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Just wanted to let you know that we took the plunge and tried bidding on Priceline. It's quite addictive isn't it?! We went up to $160 bidding for a 4 star in CPS but had no luck so then we switched to MTE as follows: $100 MTE $110 + Brooklyn $115 + CPS $120 + Chelsea $125 + Long Island City and got the Intercontinental Barclay! It's not one of the properties I would have preferred but I am certainly not going to whine about it. I'm going to think positive thoughts and work out what to do with the $400 per room savings! Thanks for all your help and advice. I used the PRICELINE link and would certainly do so again for our next trip.

Thanks to you both for the comments. What you are saying about the reviews being relative to the price paid for a room makes perfect sense. I tend to be a control freak and look for a fancy hotel (hence the back-up reservation at 6 Columbus) but, if I'm honest, it's usually a bit of a disappointment! I don't think anyone else in our party is particularly bothered about the hotel (you spend so little time there when you're in NY after all) so I am going to take a deep breath, let it go and think about what I can spend the savings on - hopefully! So, we're meeting up with the other couple we're travelling with next weekend so we could have a Priceline party! Would you be able to help out with a bidding strategy? I think I'd like to start with CPS as there are only the two 4 star hotels there and I'd be more than happy with either of them. What do you think a reasonable top bid is there? $150? If we have no luck there then I'd look at switching to MTE. Hope you can help.

It's interesting you mention the Omni because that's the one 4 star hotel I've been looking out for on HOTWIRE! I can only get it to come up on a search if I'm looking for one room though, not two. Is it too risky to book each room separately? We're two couples in our 30's on our 4th visit to NY. We don't have to stay in any particular area as we're planning to spend time all over the island on our visit. I suppose Midtown would be a better bet but I didn't fancy the Barclay or the Hyatt judging by the TA reviews....

Thanks so much for the reply. I'm glad I asked because I was happily assuming it was On The Ave! I think it does have a restaurant now but, as you say, the TripAdvisor info doesn't add up. I'll just hold fire for a while and see if anyone else takes a gamble on it! We don't need to be on the UWS necessarily. We stayed at On The Ave last year and like both the hotel and area but we were upgraded to a suite so the regular rooms are an unknown to the two of us. I've made reservations at 6 Columbus through Quikbook for $217/night for a Queen room but will keep an eye on HOTWIRE / PRICELINE to see what comes up. I might even allow myself a little PRICELINE gamble nearer the time! Thanks again both for the reply and the great site.

Hi All Thanks for this fabulous site. I'm new to all this and have been digesting all the information on here for days! I need two rooms in NY for April 3rd-April 7th (4 nights). Hotwire has a 3.5* Central Park Area described as Boutique with Restaurant and High Speed Internet. The only property on your list that looks similar is On The Ave but the TripAdvisor rating seems a little off. Do you think this could be it? Also, does anyone have experience of trying to upgrade your room once you've booked? I understand that basic rooms there can be quite small so wondered if anyone had encountered any attitude for asking to upgrade when having booked through Hotwire... If I go ahead and book, I'll be sure to use the HOTWIRE link. Thanks again.