Hotwire Hotel: 4.5* New York City (Midtown East) Grand Hyatt New York

[pvhove]

4.5* Midtown East: I was sure it would be the Waldorf Astoria, since the amenities listed corresponded exactly to those listed for that property on betterbidding (including tennis...). Was very surprised (and disappointed) to get the Grand Hyatt. On betterbidding the Grand Hyatt is listed as 4*. In HOTWIRE's vacation packages the Grand Hyatt is also described as 4*.  Is this fair?  If I had known that I might be getting the Grand Hyatt, I would have gone for another option which was very likely to be the New York Palace, and was only $20 more expensive. Is it worth taking this up with hotwire (discrepancy in star ratings for Grand Hyatt)?

Thanks for your advice.

 

update: I booked this a week ago, but the deal is still showing today, 4.5*, Fitness, Restaurant, Business Center, Tennis, Spa, Tripadvisor 4 out of 5, 193 USD /night. 

Is it OK for them to show 4.5* while for the same hotel they have a description as 4* on their own website?

I know hotwire star ratings don't correspond to ratings on other sites or 'official' ratings, but is such a discrepancy within their own website acceptable?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you haven't yet, please start by reading your messages (as this will also remove the red box at the top of the page asking that you do the same)

The HOTWIRE vacation product is 'powered by Expe.dia' which is likely the reason for the different star rating, but if you're upset/disappointed with the discrepancy you can try taking this up with HOTWIRE and see what they say. However, i think the basis of your issue should be that you wanted/expected a 4.5* hotel, and this one as per a section of their own website, is 4* rated (not that you wanted/expected some other property).

Feel free to ask the board for help before your next opaque travel purchase as we can act as a second set of eyes and hopefully guide you to a more favorable outcome that meets your expectations (we had commented on this offer previously HERE and HERE that an upgrade of the Grand Hyatt was a possibility)

If you take this up with HOTWIRE let us know how you make out and if we can assist with a replacement property.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[pvhove]

Thanks very much for the response, thereuare. I actually e-mailed hotwire customer service pointing out the discrepancy in star ratings within the different parts of the hotwire website, but they are not willing to change the booking. 

Do you feel the 4.5* rating for the Grand Hyatt is reasonable, compared to the competition?

You're right that the possibility of an upgrade of the Grand Hyatt to 4.5* was mentioned previously as an (unconfirmed) possibility, so I could have been more careful. However, no problem really as the deal I got on the Grand Hyatt is still pretty good.

Thanks for providing a very useful service!

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up and letting us know their viewpoint.

Star ratings are subjective and it becomes a matter of splitting hairs when you are talking about a half a star rating difference... as you seem happy with the deal for the price paid, i'd focus on the value you received for this trip and start to focus on what you'd like to do while in the city. :)

You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

Also, if you like burgers i recommend this page which is a short walk from your hotel as well:

Jackson Hole

521 Third Ave (corner of 35th St and Third Ave)

Let me know if i can help with any NYC questions you may have.

Have a great trip!