Introduction
Are you planning a trip and looking for ways to save money on accommodation? Bidding on a hotel room can be a great option. By participating in hotel room auctions, you have the opportunity to get a room at a discounted price. In this article, we will explore some popular platforms where you can bid on a hotel room in 2023.
1. Priceline
Priceline is one of the most well-known platforms for bidding on hotel rooms. They offer a “Name Your Own Price” feature where you can select the area, star rating, and price you are willing to pay. Priceline then matches your criteria with available hotels and if your bid is accepted, you can book the room at the agreed-upon price.
2. Hotwire
Hotwire is another popular website for hotel room bidding. They offer a “Hot Rate” feature where you can select the city and star rating, but the name of the hotel is kept hidden until after you make a reservation. This allows hotels to fill their unsold rooms at a discounted rate while providing customers with lower prices.
3. HotelTonight
HotelTonight is a mobile app that specializes in last-minute hotel bookings. While it doesn’t offer traditional bidding, it does provide discounted rates for same-day reservations. This can be a great option if you are flexible with your travel plans and looking for a spontaneous getaway.
4. Roomer
Roomer is a unique platform where individuals can sell their non-refundable hotel reservations to other travelers. This allows you to find great deals on hotel rooms that would otherwise go unused. You can bid on these reservations and if your offer is accepted, you can enjoy significant savings.
5. HotelBid
HotelBid is a website that allows you to bid on hotel rooms across various destinations. You can select the city, dates, and star rating, and then enter the price you are willing to pay. HotelBid will then negotiate with hotels on your behalf and inform you if your bid is accepted.
6. Stayful
Stayful focuses on boutique and independent hotels. They offer a bidding feature where you can enter your desired price and the number of nights you plan to stay. Stayful will then negotiate with the hotel to try and secure a deal for you. This can be a great option if you prefer unique and personalized accommodations.
7. Upside
While not specifically a bidding platform, Upside offers a unique way to save on hotel rooms. They bundle together flights and accommodations, allowing you to save money on both. By booking a package deal, you can often get discounted rates on hotel rooms without having to bid.
8. BidClips
BidClips is a platform that allows you to bid on hotel rooms using video clips. You can record a short video explaining why you deserve a discounted rate and submit it along with your bid. Hotels can then review the videos and choose to accept or reject the offers. This adds a fun and interactive element to the bidding process.
9. Travelzoo
Travelzoo is a website that offers exclusive deals and discounts on various travel-related services, including hotel rooms. While they don’t have a traditional bidding system, they negotiate discounted rates with hotels and provide these offers to their members. By signing up for their newsletter, you can stay updated on the latest hotel deals.
10. Auction Sites
Lastly, you can also explore auction sites like eBay or Bid4Assets for hotel room bidding opportunities. These sites often have auctions for hotel stays, especially for high-end or luxury properties. While the selection may be limited, you might find some incredible deals if you keep an eye out.
Conclusion
Bidding on a hotel room can be an exciting way to save money while traveling. Platforms like Priceline, Hotwire, and HotelTonight offer various options for bidding or discounted rates. Additionally, websites like Roomer, HotelBid, and Stayful provide unique opportunities to find great deals on hotel rooms. Don’t forget to explore bundling options like Upside or exclusive deals on Travelzoo. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider bidding on a hotel room and enjoy significant savings without compromising on quality.