Priceline Hotel: 2.5* New York City (Midtown West) Washington Jefferson Hotel

[bryceb]

Hi All,  I just discovered this forum today and have been doing my best to familarize myself with how things work on here.  I will make sure to use the Priceline and Hotwire links found on this site from now on.

 

My wife and I are spending a week in NYC, already have our plane tickets, and now are looking to get our hotel room.  I haven't used Priceline's NYOP since 2005 or 2006, when I was lucky enough to win my bid for a week's stay at the Benjamin Hotel for $100/night.  I am sure things have probably changed since then, as I doubt as good of a deal is available today?  I am hoping you guys can help us with a strategy to book a hotel for as cheap as possible.  With our trip being a full 2 months away, would it be wise to wait a little while before trying to bid?  I'm obviously rusty with my Priceline-ing. :)

 

Our desired areas to stay are Midtown East, Midtown West, or Times Square.  3.5* or above is our preference (or 3* and above in TS), but we would be willing to possibly go for a 3* if the difference in price is significant.  What tips do you guys have for these neighborhoods?  What is the lowest, reasonable expectation for $ for these dates in these neighborhoods?  Thank you for your patience with me--I'm looking forward to using this site for all my hotel booking in the future!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Unfortunately rates are high for your dates and you're going to make a decision on the trade-off between your first choice of zone(s), star rating, and price.

For a 3* hotel in Times Square (or the other zones you've listed), at current rates you're likely looking at the $180-$200 area... a 4* will be in the $200-$220 area.

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[bryceb]

Thanks so much.  Any idea as to why that week is so pricey? Some major event going on that I'm unaware of?

 

My wife has never been to NYC, so I want to make sure she gets the typical "touristy" experience.  I've been to New York a few times, but have only ever stayed in Midtown/Times Square.  Are there other zones that will provide a similar touristy feel and remain within reasonable walking distance to Midtown while being noticeably less expensive than MTE, MTW, or Times Square?

 

Will name your own prices likely drop as we get closer to the dates of our trip?

 

Thank you for your help!

 

 

[thereuare]

There is always something happening in NYC, but the rates above common for this time of year as the Fall is seasonally an expensive time in NYC.

Nobody can say if rates will come down, or move higher, between now and your trip, it all depends upon how actual new reservations/cancellations come in relative to expectations... more new reservations (or fewer cancellations) than expected would likely cause rates to rise even further, fewer new reservations (or more cancellations) than expected then you could see rates come down a bit; but as noted above the $200-area is common for this time of year.

From what i'm seeing you won't see significant savings by heading outside of MTE, MTW, TS, but there are other zones you may want to consider (and a comment above MTE):

MTE - some of the hotels can be up to a 10-15 minute walk to the subway

MSG - generally considered to be well located and convenient

ESB - generally considered to be well located and convenient

Chelsea - some hotels can be up to a 10 minute walk to the subway, but this is generally considered a 'hot' area right now with lots of cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. so it's still a very frequently bid and desirable zone

I don't necessarily think that including these other zones will necessarily lower your cost by that much, but by including more zones it gives more hotels the opportunity to accept your bid price (which helps get the best deal as possible)

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

[bryceb]

We ended up staying at the Washington Jefferson. We paid $229/night.

It was a 3* hotel when we booked it, but it looks like it may now be a 2.5*.

[thereuare]

Thank you for closing this thread and sharing your win with the board.

Please remember to follow-up your threads with your results/decisions as you receive them so that the information can best help others in a timely manner.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Hope you enjoyed your stay and time in NYC.