Online Travel Booking and Bidding Agencies - Another free rebid question

I've asked PL directly and got the same confusing anwer that is on their website.

If I bid for a Resort and add a zone with a 4* is there a chance they'll assign me the 4*??

In parfticular this is for the lake tahoe area (N and S).

Thanks in advance

As a general matter, I believe it is possible for a resort bid to be 'upgraded' to 4* provided that the 4* properties in question meet the criteria for a resort.

I believe that the question of what Priceline does with Resorts and re-bids is somewhat zone specific. IIRC there are zones where Priceline will 'upgrade' a 4* bid to a resort (though this again is property-specific as often resorts are 3* quality, or at least that's all the Priceline description requires).

In this particular case, I do not think that Priceline will upgrade your bid to 4* when adding South Lake Tahoe as a rebid. But I am not 100% an expert in this zone.

I'm not absolutely sure but I think Resorts are kind of like 4.5 *s. Two years ago I bid 4 * in FLL aiming for the Hyatt Pier 66 and got "upgraded" to the Marriott Harbor Beach (resort *).

I don't know if this will answer your question or not but here's what biddingfortravel.com (probably the web's best site for PL info - though definitely not the friendliest) says:

"For purposes of free re-bidding, a zone with the highest level as Resort is only a free re-bid when bidding for a 5*. Bidding any lower than 5* and adding a zone that has Resort can result in what Priceline refers to as an upgrade to a Resort in the added zone."

betterbidding.com (probably the web's best site for PL info - though definitely not the friendliest)."

I'm a newbie both here and on betterbidding - but I think you got your websites mixed up - betterbidding IS the friendliest (IMHO) but biddingfortravel has more history of bids but that site is kind of like a fairy tale, because to get to the information you have to get past a dragon. :eek:

I'm a newbie both here and on betterbidding - but I think you got your websites mixed up - betterbidding IS the friendliest (IMHO) but biddingfortravel has more history of bids but that site is kind of like a fairy tale, because to get to the information you have to get past a dragon. :eek:

You are correct -thank you very much for pointing out my mistake. I was referring to biddingfortravel.com , I will edit and correct my original message.

"For purposes of free re-bidding, a zone with the highest level as Resort is only a free re-bid when bidding for a 5*. Bidding any lower than 5* and adding a zone that has Resort can result in what Priceline refers to as an upgrade to a Resort in the added zone."

I did see this on BFT. IMO it also does not address in full the question of what happens if one is bidding resort and adds a 4* zone. What this says is that if one adds a new zone with resort (as a hopeful free rebid) and bids for a 4*, PL could "upgrade" the bid to the resort in the new zone.

Is this true in the oppsite direction?? If I bid resort and add a zone with 4*, will my bid be "upgraded" the 4*??? What gleff indicated makes sense (deoends on the hotels), so I hope someone here will help with anecdotal experience to support the theory.

This is what I got from PL customer support:

3-Star hotels are the most well-recognized and respected brand-names in
the industry, these hotels are frequently among the nicest in smaller
cities. Along with all of the amenities of a midscale hotel, 3 Star
hotels feature high quality, beautiful appointments, well-decorated
lobbies and common areas, and many extras, such as fine dining, valet
parking and gym/sauna.

Boutique hotels are typically smaller and more intimate and offer a
different experience than your standard hotel. These unique, and often
historic properties are well appointed with designer soft-goods and
upgraded amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Boutique hotels
cater to the customers and tend to provide more personal level of guest
service. Creative restaurants, room service, fitness centers and
business services are some of the amenities and services offered.

4-Star hotels are the world's deluxe hotels, offering premium level
service and amenities for the most discerning traveler. These hotels
typically offer appointments, bathrobes, mini-bars, and comprehensive
business services. Deluxe-level hotels offer top-level amenities and
room furnishings and are generally rated at least 4 Star/Diamond by the
major rating services.

Resort hotels are the finest resorts designed to impress with extensive
facilities for an enjoyable vacation experience. Resorts are not
represented with a specific star rating, but are instead qualified as a
resort based on the amenities they offer guests. Our resorts will offer
tennis courts, a spa or fitness facility, one or more pools, multiple
food and beverage choices and frequently feature supervised children's
programs. All resorts reflect the area and the season with recreational
options such as water sports, snow skiing and golf, and those in coastal
areas feature beachfront access. Not just a hotel...a destination.

Our 5-Star hotels are luxury hotels offer the very best money can buy in
every detail, and the absolute highest levels of quality and amenities.
They are the most elite hotels in the world. Less than 1 hotel in 5,000
qualifies for 5 Star status. In fact, very few cities
have a 5 Star hotel.


In short, they said a bid will never be downgraded, but did not say that 4* are indeed below resort.

Check out this link:

Priceline Star Ratings (http://www.betterbidding.com/show.php/act/ST/f/174/t/1791) which discusses the star rating hierarchy. Note that the email posted there is from Aug '03 and the way Priceline chooses to upgrade users is subject to have changed between now and then.

Hope this helps.

(disclaimer: i'm the administrator of the above site)