Mastering Priceline's Name Your Own Price for Hotel Deals

Understanding Priceline's Unique Feature

Priceline's Name Your Own Price is a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers seeking premium hotel stays. This feature allows you to propose a price for a hotel room within a specified area and star rating. However, the hotel's name and exact location remain undisclosed until your bid is accepted. While this can lead to significant savings, typically up to 60% off standard rates according to Priceline, it also comes with non-refundable reservations and the potential for less control over specific hotel brands or amenities. It's ideal for those with flexible travel plans and no need for specific hotel features.

Crafting a Winning Bid

The challenge with Priceline's bidding system is determining the right amount to offer. You generally have one chance to bid per 24-hour period for a particular date and destination. If rejected, you must wait a day, use a different credit card, or alter your travel details to bid again. To avoid overbidding, research is key:

1. Identify potential hotels using resources like the Priceline Hotel Inventory on HotelDealsRevealed.com.
2. Compare prices on other travel sites and deduct 10-30% to formulate your bid.
3. Visit forums like HotelDealsRevealed.com to see others' successful bids.

Advanced Bidding Techniques

For deeper discounts, use Priceline's subdivision of cities into smaller areas to your advantage. If your initial bid is rejected, you can rebid immediately by adding another area that does not have the star level you're seeking. For example, if bidding for a 5-star hotel on the Las Vegas Strip South, add an area without 5-star accommodations to rebid. This strategy can provide up to nine additional bidding opportunities, but caution is advised to avoid selecting an area with your desired star level, which could result in an unwanted location.

Tips for Successful Bidding

• Research Thoroughly: Use tools like BetterBidding to get insights into Priceline's hotel inventory and pricing trends.
• Start Low: Begin with a conservative bid to gauge Priceline's acceptance threshold.
• Increment Wisely: Increase your bids in small increments to find the lowest acceptable price.
• Check Blackout Dates: Ensure your travel dates don't coincide with major events or conferences that could inflate hotel prices.
• Read the Fine Print: Understand Priceline's terms, especially regarding non-refundable bookings and potential additional fees.

Conclusion

Priceline's Name Your Own Price can be a powerful tool for securing luxury hotels at budget-friendly prices. With the right strategy and a bit of patience, you can enjoy premium accommodations without breaking the bank. Remember to research, start with a low bid, and use the area-adding technique to maximize your chances of a winning bid. Happy travels and happy savings!