Mithun

Actually I was wondering how does one get to the HBLR light rail stop from the hotel - is Google map accurate as in you have to cross over the PATH stop. I will be with a toddler on a stroller so am a bit apprehensive as to what I have got myself into now.

01/09 - 01/12 single session bid.

Started with $80 was countered with $119 - smelling blood I went out by $5 for each attempt and was successful @ 105.

I did use the PRICELINE link for my bid.

A day or two earlier I had tried everything from $97 to $122 without luck hence next day I started from $117 and went upto $147. If there was a way to get it cheaper I wouldn't know :).

I don't know whether they knew I had visited previously or not - maybe I used the same credit card... What I do remember is that last time I had walked up a printout from Priceline - this time I was more confident and didn't mention Priceline at any point. Also I had a physical SPG card which I assume implies I have actually stayed in a SPG property in the past and earned points.

I am still dreaming of my $90 Manhattan view room I got in Hyatt sometime between Christmas and New Year in 2008.

I usually don't post after the trip but this one was worth it for me.

Basically I walked into the hotel mentioned I had a 3 days reservation and showed my SPG Rewards card. I am not sure whether the SPG card which did it but I ended up getting the Presidential Suite on 23rd floor. It is a corner suite with Manhattan skyline view from the living/dining room and a jacuzzi in the master bathroom.

Of course I am not sure whether I overpaid for a room in Westin where most people seem to be getting it for $80-90 using Priceline.

Reservation was for June 1 - June 4, 2011

Used the PRICELINE link to start my bid - did all the areas in and around Jersey City starting with $117 increasing $5 with every bid. No counter offer was offered and finally the last area was accepted at a bid of $147.

My last year's bid was also accepted at Westin - I think it was around May 10 and for $110 or something close to. The only cons of that reservation was that I checked in late - around midnight and they ran out of rooms when I arrived. They placed in Sheraton Newark Airport for the night and then moved me to higher floor Manhattan facing room the next morning. I didn't complain about it but I am hoping to to experience that especially since I will be arriving around 10pm.

Fingers cross and hoping for a good experience.

- Mithun