RickW

Thought I would provide you with a mid-bid update. I'm into the $223 bids and just received the "counteroffer". They are asking for a bid of $289. This didn't happen last time I tried the bidding strategy so maybe I'm getting close.

Thanks! Any thoughts on what the 4* in ESB would be? Some research of mine shows The Roger but I wasn't sure. I'll start bidding tonight! Rick

The only thought I had about ESB was that some of the hotels were rated a little lower than in other zones. That said, I know it's a crap shoot whenever we do the bidding thing. I just figured since I wasn't successful on the last attempt with ESB included it didn't matter if I left it in. I'm fine with keeping it included. Thanks for the advice.

Time to make another run at the bidding process. I'm beginning to think that the ink48 hotel might show up if I include Hell's Kitchen. I'm not sure what other 4* hotels are over there that might hit. Let's change the zones...include Central Park South and Hell's Kitchen and remove Empire State. I still don't want to go over $250 unless you just think that's unrealistic. Thanks for the continued help. After I post this, I'm going to go click on your Hotwire and PRICELINE links. Rick

Good grief...sorry. It was a Midtown East hotel

I'm looking into the ink48 and just found a Priceline Express 4* hotel with the following amenities. Currently it's listed for $298 and found it using your BiddingHelper.com. Any thoughts? Pets Allowed Restaurant Business Center Fitness Center Thanks Rick

While I wait to start up again on the bidding cycle, I'm wondering about a Hotwire hotel (clicked on the link before I looked) that keeps showing up for $279. It's 100% recommended (not sure if that means anything) in the Madison Sq Garden/Hell's Kitchen area. I don't know if I really want to stay there, but I didn't know if you could identify it. Below are the amenities. 4* Rating Free Internet Pet Friendly Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Restaurants Business Center Internet Access Spa Services Thanks Rick

Gave it a run and used the PRICELINE links. No luck tonight. Powering down and will start up on HOTWIRE searches tomorrow. I would imagine I need to wait a few days now with PRICELINE. Thanks for the assist!

Wow! This is awesome! I will definitely keep you posted. I will click through the links provided as well.

I really need to think through my posts. Good grief. Sorry for the confusion. Let's stick with the 5 listed for now. Thanks!

Thanks Aaron. I wasn't sure if you wanted a Hotwire thread and Priceline thread in the same conversation. I appreciate you consolidating my thoughts. I've used the re-bid strategy for other trips in the past so I'm familiar with the idea of needing zones with lower star ratings in order to get "free re-bids" which is driving my thought regarding 4*. There are only two zones with anything less than 4* so the re-bid strategy has me stumped if I start with anything less than 4*. If we can end up in the $200-$250 range for a 4* I think we will have done pretty good for ourselves. Anything lower would be gravy. If you have a strategy focused at 3.5* or 3* for NYC that will get us even lower, then I'm certainly open to those suggestions as well.

I'm still watching the Hotwire listings but wanted to get some Priceline advice as well. I'm going to include the details of our stay below. If you need anything else, let me know and I'll update. As always, I'll use your link as well. I stumbled across some great airfare so that is already done which is what drove the weird dates we are staying in NYC (Wed- Mon). So now that we are flying there, I guess we need a place to stay :) We were thinking we needed a 4* but the more I've thought about it, I'm not sure that a 4* is necessarily required. That said, the re-bidding strategy will only work with a 4* so we can start there. We are open to just about any zone in Manhattan and know that we will have to spend a little more because of that location. UES, UWS, MTE, MTW, Empire State are all areas we would consider. What are your thoughts on this? We certainly have some time to wait. Given some of the hotwire rates, I don't want to go over $270 per room. We are looking for 2 rooms with 2 adults in each room. Thanks Rick

And for the record, I will continue to use this site for one reason and one reason only... your responses are helpful and in no way rude. Thank you for that. When we are ready, I will use your links.

When I posted last, it was still showing up. Now it's not. I'm seeing Empire State now for $285. Probably the same one you saw. Thanks for the assist. I'll check with the other family who we are traveling with to see if we want to book now or wait. I'll post an update once we have clarification.

I'll keep clicking on your HOTWIRE link to ensure the credit. I left off that I'm searching for 2 rooms with 4 adults. Sorry about that.

I clicked on your HOTWIRE link and received a price for the Empire State Area for $263. Amenities only list Pet Friendly. Not much to go on. I'm wondering about the blue banner on the page that says "Book soon! The last person got the St Giles - Tuscany". Not sure why they would be telling me that if the magic of Hotwire is the not knowing. I did see this hotel on Bookit.com a few days ago but missed the sale. Any idea on the reliability of that "hint" or the actual hotel name? Thanks Rick First time poster so if I screwed this up, let me know and I'll fix it.