive, they will give it to you. If not.. you will get the King. Calling different numbers and the hotel manager as others suggested doesn't really work as they prefer to sell their prime rooms at the regular price versus $35-40 (after priceline's cut). My BIL works for Mariott. They do not assign rooms or type (ie.. with a view, double, etc.) for priceline rooms until arrival.

It will work out one way or another. You won't be there that long - only overnight and a late arrival at that. A roll-away should be available if it doesn't work out.

[Orcrone]

Marc - I remember when you booked this back in September. There's really nothing you can do to get a confirmed booking for 2 beds. It's a noted request on your reservation but you won't know until you arrive. It's like a guaranteed room. What they do is hold your reservation as a "room count". If there is availability for a double when you arrive, they will give it to you. If not.. you will get the King. Calling different numbers and the hotel manager as others suggested doesn't really work as they prefer to sell their prime rooms at the regular price versus $35-40 (after priceline's cut). My BIL works for Mariott. They do not assign rooms or type (ie.. with a view, double, etc.) for priceline rooms until arrival.

It will work out one way or another. You won't be there that long - only overnight and a late arrival at that. A roll-away should be available if it doesn't work out.Maureen,

That's what I'm going to do. It is only one night, and a rollaway will work if necessary. I appreciate everyone's suggestions, however booking (and paying for) a full rate room and having this room available with two doubles would also upset me.

If I look at it as possibly getting an upgrade then maybe I'll get a deluxe verandah suite with all the amenities.:D

[dinscoe68]

I hope it works out for you, orcrone! We are on your Rollcall for 3/26 Zuiderdam and had posted back and forth. What a coincidence we are staying at the same place.

[Orcrone]

I hope it works out for you, orcrone! We are on your Rollcall for 3/26 Zuiderdam and had posted back and forth. What a coincidence we are staying at the same place.Thanks for your wishes.:)

Did you book through Priceline? If I remember correctly you're also traveling with your children. What time does your flight get in? Ours doesn't arrive until 10PM.

[iluvcruzin]

Maureen,

That's what I'm going to do. It is only one night, and a rollaway will work if necessary. I appreciate everyone's suggestions, however booking (and paying for) a full rate room and having this room available with two doubles would also upset me.

If I look at it as possibly getting an upgrade then maybe I'll get a deluxe verandah suite with all the amenities.:D

I think the person who answered the phone gave you a bunch of BS. I bet they didn't even check. I like your attitude on the upgrade :)

[FlorenceItaly]

as we are in the same situation, except I booked the room through Hotwire. There are 3 of us. I called the hotel, and requested two double beds, but no guarantee, of course.
On top of that, my particular hotel is NOT getting rave reviews(read dump) AT ALL...we are in Miami, two days pre-cruise...it's a Holiday Inn...$49 plus tax...I am hoping for the best, because this is considered Spring Break time, and the prices for hotel rooms are OUTRAGEOUS. I booked this last July through Hotwire.

Marie

[Orcrone]

as we are in the same situation, except I booked the room through Hotwire. There are 3 of us. I called the hotel, and requested two double beds, but no guarantee, of course.
On top of that, my particular hotel is NOT getting rave reviews(read dump) AT ALL...we are in Miami, two days pre-cruise...it's a Holiday Inn...$49 plus tax...I am hoping for the best, because this is considered Spring Break time, and the prices for hotel rooms are OUTRAGEOUS. I booked this last July through Hotwire.

MarieMarie,

I'm lamenting not going through Hotwire. They have the ability to specify number of adults and number of children. So you can book a room for more than two. I hope all works out for you too.

[judygolfing]

We made our reservations through Priceline got the Radisson Bahia. I then called and asked for a room with 2 beds. There will be 3 of us in the room. This was on the weekend, they told me to call back on Monday. I called back on Monday and asked to speak to reservations, they said they would take care of it. Hopefully it will be ok.

[iv18-Diane]

I don't know about that Hotel, but I usually book a King room for 3. My husband and I in the king bed, and my daugter in a queen sofa bed. Some hotels offer a kING and Pull out sofa bed. Marriot Courtyard is one that does.

[dinscoe68]

Thanks for your wishes.:)

Did you book through Priceline? If I remember correctly you're also traveling with your children. What time does your flight get in? Ours doesn't arrive until 10PM.

Yes, we booked through Priceline, too. It sounds like you got a better deal than I did, though. I paid $65. I only have 1 child, 10 year old boy, and luckily he doesn't mind sleeping on the floor. :o

I believe our flight gets in around 4:30. We are flying direct with Delta. Of course, I bought our tickets before they lowered their fares. :(

[Orcrone]

Yes, we booked through Priceline, too. It sounds like you got a better deal than I did, though. I paid $65. I only have 1 child, 10 year old boy, and luckily he doesn't mind sleeping on the floor. :o

I believe our flight gets in around 4:30. We are flying direct with Delta. Of course, I bought our tickets before they lowered their fares. :(You never know what's going to happen with airfares. We're also flying with Delta. Two days after we booked our fares they went up by over $150 per person. Now that Delta lowered their fares they're higher than what we paid, but cheaper than they were. However, if we waited we'd be out of luck as the flights are almost full.