I've been perusing priceline and hotwire for some of their European destinations, and I must say I'm impressed with their discounted hotel prices for bigger cities in Germany and also Vienna and Budapest. Has anyone tried them in Europe? I realize there are some drawbacks, no cancellation refunds, hotel itself is disguised until purchase price etc. but the prices on the hot deals for hotwire and the priceline express deals look pretty attractive.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7053 posts
I use www.booking.com all the time. It's owned by Priceline (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Priceline_Group). I'm happy with it. I've used www.hotwire.com many, many times but in the US. I've saved a lot of money that way, but the hotels are heavily geared toward 3-5 star business hotels and boutiques (those with large inventories of empty rooms they need to get rid of), so you're not getting the full universe of what's available. So keep that in mind.
But I assume that you're looking at small villages in Germany. Many of those mom and pops don't list with third party sites.
At any rate, it doesn't hurt to try anything once...if you like it, you'll keep using it.
Posted by
Land of La
9102 posts
Used Priceline 6 or 7 years ago to get a great deal on a London hotel. As I'd been to London more than once I new the various neighborhoods and got the Regents Park Marriot. Updated room with huge flat screen, 2 double beds, and wonderful shower. All for $99/night.
I began to use Airbnb on subsequent trips but believe that Priceline deal was outstanding. However, for first timers that hotel wouldn't be central enough. Then again an easy tube ride to all the iconic sights. The walk to Regents Park and the London Zoo is quite lovely. Lords Crickett pitch is nearby as well. Imagine Swiss Cottage has changed a bit by now and suspect there are more markets, eateries than I saw when there.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8810 posts
I used Priceline in Amsterdam and had a great hotel at a very good price. The biggest challenge is that you can't cancel with name your own price. I always have travel insurance so this lessens that worry a bit.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15771 posts
A few years ago, for a few years, I got several great prices in Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna and the San Francisco Bay Area for excellent properties. In more recent years, I've looked but not used them because there was a steep slump in good deals - using the biddingfortravel.com website for research.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
I used Hotwire a few times for airport hotels near Heathrow and one in Boston - I think I got an OK deal...the LHR ones were Holiday Inn Express (both times, I believe)...nothing special, nothing horrible...
Posted by
California USA
4049 posts
I use Priceline for large European city hotels where I know the neighborhoods or airport hotels. This strategy has worked really well for us in a few instances. It never hurts to check. I always look at biddingforhotels.com ahead of time. It works well on weekends in cities if there are lots of hotels for business travelers too.
My favitote find was a London hotel where our room overlooked the British Library entry courtyard. Breakfast was an outrageous price at the business class hotel so we just ate at a small corner "restaurant" most mornings. It never hurts to shop around before you commit.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but....I'm under the impression that bidding sites are most helpful the day of your stay and not a long time in advance. I've always made reservations as early as possible as a way to get the best room for the money. If you are more adventurous than me and willing to roll the dice...I'd definitely check a bidding site when I got in town and wanted the least expensive room for the money. I'd guess Sundays and Tuesdays would be best.