2.5* Hampton Inn Newark 10/18 $90

SusieQ1982 · June 9th, 2013, 3:14 pm #1 2013-06-09T15:14

I'm not sure if I should accept this price, or wait and try and bid as the date gets closer and I would appreciate any advice!

1) Newark

2) Newark Airport

3) October 18, 2013

4) October 19, 2013

5) 2

6) 3

7) Courtyard Marriott Advance purchase rate $103 US Nonrefundable
Courtyard Marriott regular rate $129 US
Crowne Plaza $134.99 US
Doubletree Newark Airport $129
Springhill Suites $129.99
Residence Inn $169
Ramada Plaza $118
Holiday Inn $117.65
Best Western $103.99

8 ) All from hotel websites, not from any consolidators

9) #7, West Jersey City

10) Since I can buy direct for $103, do I have a chance of getting $75 per room or is this unrealistic?

11) yes

12) yes, I can bid now

13) Yes I will use the link

Thanks again for any advice and suggestions! I know I am quite far out, I am just not sure if I should take the nonrefundable $103 or if I should wait and bid Priceline closer to the date. Of course, I am willing to try now!

SusieQ1982 · June 9th, 2013, 3:23 pm #2 2013-06-09T15:23

Oh, I can see the Priceline Express Deal for a 3 star hotel is $87.

Just wondering, I saw someone say they were glad to get a 2.5* and not get upgraded to a 3*. Are the 3* hotels so bad in this area? Am I better going for a 3.5*?

We stayed at the SpringHill Suites last year and it was fine.

Relayer · June 9th, 2013, 4:23 pm #3 2013-06-09T16:23

Susie, that was probably me who was happy not to be upgraded. I mainly said that because I was targeting Country Inn & Suites based on seeing the 2.5* hotel offered in Express Deals. We had stayed there before and were happy. Not to mention none of the other star levels were close to the rate we got based on Express Deals, and they still aren't.

I would book a refundable room and just monitor rates over the next couple months. You have plenty of time. I'm sure the 3* hotels at EWR would be fine for one night.

June 9th, 2013, 8:15 pm #4 2013-06-09T20:15

Your limit is definitely realistic for a Friday night, if not today, then closer to your travel date. I would not book a nonrefundable rate.

I would recommend that you bid $55 for a 3* and if that is rejected, add your free re-bid and bid $60.

Please place your Priceline/Hotwire bids/purchases through the link in my signature or by clicking the Priceline/Hotwire banners on the right side of the screen. And please keep Priceline in mind for your conventional travel bookings as well.

SusieQ1982 · June 11th, 2013, 12:03 am #5 2013-06-11T00:03

Thank you for the advice! I'm glad to hear that I wasn't way off base and that I can probably save some money since our trip is already over budget

I tried through the link but was rejected at both offers. I suppose I should wait until it gets much closer and try again?

Thank you so much for your help. I always had a paralyzing fear of using Priceline and screwing it up and this site is SO helpful! I wonder how much more money I have spent over the years.

June 11th, 2013, 12:22 am #6 2013-06-11T00:22

It's definitely way too early. I would wait until early October to bid again. Please continue to bid through our link to Priceline and do not bid through a Priceline email.

SusieQ1982 · June 12th, 2013, 3:19 pm #7 2013-06-12T15:19

Thank you, Sheryl! Will do.

SusieQ1982 · July 31st, 2013, 10:48 pm #8 2013-07-31T22:48

It's good that you suggested I wait... I see the Express Deal is listed at $87 and we're still over two months out!

July 31st, 2013, 10:56 pm #9 2013-07-31T22:56

And that's still too high for a Friday.

SusieQ1982 · August 1st, 2013, 4:38 pm #10 2013-08-01T16:38

Yup, I didn't bid. I will be patient!

I'm so excited. I used to stay away from Priceline because of intimidation. I am so glad this forum is here!