Priceline et al: Using on the Fly
 

I'm planning a driving trip in January to explore the Gulf coast of Florida for five days. As this is an exploratory trip, I would rather not book hotels in advance since I don't know how long I'll be spending in each place until I get there.

I might book the first night and the last somewhere near TPA, but I'd like to have flexibility the other nights without being at the mercy of "rack rate". I have a Wi-Fi laptop and thought maybe I could use it for late-day Pricelining, but may have trouble finding hot spots.

One other issue: I'm taking a red-eye arriving at 6AM, and wonder how I can avoid checking in early without paying for a full day.

Suggestions welcomed.

Checking in at that hour won't be a problem. If they have a room in the right category ready for you, you'll get it. If they don't, you'll have to wait. Either way, no extra charge. (This happens all the time with the usual early morning arrival at most European gateways.)

Is Tampa a "European gateway"?

Priceline Experience
 

My experience with PL for hotels is that it works very well in large cities (NY, DC, SFO, etc.) and not nearly as well in less urban areas. If it were me I would try PL out, but I would have a back up plan.

I have found Mobissimo to be a good source for hotel information, as well as, hotels.com and orbitz.com. I have also negotiated for hotel rooms at the front desk and gotten quite good deals, not usually as good as PL.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Bidkat, the Gulf Coast of Florida spans a very large piece of real estate. I do understand that you will be initially arriving in Tampa, and then also leaving from there.

But in between, are you looking to go south or north?

I can't help on more southerly destinations, but if you are heading up the state from Tampa, I might be of some assistance for the Emerald Coast area (Panama City-Destin-Pensacola area).

I can say that in these areas, you will generally not have any problems finding accomodations without advance reservations. But, do let me know your itin if it is in that direction.

Yours, etc.

-Harry

Priceline does not accept booking in certain parts of upstate NY and Metro NJ on the day of arrival. You may be well advised to book at least 1 night prior to arrival.