Today I’m way off topic but I couldn’t keep this one a secret because it involves saving a lot of CASH!
I don’t know, maybe you already know about it, maybe you have even tried it but I’m still going to tell you about it.
What if you knew what hotel you were going to win via Priceline and Hotwire before you placed your bid?
Sounds fabulous right?
Well, I figured out how and I couldn’t keep it a secret from you!
If this is all foreign to you, basically these sights offer highly discounted hotel rates.
The catch?
Only after your bid has been accepted and your credit card charged, will you find out what hotel you are staying at. That is what always scared me away. My husband and I don’t get away very often so when we do I don’t want to stay in some dump.
Remember for my Birthday we went to Vegas?
I used priceline for the first time and stayed at the Venetian for about half the price.
For a upcoming weekend getaway we are staying at a 5 star hotel downtown for $71,
This site tells you exactly what hotels are booking and for what price
amazing!
There is a ton of information on the site which I found to be a little confusing.
BUT
if you take the time to sort through it all you will have money in your pocket.
You can start by clickinghereto see what hotels are booking by entering in the date and destination.
When I booked our Vegas trip I didn’t know about this little secret I’m about to share with you.
I’ll try my best to explain how it works.
Because of better bidding I already knew I would be staying at the Omni or
……..can’t tell you (the hotel I won the bid for)
I bid on a 4-star hotel in the downtown area for $67 and my bid was rejected.
I upped my bid amount by $1 and added El Cajon area (which has no 4-star hotels) and bid again on the same set of hotels which you aren’t supposed to be able to do.
It was rejected, so I then added Chula Vista (again, no 4 star hotels in the area) and added another $1
It was rejected. I was starting to get nervous but I kept going anyways.
I added Santee and added another $2.
My bid was accepted for $71!!!!!
Does that make sense?
When you rebid they make you add an additional location. I added a location where a 4 or 5 star hotel doesn’t exist.
Therefore, they can’t book me in a location that doesn’t have at least 4 stars and they are stuck keeping me in my first pick, downtown.
Hope you will give it a try! I’m so glad I did!
Bear in mind, however, that once your bid is accepted, your credit card is immediately charged, and Priceline will not, under almost any circumstances, cancel the reservation. They do offer a cancellation policy for $5.00
Priceline is the only way to travel. Jeff and I love it! Not that we get away a ton, either, but when you do it's wonderful! Love that you shared this!
Happy almost 1 year blog anniversary! Have a great weekend! ~Michelle xo
Oh wow, I just showed my husband your post and said book something for my birthday in March :)We have got onto Priceline and than backed out because of not knowing to end result. Thanks for sharing!
thanks, I love this tip! I use priceline a lot for hotels but never thought of adding areas without 4-star hotels – awesome! But I can't figure out what you were looking at on Better Bidding…what did you click on to see which areas have 4-star hotels and which don't? I clicked the link you shared and it shows a calendar of what deals people have gotten for particular dates/locations – which is awesome although there's nothing yet for my upcoming trip — but is there something else you were using to see what hotels are in what areas? TIA
This is great to know!! I have used Priceline once, but it was only because the hotel I was booking was the ONLY one that met my criteria, and I *knew* which one I was booking. This makes the process even less intimidating for larger locations. Thanks for sharing!!
great info, thank you for sharing it! We are planning a family trip for this year, and I am so clueless on these great deals. I will definitely be bookmarking this site! Happy blogaversary!
thats only possible in the USA :-)) Of course not… I know such offers. Recently I read a story about a woman in Germany who wanted to enlarge their bosoms. She has made a bid by internet and it was accepted… less than 10 € for both breasts. Ultimately, the court has cancelled the agreement, because the price was too low.
But it's possible to get a dental treatment or a craftsman by the same way.
On weekend I write you an email. Until then I wish you wonderful days and have a lot of fun!!
This is great info Kristin, I'm always game for a good deal. I've used hotwire a lot in the past but never for hotels (we use orbitz or hotels.com-whichever is cheaper) only for rental cars and flights. It always worked out well with rentals b/c when everyone rented all of the economy cars which we paid for we got upgraded 2 levels for the same price, which is what we needed anyway.
Wow, it's been a year for you already blogging! My 2nd blogiversary is next week too-Jan.12th. 🙂
OMGoodness! Thanks for the info. I use to use price line all the time to get away for a long weekend. I was SO daring, LOL! I would just click away and them….BOOM…Chicago here I come! So much fun…back in the 'ol days, LOL! I'll have to give it a try for a fun staycation=0)
Thanks for sharing this great tip! My husband and I are due for a little mini overnight or weekend getaway. Being able to save "cash" is even better! Have a wonderful time, Kristin. Happy Blog Anniversary! I am so glad you started your blog…for your fabulous inspiration, beauty, creativity and wisdom and also your wonderful friendship. I am grateful.
I think I would be too scared to try and do this but it is so kind of you to share the info with us! I hope you have a fabulous time. Downtown San Diego is wonderful. I loved living there. ox`kerrie
Oh girl, thats it! I'm checking it out. So if you are crossing the casino floor one night…and some crazy girls starts calling your name. Yep, that is probably me. ;o)
Thanks for the info, Kristin. I've always steered away from Priceline for that very reason. I may give it a whirl now that I know how to do it. Congrats on your first blog year! Goes by pretty fast, doesn't it? I have mine next month!
I'm an interior designer from Melbourne – I loved your blog, I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it. Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment! Cheers Melissah
I'm an interior designer from Melbourne, Australia – I loved your blog, I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it. Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment! Cheers Melissah
congrats & huge hugs from this side of the globe on a year K! i have loved following you & all your projects….& with the above wish i was down the road- rather than the english countryside to use the info for a weekend away!!
congrats & huge hugs from this side of the globe on a year K! i have loved following you & all your projects….& with the above wish i was down the road- rather than the english countryside to use the info for a weekend away!!
Hi, I remembered seeing this on your blog. Today I planned a weekend trip to Seattle and used your advice to get a 4 star hotel (Westin) in downtown Seattle for $68 a night! Thanks so much, Sarah
I'm so glad you gave us this information….
I'm gonna pass it to my husband and see what he can come up with …
Thanks for sharing. Very useful information!
Thank you for sharing that information with us! I am going to try it out when I book my next vacation.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
~ Tracy
Priceline is the only way to travel. Jeff and I love it! Not that we get away a ton, either, but when you do it's wonderful! Love that you shared this!
Happy almost 1 year blog anniversary! Have a great weekend!
~Michelle
xo
Oh wow, I just showed my husband your post and said book something for my birthday in March :)We have got onto Priceline and than backed out because of not knowing to end result.
Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I had heard there was a "secret" to this, now I'm glad I know 🙂
Thanks, that is awesome!!
Happy 1 year, too! I love your blog so I'm glad that you created it! ;o)
thanks, I love this tip! I use priceline a lot for hotels but never thought of adding areas without 4-star hotels – awesome! But I can't figure out what you were looking at on Better Bidding…what did you click on to see which areas have 4-star hotels and which don't? I clicked the link you shared and it shows a calendar of what deals people have gotten for particular dates/locations – which is awesome although there's nothing yet for my upcoming trip — but is there something else you were using to see what hotels are in what areas? TIA
Don't you love a good bargain?!! My husband always plans our trips, I'll share this with him, he loves a good deal.
This is great to know!! I have used Priceline once, but it was only because the hotel I was booking was the ONLY one that met my criteria, and I *knew* which one I was booking. This makes the process even less intimidating for larger locations. Thanks for sharing!!
never mind, I figured it out. Thanks for the tips!
great info, thank you for sharing it! We are planning a family trip for this year, and I am so clueless on these great deals. I will definitely be bookmarking this site!
Happy blogaversary!
Dear Kristin,
thats only possible in the USA :-)) Of course not… I know such offers. Recently I read a story about a woman in Germany who wanted to enlarge their bosoms. She has made a bid by internet and it was accepted… less than 10 € for both breasts. Ultimately, the court has cancelled the agreement, because the price was too low.
But it's possible to get a dental treatment or a craftsman by the same way.
On weekend I write you an email. Until then I wish you wonderful days and have a lot of fun!!
Love hugs
Tine
This is great info Kristin, I'm always game for a good deal. I've used hotwire a lot in the past but never for hotels (we use orbitz or hotels.com-whichever is cheaper) only for rental cars and flights. It always worked out well with rentals b/c when everyone rented all of the economy cars which we paid for we got upgraded 2 levels for the same price, which is what we needed anyway.
Wow, it's been a year for you already blogging! My 2nd blogiversary is next week too-Jan.12th. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend Kristin!
OMGoodness! Thanks for the info. I use to use price line all the time to get away for a long weekend. I was SO daring, LOL! I would just click away and them….BOOM…Chicago here I come! So much fun…back in the 'ol days, LOL! I'll have to give it a try for a fun staycation=0)
Thanks for the info sweetie,
xoxo,
Carol
Thanks for sharing this great tip! My husband and I are due for a little mini overnight or weekend getaway. Being able to save "cash" is even better! Have a wonderful time, Kristin. Happy Blog Anniversary! I am so glad you started your blog…for your fabulous inspiration, beauty, creativity and wisdom and also your wonderful friendship. I am grateful.
I think I would be too scared to try and do this but it is so kind of you to share the info with us! I hope you have a fabulous time. Downtown San Diego is wonderful. I loved living there. ox`kerrie
Great tip! Thanks for sharing. We will have to look into it.
Thanks for sharing such great info! Definitely going to have to try it .. If I can ever get away! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
– Lauren
Thats great! I've not had the best luck on those sites, but this one sounds great
Oh girl, thats it! I'm checking it out. So if you are crossing the casino floor one night…and some crazy girls starts calling your name. Yep, that is probably me. ;o)
Mary
Yeah, I've been afraid to try it too but have heard good things. And CONGRATS to you on your approaching Blogoversary!
Kristin, Thanks for the info…I love a bargain! I'll check out the site now. Thanks
Sherry
Great tip!
LOVE travel tips…thanks kristin!!! oh, and your tips last week about blogging totally helped me out!! thanks for those too
Smart! Love it!
Thanks for the info, Kristin. I've always steered away from Priceline for that very reason. I may give it a whirl now that I know how to do it. Congrats on your first blog year! Goes by pretty fast, doesn't it? I have mine next month!
I'm an interior designer from Melbourne – I loved your blog, I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog
scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it.
Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment!
Cheers
Melissah
I'm an interior designer from Melbourne, Australia – I loved your blog, I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog
scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it.
Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment!
Cheers
Melissah
I'm so happy to have found your blog – I'm now one of your new followers and look forward to your future posts. Love your style!
Fabulous tip, Kristin! Thank you. 🙂
Happy Early Anniversary, too! It's been a great year getting to know you, my friend.
Hugs,
Anne
Thanks for sharing Kristin…I'll have to see if my honey wants to try it out!!
One year…me too soon!!
congrats & huge hugs from this side of the globe on a year K!
i have loved following you & all your projects….& with the above wish i was down the road- rather than the english countryside to use the info for a weekend away!!
melissa xx
congrats & huge hugs from this side of the globe on a year K!
i have loved following you & all your projects….& with the above wish i was down the road- rather than the english countryside to use the info for a weekend away!!
melissa xx
Wow! This is great info. We're planning a trip to Vegas later in the year. I'll definitely have to try it. Thanks for the info!
Hi,
I remembered seeing this on your blog. Today I planned a weekend trip to Seattle and used your advice to get a 4 star hotel (Westin) in downtown Seattle for $68 a night! Thanks so much, Sarah