Hi, do you recommand using priceline.com to bid hotels in Italy? (Venice, Florence, and Rome?) Since, I won't know which hotel I am bidding until I won the bid, is it a bit risky? Has anyone had the experience and can share the pros, cons, and tips??
Thanks!
I made two reservations for Rome using Hotwire.com --similar in that I did not know which hotel I would get only that it was supposedly located in the Center of Rome. The first turned out to be ok, right near the train station and a good value. The other was a disaster -- when I got my confirmation I discovered that the hotel was remotely in the middle of nowhere -- and that while a metro was nearby, the hotel advised against walking to the station since the busy super highways had no sidewalks and you would take your life into the hands of crazy Italian drivers. The only alternative was an expensive cab ride or the pay-as-you-go hotel shuttle. After checking the consistently negative reviews on trip advisor.com, I vowed I would never again book a hotel without knowing exactly where it was located. It may cost a few extra bucks, but it would be well worth it.
Jenny, while I largely agree with the first responder regarding hotel online bookings, you can get great deals late before arrival. Ten days ago I had a priceline bid, accepted for $122 at a hotel next to the effel tower. It was done two days before I would arrive. Turned out to be the novotel, with average rack rate of 370 euros, or nearly $500. Need I say I was very pleased, and it included the 25 euro buffet breakfast. Do compare sights, as many like expedia give you good prices and location info.
Jenny, Try the websites biddingfortravel.com to get advice on priceline and hotwire.
I've used priceline in London and the U.S., but never elsewhere in Europe. When I travel, location is really important to me. I've noticed in most cities in Europe, the priceline areas don't let you really narrow down to a particular part of the city.
