Summary of Winning Bids on Priceline, Hotwire, etc.

[toonjie]

Looking for help. I have spend many hours reading this board. I am Canadian and am thinking of using priceline to book my post cruise stay. I am staying at the Condado pre cruise and got a good deal through my TA and myself watching all the sites. However, post cruise is 12/28/08 for one night. Many of the hotels/resorts are in the $400-600 range. Any idea on how to go about this? I always look forward to reading Toonjie's advice .. your answers are awesome. Any help is always appreciated.

thanks

 

Why thanks! :) The good news is the Condado is off of the resort list for Priceline according to Betterbidding.com, so you shouldn't get it if you select resort only for your post-cruise. I would just go ahead and bid using resort only and just know that you will have to go higher because it is holiday season.

[toonjie]

We are thinking of using VRBO or HomeAway to book a condo in Old San Juan for a few days prior to our cruise. Has anyone ever done this?

 

We used Skyauction to get the Wyndham Rio Mar and were very happy with them. We have used VRBO for a condo in Orlando and had a great experience, they are certainly a major legit site. Never used HomeAway so I can't comment on that one. The advantage of these sites is you know what you're getting before you pay for it.

[candf]

Thanks Toonjie - your posts have been a great help. I'll keep tryin.......

[ken_nyc]

Toonjie, I was told you are the maven on bidding for hotels on Priceline. You have helped me recently with other advise (and thank you again) when we decided to take AOS for our August cruise. I have gone to the BiddingForTravel.com and I am totally confused, I want to bid for the San Juan Marriot Resort & Stellaris Casino for August 15 to the 16th, one night before our cruise. We are THREE adults (DW, DD & I) wanting one room with 2 doubles. What can you suggest and how can I go through the steps of bidding without messing up and getting stuck with a room that I cannot use. Appreciate any help from you!

[bilyclub]

You'll love the Wyndham, it's a short walk to great pizza, etc. which many of the O'hare hotels don't have. I would bid for a resort in San Juan, you'll enjoy all the amenities and the beach and pool, it's a great way to start a cruise!

 

 

Is this the one on Higgins next to Hooters? Great location, but you have to watch out for the mopes who come off the expressway to break into the cars. They were going to tear it down and rebuild, till the bottom dropped out.

[toonjie]

Toonjie, I was told you are the maven on bidding for hotels on Priceline. You have helped me recently with other advise (and thank you again) when we decided to take AOS for our August cruise. I have gone to the BiddingForTravel.com and I am totally confused, I want to bid for the San Juan Marriot Resort & Stellaris Casino for August 15 to the 16th, one night before our cruise. We are THREE adults (DW, DD & I) wanting one room with 2 doubles. What can you suggest and how can I go through the steps of bidding without messing up and getting stuck with a room that I cannot use. Appreciate any help from you!

 

Thanks! You can check the sticky on the San Juan board, I have loads of posts on there on just about every question. Priceline doesn't guarantee a bed type, but it would be unusual for them not to be able to honor your request. First, call the Marriott, if you win it and let them know, you can also add your Marriott Rewards # to the reservation if you have one, if not you can join, they gave me points even though it was a Priceline room, even though that may not happen every time. When you bid on Priceline, select resort only, that gives you 4 choices at the moment, Marriott, Intercontinental, ESJ and Caribe Hilton. All are good resorts. (Note Condado Plaza was recently dropped) If your bid is not accepted, then you can rebid right away because Priceline only has resorts in 2 areas, San Juan and Rio-Grande-Humacao. So you can rebid and add say Ponce as an area and get another bid that day. Hope this helps, let me know if you still have any questions. Good luck, many are getting the Marriott lately.

[ken_nyc]

THANK YOU Toonjie! I will check out the San Juan Board.

[ken_nyc]

Thanks! You can check the sticky on the San Juan board, I have loads of posts on there on just about every question. Priceline doesn't guarantee a bed type, but it would be unusual for them not to be able to honor your request. First, call the Marriott, if you win it and let them know, you can also add your Marriott Rewards # to the reservation if you have one, if not you can join, they gave me points even though it was a Priceline room, even though that may not happen every time. When you bid on Priceline, select resort only, that gives you 4 choices at the moment, Marriott, Intercontinental, ESJ and Caribe Hilton. All are good resorts. (Note Condado Plaza was recently dropped) If your bid is not accepted, then you can rebid right away because Priceline only has resorts in 2 areas, San Juan and Rio-Grande-Humacao. So you can rebid and add say Ponce as an area and get another bid that day. Hope this helps, let me know if you still have any questions. Good luck, many are getting the Marriott lately.

Toonjie, I think you are telling me to call the Marriott before bidding to see if i would be able to get a room with two doubles? Also, so if I add Ponce they would have to give a resort in either of those 2 zones you mentioned even though there would be no choice for a resort in that zone. I am sure this is simpler than it looks.

[Pink Bride07]

Well...I finally got a room on Priceline but I kinda goofed up. I had been bidding on resorts but decided to start over at 3 1/2 star to see what I could get in San Juan. Well on my second bid I accidentally added the Rio Grande area, my bid of $100 was accepted for the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort. I'm glad I finally have something but its just out of the area I wanted. Oh well, live and learn!! The Wyndham looks VERY nice. Any advice or reivews? We arrive around 8-ish PM. Where should we eat? Should we take a cab, rent a car, ect??? I appreciate any advice...thanks.

[Engine643]

Just got the Radisson for 140 for 1 night for 2 rooms on 01/17/2009. Prices are nuts for that time of year. I had the Comfort Inn reserved but got scared away by the reviews as of late.

Edited November 17, 2008 by Engine643

[Engine643]

Just got the Radisson for 140 for 1 night for 2 rooms on 01/17/2009. Prices are nuts for that time of year. I had the Comfort Inn reserved but got scared away by the reviews as of late.

[toonjie]

Well...I finally got a room on Priceline but I kinda goofed up. I had been bidding on resorts but decided to start over at 3 1/2 star to see what I could get in San Juan. Well on my second bid I accidentally added the Rio Grande area, my bid of $100 was accepted for the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort. I'm glad I finally have something but its just out of the area I wanted. Oh well, live and learn!! The Wyndham looks VERY nice. Any advice or reivews? We arrive around 8-ish PM. Where should we eat? Should we take a cab, rent a car, ect??? I appreciate any advice...thanks.

 

Fortunately, it's not as bad as it sounds. First, the Wyndham is a wonderful resort. Check my AOS review link and scroll down to the last few pages where we spent a 4 day post cruise there, there's tons of info on where to eat and how to get there and what to do, etc. Second, it's only a 45 minute drive from the airport, so it's not that far.

I would definitely recommend renting a car and since you are getting in at 8:00pm, you'll probably want to head directly to the resort. You can eat at Rich's after you check in or the Italian restaurant in the resort is really good. You can see my AOS review for more info. And any info you need about this area we can get Coquishideaway and RayinPR to chime in since they live there and they can tell you about any and everything. See their website, http://www.puertoricodaytrips for tons of info on hiking in the rainforest, which I recommend you do since the Rio Mar is right across from the entrance to El Yunque. (See my section "Junque in our Yunque" for tons of rainforest pics.)

One big tip, go to Wyndham's website and join their frequent stay program, Wyndhambyrequest. It's a great program and you will get your number immediately online and then you can call the hotel and have it added it to your reservation. (They may not let you since it's a Priceline reservation, but you may get to like we did.) There is a separate checkin for Wyndhambyrequest members and you get to select you snack preferences online and they will have your snacks waiting for you in your room. You also get nicer rooms.

Here's the room we got even though we only paid $120 a night on Skyauction for them:

 

Here's the view:

 

 

View of resort from your table at Rich's restaurant:

Edited November 17, 2008 by toonjie

[bilyclub]

Started at $60, used the rebids got the Hilton for $85+ for a total of$110.

Was hoping for something different, but it looks like I start and end there.

[bilyclub]

Is this the one on Higgins next to Hooters? Great location, but you have to watch out for the mopes who come off the expressway to break into the cars. They were going to tear it down and rebuild, till the bottom dropped out.

 

 

The one I was thinking about is the Wyndham Garden. The O'hare is the old Sheraton. There is a hopping late night sports bar a short walk south at the Best Western. A little North, you have Chil's, Krispy Kreme, Steak n Shake, all the fine dining...

[ken_nyc]

My first time ever bidding on Priceline and NERVOUS AS HELL!! :confused::eek:

Afraid I was going to make a mistake that I would be stuck with!

 

One Day Pre-cruise for AOS -- 08/15/09-08/16/09

Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino

 

INITIAL TRY

1st bid -- San Juan, Resort, $75 -- DENIED

2nd bid -- Ponce, Resort, $80 -- DENIED

3rd bid -- Dorado, Resort, $90 -- DENIED

4th bid -- Mayaquez, Resort, $95 -- DENIED

5th bid -- Cabo Rojo, Resort, $105 -- DENIED

 

2nd TRY

1st bid -- San Juan, Resort, $110 -- DENIED

2nd bid -- Ponce, Resort, $115 -- DENIED

3rd bid -- Dorado, Resort, $120 -- DENIED

4th bid -- Mayaquez, Resort, $125 -- ACCEPTED!

Accepted Bid -- $125.00

Taxes & Fees -- $33.36

TOTAL -- $158.36 How did I do price wise??

 

Before I called the Marriott I signed-up for the rewards program, then I called the hotel because I need 2 double beds in the room for my DD (Adult). They switched me over to a reservation agent, I told her about my accepted bid on Priceline and that I need 2 beds and then asked her if she wanted my rewards number. She said that I will not receive any points and I told her I was aware of that and then she asked me for my rewards number. She gave me 2 Double Beds, Guaranteed! I asked her what the additional person charge will be and she told me none.

 

What I do not understand when looking over the email she sent me under "Special request(s)", besides the 2 Double beds, it also says "Resort or Service Fee(M2), Guaranteed". What does that mean??:confused:

 

I want to thank all posters, because I read this WHOLE THREAD from beginning to end and especially Toonjie for all of his advice he has given to me and everyone else not only on this thread but on other threads also!!

Edited November 18, 2008 by ken_nyc

[toonjie]

My first time ever bidding on Priceline and NERVOUS AS HELL!! :confused::eek:

Afraid I was going to make a mistake that I would be stuck with!

 

One Day Pre-cruise for AOS -- 08/15/09-08/16/09

Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino

 

INITIAL TRY

1st bid -- San Juan, Resort, $75 -- DENIED

2nd bid -- Ponce, Resort, $80 -- DENIED

3rd bid -- Dorado, Resort, $90 -- DENIED

4th bid -- Mayaquez, Resort, $95 -- DENIED

5th bid -- Cabo Rojo, Resort, $105 -- DENIED

 

2nd TRY

1st bid -- San Juan, Resort, $110 -- DENIED

2nd bid -- Ponce, Resort, $115 -- DENIED

3rd bid -- Dorado, Resort, $120 -- DENIED

4th bid -- Mayaquez, Resort, $125 -- ACCEPTED!

Accepted Bid -- $125.00

Taxes & Fees -- $33.36

TOTAL -- $158.36 How did I do price wise??

 

Before I called the Marriott I signed-up for the rewards program, then I called the hotel because I need 2 double beds in the room for my DD (Adult). They switched me over to a reservation agent, I told her about my accepted bid on Priceline and that I need 2 beds and then asked her if she wanted my rewards number. She said that I will not receive any points and I told her I was aware of that and then she asked me for my rewards number. She gave me 2 Double Beds, Guaranteed! I asked her what the additional person charge will be and she told me none.

 

What I do not understand when looking over the email she sent me under "Special request(s)", besides the 2 Double beds, it also says "Resort or Service Fee(M2), Guaranteed". What does that mean??:confused:

 

I want to thank all posters, because I read this WHOLE THREAD from beginning to end and especially Toonjie for all of his advice he has given to me and everyone else not only on this thread but on other threads also!!

 

Congrats! You done great!! :) That's an excellent price and you got the best hotel on your first try with Priceline! Now you've got airfare and hotel, on to the rest...

 

(I believe M2 stands for internet since that is the communications network company that supplies Marriott their network) So you have a special request for a double room, a guaranteed rate plus a resort service fee that includes internet. The fee is $14.95 and most people have been able to opt out of it simply by saying they didn't want to pay it at check-in.

[ken_nyc]

Congrats! You done great!! :) That's an excellent price and you got the best hotel on your first try with Priceline! Now you've got airfare and hotel, on to the rest...

 

(I believe M2 stands for internet since that is the communications network company that supplies Marriott their network) So you have a special request for a double room, a guaranteed rate plus a resort service fee that includes internet. The fee is $14.95 and most people have been able to opt out of it simply by saying they didn't want to pay it at check-in.

You were a big help Toonjie! Our flight lands at 12:44pm, do you think I we will be able to go right to the resort and check in early, would like to go eat lunch and do some sightseeing (probably OSJ)? How do you recommend getting to Old San Juan from the Marriott?

Edited November 18, 2008 by ken_nyc

[toonjie]

You were a big help Toonjie! Our flight lands at 12:44pm, do you think I we will be able to go right to the resort and check in early, would like to go eat lunch and do some sightseeing (probably OSJ)? How do you recommend getting to Old San Juan from the Marriott?

 

If you don't rent a car, then the best way is taxi. It's actually cheaper to rent than cab fare to the hotel, hotel OSJ and hotel pier. We rented from Charlie's for $35 a day! You should be able to check in then, we got in at around 9:30am and were at the hotel around 10:30am and were able to check-in right away. You never know though, if they are really full, they will at least store your luggage and let you use the facilities or you can hit OSJ and your room will be ready when you return.

[ken_nyc]

If you don't rent a car, then the best way is taxi. It's actually cheaper to rent than cab fare to the hotel, hotel OSJ and hotel pier. We rented from Charlie's for $35 a day! You should be able to check in then, we got in at around 9:30am and were at the hotel around 10:30am and were able to check-in right away. You never know though, if they are really full, they will at least store your luggage and let you use the facilities or you can hit OSJ and your room will be ready when you return.

Where is Charlie's rental, at the airport (pick-up) and pier so you would be able to return there?

[toonjie]

Where is Charlie's rental, at the airport (pick-up) and pier so you would be able to return there?

 

There was some confusion on another thread about this. I believe they added an airport location on their website, but as far as I know, they don't have a facility right at the airport, it is 5 minutes away in Isla Verde. When we rented in May that was the only choice and they took you by shuttle. I would call or select Isla Verde/Main as your pickup location and Condado as your drop off. (Condado East is the location (booth) right in front of the Marriott, but when we were there, they only shuttled to the pier from Condado.) Condado is only about 3/4 of a mile down Ashford on your left before the Condado Plaza Hotel.

[ken_nyc]

Toonjie, thanks again!!

[ken_nyc]

There was some confusion on another thread about this. I believe they added an airport location on their website, but as far as I know, they don't have a facility right at the airport, it is 5 minutes away in Isla Verde. When we rented in May that was the only choice and they took you by shuttle. I would call or select Isla Verde/Main as your pickup location and Condado as your drop off. (Condado East is the location (booth) right in front of the Marriott, but when we were there, they only shuttled to the pier from Condado.) Condado is only about 3/4 of a mile down Ashford on your left before the Condado Plaza Hotel.

Toonjie, I figured you might want to know what I found on Charlie's Car Rental site:

 

 

For your convenience, Charlie Car Rental counters may be found at the main baggage claim areas at the International San Juan Airport and we offer shuttle service to and from the airport.

Charlie Car Rentalallows pick up at our airport/Main Office location and drop off at our cruise ship area (Condado Office) at NO EXTRA CHARGE.

....

 

.

NOW OPEN AT THE AGUADILLA AIRPORT (RAMEY BASE)...BQN AIRPORT CODE

 

 

 

• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
  Counter Service at all Airline Terminals Baggage Claim Areas.
  24 Hour Service
  Tel. (787) 728-2418
  .
  
• Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
  Isla Verde Avenue, Facing Marbella del Caribe Condominium. (Main Office)
  24 Hour Service
  Tel. (787) 728-2418
  Fax. (787) 727-2320
  Toll Free Number: (800) 289-1227 ( From U.S.).
  
• Condado, Puerto Rico (Cruise Ship area)
  890 Ashford Avenue
  Open everyday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  Tel. (787) 721-6525
  
• Condado East (Front of Marriott hotel) 8am-5pm 787.722.5972 8AM-5PM
  
• Rafael Hernandez Airport (Ramey Base Aguadilla) 787.890.8929 10PM-6PM
  
• Shuttle service to/from the cruise ship areas available until 4pm at no extra charge.
  
• Car drop off available after hours everyday until 1am.Please inquire at the counter. No shuttle service available at this time but there are plenty of taxi's around.
  

[toonjie]

Toonjie, I figured you might want to know what I found on Charlie's Car Rental site:

 

 

For your convenience, Charlie Car Rental counters may be found at the main baggage claim areas at the International San Juan Airport and we offer shuttle service to and from the airport.

Charlie Car Rentalallows pick up at our airport/Main Office location and drop off at our cruise ship area (Condado Office) at NO EXTRA CHARGE.

....

 

.

NOW OPEN AT THE AGUADILLA AIRPORT (RAMEY BASE)...BQN AIRPORT CODE

 

 

 

• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
  Counter Service at all Airline Terminals Baggage Claim Areas.
  24 Hour Service
  Tel. (787) 728-2418
  .
  
• Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
  Isla Verde Avenue, Facing Marbella del Caribe Condominium. (Main Office)
  24 Hour Service
  Tel. (787) 728-2418
  Fax. (787) 727-2320
  Toll Free Number: (800) 289-1227 ( From U.S.).
  
• Condado, Puerto Rico (Cruise Ship area)
  890 Ashford Avenue
  Open everyday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  Tel. (787) 721-6525
  
• Condado East (Front of Marriott hotel) 8am-5pm 787.722.5972 8AM-5PM
  
• Rafael Hernandez Airport (Ramey Base Aguadilla) 787.890.8929 10PM-6PM
  
• Shuttle service to/from the cruise ship areas available until 4pm at no extra charge.
  
• Car drop off available after hours everyday until 1am.Please inquire at the counter. No shuttle service available at this time but there are plenty of taxi's around.
  

 

Thanks. I saw that, I knew they had a counter at the airport, but I don't think they actually have the cars there, so I wonder why it is on the list of locations to select? Another poster was saying they selected the airport as pickup location and it wouldn't let them drop it off at the Condado location for the shuttle to the pier. Weird. I'm glad to see they opened in Aguadilla, one of these days I'd like to fly in there and drive across the island back to San Juan.

[NCTribeFan]

I'm sure everyone is tired of us newbies coming here and exclaiming, "I'm so confused!!!!"

 

But I am. And I've read and read and read.

 

One of the biggest things I don't understand is why, if you want the Marriott Stellaris, why you select other areas that you know don't have resorts?

 

Can someone please, please, please just tell me what area to select and what level?

 

I want to stay there 5/24 and 5/25, post cruise (will fly home 5/26). Actually, I guess I should book my flights first, to be sure of when I'm leaving, shouldn't I? :o

 

I also want to arrive 5/16. For that one night pre cruise, I'm not nearly so concerned about where we stay. I'd like OSJ since Carnival sails from Pier 4 (I hope I have that right). El Convento would be fab, but don't think I want to pay that price. Sheraton would also work but have read that it's in a category that I could get something much less desireable.

 

Help me! Please help me!!

[YOW]

One of the biggest things I don't understand is why, if you want the Marriott Stellaris, why you select other areas that you know don't have resorts?

 

It's a "loophole" in the Priceline system.

 

In theory, if you wanted a resort in San Juan, you'd pick your max bid price, select the resort category and the San Juan zone, and bid away -- if the bid were rejected, you'd have to wait 24 hours to bid again.

 

In practice, however, there is a way to make multiple bids on the same day, thus allowing you to start your bidding lower and work your way up. This is known as "free re-bidding" and uses the technique of "free re-bid zones." These zones are what you refer to: other areas that don't have resorts. If your initial bid price is rejected, Priceline allows you to place another bid at a higher price simply by adding another zone to the re-bid -- even though that zone may not have a hotel in the category on which you are bidding.

 

There are four other zones in Puerto Rico that don't have resorts, so this appears to give you four re-bids. But wait -- there's more!

 

By using that algebra that's stored somewhere in our memory, 'permutations' actually give us 15 chances to re-bid here. How? Let's say you bid on zone 6, then on zones 6 & 1 -- you can then sign out, sign back in, and place a new bid on zones 6 & 2, then re-bid on zones 6, 2, and 1. This process is repeated for other zones, 6-3, 6-3-1; 6-3-2, 6-3-2-1; 6-4, 6-4-1; 6-4-2, 6-4-2-1; 6-4-3, 6-4-3-1; 6-4-3-2, 6-4-3-2-1.

 

You now have 15 re-bidding opportunities to get a resort in San Juan ... and I need to drink less coffee in the morning. :eek: