Hi everyone! I’ve been reading BHB religiously but have been a very naughty contributor. This is still my favorite blog and it’s an honor to be a part of this community.
I recorded a 6 1/2 minute video detailing a fun little system I’ve been using to save thousands – yes, thousands – on my hotel costs. I hope you find it worthy. If not, flame away and I’ll stick to what I know best next time.
Missy Caulk says:
I think it is great! Thanks Mark.
October 8, 2009 — 1:59 pm
Benjamin Ficker says:
Great video! I’m curious, how close to the date of the event do you need to be? Let’s say I’m going to be there in March, what’s the best time to start bidding this way?
October 8, 2009 — 2:43 pm
Mark Green says:
@ Missy – thank you.
@ Benjamin – I haven’t noticed a discernable difference in success between booking a room 2 nights before an event or 2 weeks before the event. Another key is to not get greedy. When you’re going 4 star, I have about an 80% success ratio when I bid $89. If you bid too low, Priceline “punishes” you by making you select either a lower star resort or an additional geographic area the next bid you make. So you’re best off being conservative and maximizing your chances for success the first time you bid.
October 8, 2009 — 2:50 pm
Dan Connolly says:
Here’s another one: I actually found a way to get incredibly cheap plane tickets. Travelocity.com gave me prices around $340 round trip from Atlanta to Houston travelling 2 days from when I booked (for a funeral) which was a lot less than half of the cheapest “berevement” fares available, cheaper than priceline, any discount air with two stopovers, any fare anywhere. The hotel was a throwaway, we didn’t use it. (Crappy part of town)all flights all day were available at that price. We were in the air 36 hours after we booked.
October 8, 2009 — 7:26 pm
Greg Dallaire says:
Mark,
I think this post is extremely relevant and the screencast makes it that much better. You had my attention for 7 minutes. Ryan Hartman video master would be proud.
I was blown away to see how great of a deal you actually received at a quality hotel.
Man do I feel dumb when I went to Chicago I bet I could have saved at least a 100 buckaroos.
Have fun at the conference and I look forward to your future posts here at BHB
October 8, 2009 — 8:35 pm