amor1964

Hello, It's been some time since I have posted, but I use this site quite often as references. We are considering going in Oct, but I'm not finding any posts during that month. We have gone in Nov and Dec the last several years, but wife thinks it's too cold (and rates start climbing then) and wants to bump it up a month. I see that the posts for Sept seem to be on the high side, and I wanted your "forecast" for Oct. We generally enjoy the UM/CPS zone, specifically the Park Central has been ideal for us. But we are not set on any particular zone. Have you any info of things/events that could influence rates and availability during Oct?. I truly appreciate your time! C.B.M. Baton Rouge,LA

I did try again using the same exact 4* bid structure, no luck. I decided to go down to a 3* and my first bid was accepted, Park Central, Suits me just fine, attending a show at The Lincoln Center. Congratulations, you got your price of $90 for a 3-star hotel room. See your complete hotel itinerary and receipt for your trip below. Be sure to print out a copy of this page for your records and have it with you at check-in Park Central New YorkUpper Midtown - Central Park South 870 Seventh Avenue At 56th Street New York, New York 10019 212-247-8000 Check-In Date: Tue, Jun 15, 2004 Check-In Time: After 04:00 PM Check-Out Date: Thu, Jun 17, 20 Your Offer Price: $90.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 2 Subtotal: $180.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $33.62 Total Charges: $213.62

Only when I'm trying for NYC do I have so much trouble! Tomorrow I can try again for 4*, here was my last attempt: $95 4* MTE $110 4* MTW $120 4* UM-CPS $130 UES $140 UWS Nothing accepted. I don't want to pay more than $140 and zone is really not that important to me (no Lower though) Should I keep this stratagy or go down to 3*? I don't mind a 3* at all, but I feel it's too early to throw in the towel on a 4* Any thoughts? Thank you for your time.

3/26-3/27 CC/GD Hilton Riverside 4* Accepted first bid @ $50. Having been to this hotel numerous times, this bid is probably the best bargain I've ever seen.

Update: Failed Again As of this morning I strayed a bit from original stratagy...no luck. NOW trying 3* MTW $120 MTE $130 MTS $150 UP/CPS $160 UE $175 UW $180 All reject, but I guess this is what I'm sticking to as we get closer.

Well...I went through my "every 72 hours bidding routine" this morning. Same routine that is documented in earlier post. Went up to $180 all zones except lower after starting MTW $120. The outcome was no surprise! I may go down to 3* in the next couple of weeks, but from what I've seen, read, heard, there is just nothing to be had..period. Other than the Madison Hotel which was pointed out by other poster as an alternative. They quoted me $74 all taxes included. We all now that's too good to be true so I had to find reviews of this place. "If you like backpacking in India, you MIGHT be ok here" was how 1 review started. "You check inn and get your key from a guy in a cage behind bullet-proof glass" was another observation. If it was just me I might just try it, but after reading these reviews there is no way I could even suggest it to my wife. She suffered a "life-changing" experience one trip when we stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania! What a place...never again, only "designer labels" for her now. HA

Since it is well documented that this particular weekend is jammed up, should I consider lowering my star level? I've never worried about snagging a scary 4*,though it may be possible, but I think there are probably some scary 3* out there. Any advice?

I just gave it try (again)this morning 12/5-12/7 MTW $120 = reject added MTE $130 = reject added MTS $150 = reject added UP/CPS $160 = reject added UPW and UPE $180 = reject!! All I can do is keep trying.

WOW....congrats I'm still new to this, but those prices don't resemble the prices I'm seeing in NYC for 1st week of December at all. I wish I could land a great deal like that. Enjoy!

OK, I will continue on this stratagy for a few weeks, I'm still confident. Thankfully I am familiar with NYC and airport hotels, IMO to take subway from an LGA hotel is a little less hassle than a JFK hotel, and quicker. LGA Crowne Plaza has a courtesy shuttle to the nearest station for the 7 train (3/10 mile) I only use train to get into city in the morn and taxi to get back at night. This particular trip I'm into JFK and out-of LGA, so that's a good thing. That's also the reason I didn't look into Jersey. I'm used to not being able to return to hotel during the day, but it sure would be nice to have that option! I'll keep at it.

Welcome back, and thank you for the help. As of this morning: For 12/5-12/7 4* MTW @ $120 = reject added MTE @ $130 = reject added MTS @ $150 = reject added UP/CPS @ $160 = reject added UPE @ $175 = reject and last I added UPW @ $180 = and yes, again, rejected. SO...now do I just continue trying this, especially closer to 12/5? I do have a reserve at LaGuardia Crowne Plaza @ $119, can cancel up until 6pm arrival date, but I really hate the "commute" Thanks much for your help!

I knew something was up when I started my conventional means of booking a room, VERY expensive OR sold out. My only problem with Lower zone was the fact that this will be a weekend, and things are pretty quiet then. We come and go late at night and cabs are nearly impossible down there and the subway walk is not the best on a late weekend night. Exact neighborhood is not a concern in any other area except Lower. Here are some thoughts from this PL amateur, let me know if they make any sense. Perhaps this could be a "blessing in disquise" reasoning is that when these hotels update/ release some rooms blocked for this convention, they will be looking to fill vacancies (?) Maybe even more last minute vacancies than usual (?) Would it be a good idea to book a refundable room (found reasonable by LGA) then try my luck from 30 days on in for target dates? It would seem that the hotels would have rooms as the reservations are updated, and cancelations close to target dates.

Thank you for your reply. The dates are firm, But location certainly is not. I spend most of my time between Times Square and Chinatown/Little Italy. Never a need to go above 72nd. I have no problem going up to $200 per night (incl tax(s)) I've never found an inconvienent location, but I have sure have some experiences with overpriced horrible hotels! Thanks

By-the-way, forgive me for not mentioning earlier, this site is EXCELLENT! I've gone from knowing NOTHING about PL/HW to actually feeling comfortable enough to place a bid the same day I registered here. Fantastic information, and friendly people! Thank you

As I mentioned before this is my first try with PL and my offer was rejected. Is there a good stratagy to follow from this point? Here's the specs: Dec 5 - Dec 7 MTE or MTS ( not set in stone though, can really stay anywhere other than lower) 4* and I put $120. Now what? Thanks!

Thank you much for the reply, and in advance for the help! I will check the link you provided above, the more informed I am the better. No big rush on reservations, but by next week I should begin the "game" with a bit more confidence. I'll be in touch.

Brand new to the forum and itching to try PriceLine. I've had enough of paying full retail in NYC and it's still a guessing game. Perhaps I have just not found a similar post, but I'm wondering how far in advance can (should) you start making offers? And if I am understanding right, I can bid every 72 hours until I land one, right? No limit to number of tries? Thanks for helping this amateur out.