Forgot to add that I really don't want The Caribe Hilton (based on location and reviews) - I know it is risky - but want the Marriott. I don't want my starting bid to be too low - so I end up with The Caribe Hilton - so based on what I have read - people have been getting the Marriott from $125-$140, so you think if I start at $125 I am safe from getting the Hilton? ha ha (I need pre cruise for April 25th and post cruise for May 10th)
If you really don't want a specific hotel that you know is frequently available through Priceline, then you shouldn't use Priceline.
Bidding a higher amount in hopes of getting your preferred property is a false hope. All you are doing is possibly setting yourself up to overpay for the property you don't want.
Priceline can only give you what they have in inventory and they're only going to give it to you if they can make a profit based on what they paid for the room. If they only have the Caribe Hilton in inventory and you bid high enough for them to profit, you're going to get the Caribe Hilton. If they have Hilton rooms they paid $100 for and Marriott rooms they paid $120 for, and you bid $140, guess which room you're likely to be assigned? They're out to maximize their profit.
You have to be willing to live with whatever hotel you get in the category you bid (or possibly higher) at the price you bid. Yes, you can get "upgraded" and end up with a hotel you didn't want.
Summary of Winning Bids on Priceline, Hotwire, etc.
in San Juan, PR
Posted
If you really don't want a specific hotel that you know is frequently available through Priceline, then you shouldn't use Priceline.
Bidding a higher amount in hopes of getting your preferred property is a false hope. All you are doing is possibly setting yourself up to overpay for the property you don't want.
Priceline can only give you what they have in inventory and they're only going to give it to you if they can make a profit based on what they paid for the room. If they only have the Caribe Hilton in inventory and you bid high enough for them to profit, you're going to get the Caribe Hilton. If they have Hilton rooms they paid $100 for and Marriott rooms they paid $120 for, and you bid $140, guess which room you're likely to be assigned? They're out to maximize their profit.
You have to be willing to live with whatever hotel you get in the category you bid (or possibly higher) at the price you bid. Yes, you can get "upgraded" and end up with a hotel you didn't want.