bidding for a hotel?

[jump2323]

Has anyone used any of the travel sites that let you bid for a hotel room in Aruba?
Also did it rain today?

[cindyo]

[quote=jump2323;154100]Has anyone used any of the travel sites that let you bid for a hotel room in Aruba? NO...sorry

[Andrea J.]

i have used priceline 5 or 6 times.
it was for PRE or POST timeshare weeks.
each time i got the place for about 50% less than the advertised rate.
i made certain i clicked RESORT.
i have never paid more than $100 per night.

and a few times we got $60 per night.

these are the places that we "won" over the last few years.
Renaissance Marina.
Marriott Stellaris
The Aruba Grand (prior to the RIU)
Holiday Inn/sunspree

so yes, at least one of us here have tried it and like it.
andrea

Originally Posted by jump2323

Has anyone used any of the travel sites that let you bid for a hotel room in Aruba?
Also did it rain today?

[Arubagirl90]

I have used Priceline and been very happy. 5 star resort usually gets you the Marriott or the Renissance. I bid $80 a night in April 2008 and it was accepted no proble. Bid low and increase by $10. Good luck.

Jill

[Dean Martin]

So....we've never done this before. Do you have to commit funds before you find out which hotel/resort you got? Are there any tell signs that you can look for up front (as far as ammenities maybe) that would indicate which resort it might be?

Tks, Dino

[Andrea J.]

we have done it at least 10 times on aruba
and NUMEROUS times here in the USA

my answers in red

Originally Posted by Dean Martin

So....we've never done this before. Do you have to commit funds before you find out which hotel/resort you got? YESAre there any tell signs that you can look for up front (as far as ammenities maybe) that would indicate which resort it might be?If you choose to bid, there are categories:

Westin, and hyatt and renaissance are considered resorts on priceline

riu bucuti holiday inn are listed as 3 star

Priceline's interpretation
1 star hotels focus on the budget conscious traveler. These are generally low-rise hotels located near major attractions, convenient intersections or major interstates. Furnishings are basic and accommodations are of the no-frills variety.
2 star hotels typically appeal to the traveler looking for basic comfort and convenience. Guestrooms generally offer amenities such as private baths, television and telephone. These hotels may not offer on-site dining but are generally located near casual dining establishments.
2.5 star hotels place a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience. These hotels generally offer a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping; however, other hotel services may be somewhat limited. In-room amenities typically include color television, telephone, voicemail, hairdryer, iron and board, and coffee maker. The hotel will often have a restaurant or area for breakfast, although on-site dining may not be available for all three meals.
3 star hotels offer a higher level of guest service with several amenities. Guestrooms and public spaces place a greater emphasis on style and generally offer such conveniences as hairdryers, iron and board, and a fitness room. On-site dining is offered but may not be available for all three meals.
3.5 star hotels offer a higher level of guest service with several amenities. Guestrooms and public spaces place a greater emphasis on style and generally offer such conveniences as hairdryers, iron and board, fitness centers, luggage assistance and full service on-site dining.
4 star hotels offer a wide selection of amenities with the guest's comfort in mind. Guest rooms and public spaces are well appointed with higher quality furnishings and stylish decor. These hotels generally offer high-quality bedding and bath products, on-site dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in-room dining, luggage assistance, concierge services and valet parking.
5 star hotels offer the highest level of quality, services and amenities. A full range of amenities are available, and professional and attentive staff provide highly personalized service. These hotels feature an on-site restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In-room dining is also offered at all times.
Other Classifications:
Resort hotels offer one or more pools, multiple food and beverage outlets, and a spa or fitness center. Depending on location and season, recreational options may include water sports, tennis, snow skiing or golf.

andrea

Tks, Dino

[Dean Martin]

Thanks Andrea!

[Shnyda]

I posted last week the same...

Friends of ours who we are meeting in Aruba next week bid and won the Marriott Stellaris for this coming weekend for $85 a night.

[Andrea J.]

Once, during christmas week, we came to aruba on a tuesday and could not get into our ts til thursday.........we pricelined 2 nights pre timeshare and got the marriott for $85 per night plus fees. i think the whole thing came to about $210 total.
when we arrived at the marriott, alas full house (overbooked) so they sent us to the renaissance marina and for our inconveninece out of the kindness of their hearts gave us a $50 restaurant voucher which we used at Renaissance Island for lunch and beverages AND they gave us a gift certificate to the mandara day spa. The freebies that they gave us was worth more than what we paid for the priceline deal total.

this coming friday we are going to a scholarship fund raiser event dinner in MA.
i checked out the priceline prices for a 3.5 star hotel in waltham ma. i decided we were NOT paying $175 per night. also the 3 star places were in the $125 range.

So, i bid $60 on the 3.5 star, got rejected and waitied 3 days and bid $67, and got the westin.

add in the tax and fees and it came to $81.

it was quite a savings and i was quite pleased.

andrea

Originally Posted by Shnyda

I posted last week the same...

Friends of ours who we are meeting in Aruba next week bid and won the Marriott Stellaris for this coming weekend for $85 a night.