Guide to using Priceline.com

So as I was talking about before, Priceline is a good website if you know how to use it. I have used it numerous times myself for hotels, and have scored some awesome deals. For example, getting a 4 start hotel in Montreal for 55 bucks a night, or getting a Marriot in London, UK for $130/night (regular $700!). So yea, deals are there to be had with the Name Your Own Price tool! Here are my suggestions for using this:

1. It works better the closer you get to the date
Hotels are more willing to sell you a hotel room at a substantially discounted cost if they know it is likely to go unsold at all if they didn't. Therefore, the best deals will be available the closer you get to the date that you want. However, be advised that you are taking a big risk in the event that rooms are all sold out if it is a popular travel time (i.e. Christmas break, holidays, long weekends, etc...)

2. Make small changes
You can only make 1 price offer every 24 hours if the only thing you change about your search is the price. Therefore you have to make smaller changes so you can try a couple of prices to have a greater chance of success. For instance, if you are willing to have either 3 or 4 start hotels, in 2 or 3 parts of the city, my strategy would be this. Start with just 4 start hotels in your first choice area. If price is too low, raise it a bit then search with your 2nd area as well. If too low, try again in your third area. If too low, include 3 star hotels at a price you would be willing to pay for them. You can also try changing the days if you are staying for more than 1 night, since they will give you the option to extend your stay before and after your accepted bid.

3. Make sure your dates and criteria are what you want! It is final!
Because your travel arrangements for a successful bid are binding when it is accepted, and can't be changed, make sure you have bid for what you actually wanted because there is no looking back! I made a mistake in the past reserving a rental car, since I wanted an SUV but I accidentally picked standard car and didn't realize this until my bid was accepted! Luckily for me they had an upgrade option for $6/day more, so i took it. But yea, I was extremely fortunate, and I'm guessing that doesn't always happen! I cannot say it enough - check EVERYTHING before you submit your bid!

My closing advice is this. I usually only pick 3 stars or above when using priceline for hotels, because it is anonymous. Most of the hotels that I've stayed in have been wonderful, and the majority have been Marriots which are very nice. For cars, I have had Avis and National, both of which are very reputable companies and good picks, so you can be pretty sure you will get a good car with priceline.

Happy Bidding!