Got the Miami hotel I wanted for our pre-cruise stay using Priceline

[Ocruise]

Hi all,

I just wanted to thank everyone for their great advice on this board. This was the first time I had used Priceline & I got the hotel that I wanted.

We are staying one night in Miami pre-cruise (Explorer)and I really wanted the Fountainblue Hilton (I stayed there when I was a little kid years ago & I never forgot that hotel). I really did not want the two other resort categories priceline uses Eden Roc & Beach House, I would not have minded the Sheraton Bal Harbor though. So I took a chance.

I had a feeling that if I tried late in the evening & bid over 65.00 that I would get the Fountainblue, so I went to priceline at 11:30 PM & bid 75.00. I held my breath while it was processing & was overjoyed to see the Fountainbleau listed.

My total price for the hotel (we will not be renting a car) was 91.81, not bad considering that Hilton.com's site cheapest room is listed at 143.00 when you pre-pay. Expedia's cheapest rate for a standard room was 159.00.

I just feel so lucky that I got the hotel that I wanted, even though it's only for one night. It will bring back so many memories to stay at the hotel that I stayed at as a child.

My mom still has a picture of me in my bikini when I was 8 at the Fountainblue. Well I am definately no longer in bikini shape ( ; but I am so thrilled to be going there again!

Just wanted to thank everyone again for the great advice.

~ Marina

[jerrymac]

We were on the Victory 04/04 cruise and used priceline and got the Hyatt Regency for $40!

Thanksgiving Legend Cruise
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;11;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[halos]

I'm so happy for you!
These boards are GREAT, aren' they?? We all learn so much from each other.
I also know how awesome it feels to get a deal on something...and you got the hotel you were hoping for which makes the whole thing even better!
Sounds like your vacation is off to a great start already! have a blast!

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[Legalwife]

So glad you got that hotel. Love old memories, the older I get, the more they mean to me. I go to Callaway Gardens, where my beloved grandma used to take me as a child, and can close my eyes and hear the way it used to sound. Are we sentimental or what????? Close your eyes and strike a pose as if you were wearing that bikini for old time's sake! Have a wonderful trip.

Robin

Fantasy/Disney Magic/RCI Sov. of Seas/Inspiration/ Tropicale/RCI Sov.of Seas/ Sensation/Celebration 10/04

Live well, laugh often, love much....

[scottp]

Jerrymac?

Did you like the Hyatt? I bid $45 for June 18th hoping to get the Marriot and ended up with the Hyatt. The location seems to be fine. But for $45, guess I can't complain.....

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ffff&cdt=2004;6;19;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0400 Until the FUN begins!!!!

[guidobiker]

We will be staying at the Hyatt Regency this Friday and got this thru Priceline for $37. Only 4 days till we're cruising!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Counting down the days to Eastern Caribbean on the Triumph
"TRIUMPH CRUISIN KRAZY CARIBE CREW - 8th May 2004"


Carnival Triumph 5/04
Sensation 10/02
Carnival Triumph 1/02
Royal Majesty 5/97
"The Big Red Boat" 10/87

http://gameznet.com.au/boystoys/animated/bar22.gif

[cyn123]

Okay. I have a question. I've never used Pricline before. I guess I'm just too leary about it. When it asks what area and whether you want 4 star, 3 star, etc. what do you put in to get these great hotels at great prices.
HELP!!

Cyn

[garyw]

Cyn,

Go to http://www.biddingfortravel.com and read up on how to bid for hotel and then review what others have been bidding and receiving.

On a cruise out of Miami last year I actually got the Hyatt for 3 nights at $27/night by following what other had bid. This past November did the same thing and got 2 rooms for 2 nights at the Wyndham Palace Resort at Disney for $67/night, when normal rooms were selling for $249. By following what others had bid I was farily sure of the property I would get for what I was bidding.

There are other sites that are known to be helpful when bidding, but I have not used them personally.

Norwegian Sea 04/00
Vision of the Seas 03/01
Explorer of the Seas 09/01
Rhapsody of the Seas 12/01
Rhapsody of the Seas 05/02
Celebration 09/02
Brilliance of the Seas 03/03
Mariner of the Seas 11/03
Carnival Glory 05/04

[cyn123]

Thanks for the info. I'll read up on all the info on this website and try it.
THANKS

Cyn

[yst347]

Congratulations and have a great cruise.

Priceline is terrific for hotels once you understand how it works.

Elation 11/2003
Conquest 01/2003
Jubilee 11/2002
Victory 02/2001
Destiny 02/2000
Geotide 11/1992
United States 06/1962