Nabbed a 4-star hotel near LAX with Priceline for $75
I need to fly out of LAX super early Monday morning and didn’t feel like asking any Los Angeles friends if I could bunk at their place and leave at 5:30 a.m. But I didn’t want to pay a lot for a hotel room either, since staying at a hotel in this case isn’t a holiday but a practical necessity. So I thought I’d test my luck on Priceline.
Frame of reference: First I searched Priceline’s hotels in the LAX area and saw that four-star hotels booked for tonight (July 27, 2008) would be around $209 per night. The Rennaisance Montura Hotel Los Angeles Airport where we’ve enjoyed staying at before was going for $219 per night and $250 after taxes and fees even with the Priceline fee-chop.
Deal: $200 was more than I wanted to spend, so I thought I’d try Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” feature, which claims you can save up to half off. I’ve used this before and succeeded in finding deals on road trips, but it still takes a certain amount of guts every time I try it.
I clicked the Los Angeles (LAX) area, requested a four-star room and offered a price of $75 per night. Next I filled out my credit card information and crossed my fingers. Sure enough, my offer was accepted. Guess which hotel? The Renaissance Montura Hotel Los Angeles Airport. Total charges come to $93 — more than half off the listed price.
Tip: Be aware that this hotel charges $19 per day for parking.
What’s the most recent Priceline deal you’ve scored from naming your own price?
— Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times Travel Deal blogger
[Photo: Renaissance Montura Hotel Los Angeles Airport. Credit: Marriott.com]
4 Comments on “Nabbed a 4-star hotel near LAX with Priceline for $75”
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July 27th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I have a question. What happens, if you put a price…but priceline doesn’t accept it…will nothing happen? they won’t take ur money right? and how do you know how much to quote? what is too much? too little?
July 28th, 2008 at 11:46 am
If Priceline does not accept your bid, there is no charge. During the process, they’ll warn you if they think your bid has no chance of being accepted.
Early in the process, they’ll show you the average cost of a room in the star level and location you’re seeking. Start at about half of that, but you can go lower than that if the date of use is close and the chances of the room going unsold increase.
There are incredible bargains to be found on Priceline if you are traveling on short notice or the spur of the moment. The bidding aspect is not as useful for long-range planning.
Again, there will be no charge if your bid is rejected. If your bid is accepted, however, your card will be charged immediately … so be certain that you’ll be going and mind your typing because it’s very difficult to get a refund.
There are several websites that offer more information. Google “Priceline hints.”
July 28th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I’ve not used priceline. BUT, I’d be pretty disappointed to be charged by priceline while just looking for a good deal.
Always shop and compare with other services is my rule of thumb.
However, a 4-star hotel for $75… I don’t think can be beaten.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
There are lots of great hotel deals right now. Starwood has a great 3rd night free deal. I find my deals on Cityskoop.com or Travelzoo.com.