Question for route shoppers RE hotels
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I stick with one hotel family since I also travel quite a bit for my regular job and stay in the same places so I can collect the points. So I don't use Priceline or Expedia or whatever. Just the hotel website.
I prefer hotels where I can get room service. I guess that makes me a hotel snob. If I end up staying some place without room service, I ask the front desk which places deliver and order from them. Basically, when I walk into a hotel room, I park myself there until it's time to leave so it has to have a lot of amenities. This applies to those times when I'm alone on a business trip. When the Hubs is with me or when I'm doing a hotel shop alone, of course I have to occasionally leave my room. Otherwise, I'm a 'Slam-Clicker'.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2014 12:53AM by Flippitti.
I prefer hotels where I can get room service. I guess that makes me a hotel snob. If I end up staying some place without room service, I ask the front desk which places deliver and order from them. Basically, when I walk into a hotel room, I park myself there until it's time to leave so it has to have a lot of amenities. This applies to those times when I'm alone on a business trip. When the Hubs is with me or when I'm doing a hotel shop alone, of course I have to occasionally leave my room. Otherwise, I'm a 'Slam-Clicker'.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2014 12:53AM by Flippitti.
When I did a number of routes in the fall, I used Priceline 95 percent of the time. The other 5 percent I used hotels like Red Roof. There were areas so rural, Priceline didn't have choices there. There are areas where the gas drilling industry has driven up the price of hotel rooms.
Better Bidding is the best site to use. After a while, one gets the feel of whether you go the Priceline route, or something else. I knew where I was going, and usually had my room booked a couple days ahead. Priceline's Express Deals worked a couple of times. I had a code for 10 percent off if I used their mobile app.
Better Bidding is the best site to use. After a while, one gets the feel of whether you go the Priceline route, or something else. I knew where I was going, and usually had my room booked a couple days ahead. Priceline's Express Deals worked a couple of times. I had a code for 10 percent off if I used their mobile app.
Better Bidding is the site I used for my hotel tomorrow night. Ended up saving me over $50 for the night!
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Be sure to post your wins on the Better Bidding site. It helps everyone.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2014 01:41AM by buteos.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2014 01:41AM by buteos.
I've used priceline many times for great deals on hotel rooms. A couple of weeks ago I saw a hot deal that I was convinced was an Extended Stay America...not your room service type of hotel but I like them. I took it and it turned out I was right. Got the place for $35. On the hot deals, look for tip offs as they do not tell you the hotel name until you accept.My tip off was that the mystery hotel had a dog fee of $25 per night. Since I have often mystery shopped that chain I was familiar with their jargon and the price for a dog there.
Hampton is my favourite when travelling with the family or when out on my own. The breakfast makes up the difference of going to a cheaper hotel, especially with kids. They are not fussy but are always clean. (Pets can't stay, though.)
Don't underestimate the value of hotel loyalty programs. I won't knock Priceline because it has come in handy a time or two when everything was just out of my budget. I usually do a search on Expedia just to see where rates are in the area I am traveling and then book directly through the hotel website.
Shopping since 1995; full-time since 2009. Blogging about shopping on www.myfrugalmiser.com.
I earn a ton of hotel loyalty points by having the credit card for each of four hotel chains that I shop. The really great deals are special promotions. By doing a few Marriott shops in February, I have two free nights (not just extra points, which I also earned....free nights) to use any time in the next year at hotels ranging from the bottom of the Marriott family up through full service Marriotts. So, when I am sent to Houston with two nights paid by an MSC, I will add a night or two so that I can both finish my 19 reports before returning home and meet up with a couple of my favorite schedulers for a drink and a shmooze about life and video shopping.
When I have to foot the bill and am just going to sleep, do reports and have a meal, I often choose Hampton Inns. I can order a meal delivered, store leftovers in the fridge, re-freeze my "ice" and then put stuff in a cooler and move on down the road. In addition, the mini-suites of the four major hotel chain families are also favorites, if I can get a good price. Depending on location and the timing of local events (football games, graduations, etc.) they can be great bargains or windly overpriced.
When I have to foot the bill and am just going to sleep, do reports and have a meal, I often choose Hampton Inns. I can order a meal delivered, store leftovers in the fridge, re-freeze my "ice" and then put stuff in a cooler and move on down the road. In addition, the mini-suites of the four major hotel chain families are also favorites, if I can get a good price. Depending on location and the timing of local events (football games, graduations, etc.) they can be great bargains or windly overpriced.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Lack of hotel points is definitely a negative to Priceline. But are they worth it? If I stay 10 nights a month in hotels (about average for me right now), and half of them are not shops, and I save $50 a night, I've made $250 extra. For Hilton brands that's roughly 40-60,000 points. WAY more points than I would have earned by staying. And I refuse to do credit cards so I don't get the bump in points from using them. I maxed out the Marriott Promo already too, but did so mostly from shops.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Just be careful about using any of the bidding sites on a route. You won't really save much if something prevents you from getting to the town or if you finish up early enough you could have gone on to the next one. I have several apps such as booking.com. Once my stopping place for the evening has been established I use those to scope out the area and then call the hotel directly. Worst case they will match the price and sometimes they offer a better rate. If there are enough unfilled rooms a hotel will negotiate. In general the hotels geared for business travelers have lower rates on Fridays and Saturdays.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I usually have the msc pay for the room if im doing an extended
route that requires staying overnight. Generally speaking regardless
of what I pay for the room I will get 100 a night from the msc for
a room. If I pay more, I pay the difference. If less, bonus for me,
unless it's one of the msc's that require a receipt then no bonus : (
route that requires staying overnight. Generally speaking regardless
of what I pay for the room I will get 100 a night from the msc for
a room. If I pay more, I pay the difference. If less, bonus for me,
unless it's one of the msc's that require a receipt then no bonus : (
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
The MSC I was working for gave me a set amount for lodging. It wasn't 100.00. Since my shops were set by appointment, I knew I was going to be where I had a room. I have used Priceline for years and even taking the hotel points into consideration, it comes out to be the best value. I've stayed in some really fine hotels via Priceline. Yeah, some dogs too, but I've stayed in some dumps at full price. I have points in the Carlson Club, Priority Club, and Red Roof Inn programs.
Funny this subject came up...you all know, I've cut way back, and am going to Vegas the 27th. (for fun). I used Expedia, and highly recommend them. We got a room on the strip (in an older hotel) for $22.00...yes, you heard right. No report or struggle, we figure, we won't be in the room that much, and they have a shuttle going to another hotel in the center of things. The room was re-done, Wifi, etc. I'm sure it won't be what I'd have liked, but then, neither are some of the flea bags offered like Freeman used to have. I highly recommend Expedia.
Live consciously....
Have a great time Irene. You've earned it. I stayed out of the strip area when I went and was glad to be away from the hustle and bustle for a quiet night with a nice pool But $22! That sounds like the old days before Vegas started charging the same price or more by the person instead of the room on their deals.
Irene, depending on the hotel if you use the 20 dollar trick they
will give you a suite(or better) for free when you check in. In short, ask if
they have any complimentary upgrades available and make sure
a 20 dollar bill is in your hand and visible to them but dont make it a broadcast.
If they are able to give
you one, you hand them the 20, if not you keep it.
will give you a suite(or better) for free when you check in. In short, ask if
they have any complimentary upgrades available and make sure
a 20 dollar bill is in your hand and visible to them but dont make it a broadcast.
If they are able to give
you one, you hand them the 20, if not you keep it.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
I recently had three days of bank shops in North Carolina. I was able to work out of Lumberton and booked [through Priceline] a room at The Southern Inn [Exit 17 on I95]. It's an older property, family owned and operated. They had 5 or 6 wireless routers on the property so the slowest Wi-Fi connection I had was 10.0 MBPS. It was clean. When I left, the owner gave me a card with an account number. If I'm ever there again, I can call direct and save $10 + tax off the Priceline rate [$55/night plus tax].
Generally I will try to stay at a chain but the reviews I was finding for the Lumberton area were less than stellar for Days Inn, Quality, Holiday, and Hampton.
Generally I will try to stay at a chain but the reviews I was finding for the Lumberton area were less than stellar for Days Inn, Quality, Holiday, and Hampton.
.
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
Hi,
I apolize in advance if I may be in breach of the rules, but I do long routes sometimes and I did not know that the msc would pay for the hotels. I am fairly new doing mystery shopping and would really appreciate it if you all would share which msc would pay for hotels? Thanks to all.
I apolize in advance if I may be in breach of the rules, but I do long routes sometimes and I did not know that the msc would pay for the hotels. I am fairly new doing mystery shopping and would really appreciate it if you all would share which msc would pay for hotels? Thanks to all.
jovanyhdez Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi,
>
> I apolize in advance if I may be in breach of the
> rules, but I do long routes sometimes and I did
> not know that the msc would pay for the hotels. I
> am fairly new doing mystery shopping and would
> really appreciate it if you all would share which
> msc would pay for hotels? Thanks to all.
You are actually safe from the ICA police, jovanyhdez. Although I don't know the answer to your question, I didn't want you getting stressed out if someone knocked on your door.
(heart)
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi,
>
> I apolize in advance if I may be in breach of the
> rules, but I do long routes sometimes and I did
> not know that the msc would pay for the hotels. I
> am fairly new doing mystery shopping and would
> really appreciate it if you all would share which
> msc would pay for hotels? Thanks to all.
You are actually safe from the ICA police, jovanyhdez. Although I don't know the answer to your question, I didn't want you getting stressed out if someone knocked on your door.
(heart)
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Thanks for your reply, I just wanted to know which MSC's would cover hotel stays when doing routes for them? I know many shoppers work with different MSC's and I was hoping that you all would share which MSC's pay for hotel stays. Thanks in advance.
I don't know of any MSCs who just have a standard policy to cover expenses. It is something you have to negotiate. How they handle it will vary. Few pay out on actual expenses and/or mileage. Most choose to give you a flat rate for travel either as one lump sum for the entire trip or adding a bonus to each assignment. You need to have a good idea of how much your travel expenses are going to be so you can negotiate accordingly.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Lots of good information, thanks for all of the replies.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
This is a great thread! One thing I've learned with Priceline is to check out the name-listed properties in the different regions provided around a city first and note the various star levels and have certain amenities (i.e. pet friendly since that tells you they're one of a handful of chains). Then, when you bid blindly, you'll have a pretty good idea what hotel you'll get.
This isn't foolproof, but you learn the areas and what's there. I know when I visit one city, there is only one 3 1/2 star property and I know I'll get it when I bid for one at that star level there. The only variable then is the room rate bid they'll accept since this is a college town and certain days and weeks are busier than others. Still , it's a fantastic property and I usually get the room for less than half the standard rate.
This isn't foolproof, but you learn the areas and what's there. I know when I visit one city, there is only one 3 1/2 star property and I know I'll get it when I bid for one at that star level there. The only variable then is the room rate bid they'll accept since this is a college town and certain days and weeks are busier than others. Still , it's a fantastic property and I usually get the room for less than half the standard rate.
I love Priceline. You are bidding blind but they give you an idea of what you will be getting. The 2 best hotels I have ever stayed at I got thru Priceline at 1/2 the usual price. I would not have been able to afford those at the standard price.
What makes rewards point more valuable is that you get them for hotel stays where the MSC pays for the hotel. You can then spend some of them to make more cash on routes by stretching the modest travel bonuses that you negotiate with those MSCs. Plus, last year I did a 10 night vacation just using hotel bonus points, and staying at very nice places, indeed!
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
jovanyhdez: there is no msc that puts in their job post that they
will pay for your hotel stay. It doesn't work that way.
Everyone keeps talking about hotel points but what about airline miles?
You can fly to some pretty great or even exoctic destinations by racking
up those airline points for free. In the last 12 months I've flown 4 or 5
roundtrip flights at no cost. Most hotels, airlines and car rental companies
now let you decide if you want to earn points for their program or another
companies. Taking advantage of that and bonus offers adds up quick.
will pay for your hotel stay. It doesn't work that way.
Everyone keeps talking about hotel points but what about airline miles?
You can fly to some pretty great or even exoctic destinations by racking
up those airline points for free. In the last 12 months I've flown 4 or 5
roundtrip flights at no cost. Most hotels, airlines and car rental companies
now let you decide if you want to earn points for their program or another
companies. Taking advantage of that and bonus offers adds up quick.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
Up to last September, I had never done overnight routes. Then the company that I do a lot of shops for, had shops in other states that were becoming urgent. The scheduler offered routes for a certain amount of money.
I don't know if I will be offered routes like that again. Since I'm a farmer, I can't do long routes from March until fall, and my scheduler knows that.
When I use Priceline, I realize savings immediately. Those savings trump the points I receive and might use in the future if I paid regular price for a room. There are exceptions, but generally speaking, I save a lot more money using Priceline. Using sites like Better Bidding, I don't usually have to guess what hotel I'm bidding on.
I don't know if I will be offered routes like that again. Since I'm a farmer, I can't do long routes from March until fall, and my scheduler knows that.
When I use Priceline, I realize savings immediately. Those savings trump the points I receive and might use in the future if I paid regular price for a room. There are exceptions, but generally speaking, I save a lot more money using Priceline. Using sites like Better Bidding, I don't usually have to guess what hotel I'm bidding on.
I totally understand rewards points. I was a business traveler for a few years. I'm not sure how many nights I had but one year I had 256 rental days with Hertz. I do know I had more than enough Hilton stays most years to be diamond twice (120 nights). So yeah, get the whole points thing. I just don't see where points would justify paying $50 extra for a hotel. Now, if you have to get a room and don't want to or can't use priceline, definitely get the points for your stays.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
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