Priceline is a great way to keep accommodation costs down. I’ve used it myself when traveling throughout Hawaii.
The deals are even cheaper now than in our last Priceline report on Hawaii hotels in June 2009. Following are some examples of Winter deals on 4-star properties recently achieved through Priceline bids, as reported on Bidding For Travel.
1. Prince Hapuna Beach (Big Island): $75/night.
An unbelievable price for one of the best locations in the state. A Beat of Hawaii favorite on the iconic North Kohala Coast.
2. Hyatt Regency Maui: $131/night.
A fine hotel located on 40 oceanfront acres at Kaanapali Beach.
3. Hyatt Regency Waikiki: $93/night.
Directly across the street from Waikiki beach. A great value.
4. Hawaii Prince Waikiki: $82/night.
Another Beat of Hawaii favorite. At the Ala Wai Canal entrance to Waikiki. All rooms feature ocean/marina views.
Note: Check for hidden resort fees and other costs. Priceline or not, remember that hotels are quickly joining airlines in the ancillary fee game.
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Jeanne says
Our January trip included two of your picks: the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and the Hapuna Beach Prince. Both splendid!
Rob says
Hi Jeanne,
Glad those both worked out for you!
Aloha, Rob
Nancy says
Hi Jeff, I have a question; I always take my elderly parents to Hawaii on vacation, we do spend much time in the room. More than the average Hi. vacationer. The last few times we have stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and ate at the Hale Koa to save money.
Do you have any other hotel ideas that would cost less, but with a conservative/grandma/grandpa tourist vibe? = )
Mahalo,
Nancy
Jeff says
Hi Nancy,
Sorry for the delay in responding. My favorite place to stay is the nearby Hawaii Prince Waikiki. If you can get it on Priceline, it is a fabulous value, and I believe the right vibe.
Aloha, Jeff
Lee says
Just got back from Hawaii. Used Priceline for 3 nights each in Honolulu and the Big Island.
Paid $72 per night for the Hawaii Prince in Waikiki, and $90 per night at the Marriott Resort in Waikoloa.
No resort fee at the Hawaii Prince, but there was a separate parking fee of $15 per night and an Internet fee of $12 per night. The Marriott had a resort fee of $20 per night, which paid for parking and Internet, among other things.
Overall, very happy with the prices. You can get a good feel for what bids will be accepted by checking BetterBidding.com and BiddingForTravel.com.
Jeff says
Thanks for writing Lee. I’m glad that using Priceline worked out for you.
Aloha, Jeff
Jeff says
Hi Alba,
I agree that Priceline guests shouldn’t expect first class treatment. On the other hand, at the hotels we featured, worst isn’t half-bad at all.
When you Priceline, like when you go through any online travel agency (Expedia, Orbitz, etc.), the hotel only gets about 70% of your total booking.
Aloha, Jeff
alba says
I’ve used Priceline and Hotwire many times before and there’s definitely Priceline discrimination at some hotels. I think you’re more likely to get a crappy room when you book through PL then some other source. But then again, you’re in paradise and you won’t be doing much in the room except sleeping!
I’m carefully planning my next trip to Hawaii and an always tempted to use Priceline, but there are a lot of good deals out there that include things you can’t get with Priceline – like free breakfast.
Oliver says
I forgot the free wifi I got as a platinum. Not sure if Hyatt gives elite benefits on PL stays. Though frankly, I didn’t use it very much – after all I was in Hawaii!! 🙂
and you are right, for many people the PL deals are perfect. Travel planning and optimizing is a hobby I enjoy, but it is time consuming.
Oliver says
> Hyatt Regency Waikiki: $93/night
Great deal! I just spent three nights there and paid $136 each night on a AAA rate.
Oh wait, I also got to take about 20% off by paying with Hyatt $50 gift certificates that I bought at Costco for $40 each. Oh, and I also used a “DEL5K” offer code that gave me $150 in dining credits, plus 5,000 Hyatt points. Oh, and I also added a G2 code that gave me another 2,000 Hyatt points. Oh, and I, of course, also got Hyatt points for the full cost of my stay (+ platinum bonus). Oh, and I got upgraded from cheapest room category to Deluxe Ocean View on the 27th floor, thanks to my Platinum status. Oh (sorry!), I also got 1/2 free night credit for Hyatt’s FFN promo.
I think I got a better deal than that $93 PL example 🙂
Yes, I know, I also spent a bit of time finding those offer codes, and not everyone’s a Platinum member (though really, it’s not their highest elite level and pretty easy to reach), and there aren’t always good bonus offer codes available.
BTW, loved the time in Hawaii and at the Hyatt and already booked another stay (someone’s got to prop up the economy, eh?).
Jeff says
Hi Oliver,
Congrats on that deal. I concur you did better than the Priceline deal. But for many of our readers, the Priceline might be a simple solution.
Sometimes I pay more and choose not to Priceline in order to get a lot more in return. I like getting upgraded to 1,200 sq. ft. oceanfront suites but paying $125 instead of $75 for example. It all depends on the situation.
Thanks for your comment.
Aloha, Jeff