Well, I was searching for specifically the area around Telshe Yeshiva so there was only one 3 star hotel and a few 2 star hotels. I tried $150 for 2 rooms (I mean $150 total) on the 3 star and it got denied so I did $135 for a 2 star.
(as usual what I post is not only towards you but others as well)
Once you were Denied on the 3* , before bidding on a 2* you needed to do your Homework all over if the 1st time you werent paying attention to anything but 3*s. When I wasnt successful on a 3-4 * place , I had no idea what Hotels by SFO were 2 1/2 *s and when I went over BB & BFT I didnt pay attention to anything under a 3*. Also I had to narrow my zones since many Hotels that are 2 1/2 and less dont have a free shuttle to/from the airport, so no sense getting something where Id have to cab it
I personally dont do my Homework on everything but just the Level Im looking to Win, once I need to change that I start all over and make believe I never even reseached anything, why? in order to prevent what happened to you
Lastly depending when the Hotel is needed determines how high I will bid, if I need it within the next say week, no room to wait.If its anywhere from a few weeks+ out no need to choke yet and I will walk away and come back another day for another go at it. Its like eBay where you NEVER want to get so involved that you now are offering more then you wanted to, Ive seen where it was possible to buy the same exact item from the same exact seller but at Buy It Now for $$ less then it was up to on the auction. People just get so involved and take it personally that they dont want anyone to out bid them. Heck at times its even cheaper simply walking into aretail store and buying it. PL is the same except your bidding against the site and not some shrill whos there to cause the price to go up.
So aperson should 1- check the reg travel sites for what the going rates are
2- check BB & BFT for both winning and lossing bids (make sure you know which were for weekday and weekend)
3- determine how much you are willing to pay All IN (including PL fees and taxes) before even bidding
4- build up to the your final $ amount in #3 dont start with it
5- be prepared to Walk Away, at some price it doesnt pay to use PL since its non-refundable, Id rather pay a few $$ more and know I can CX it or whatever then be locked into it and be saving only a few $s
6- just cause you didnt get a bite at $150 for a 3* doesnt mean you couldnt have gotten a 2* for $35+ per room