Vegeta

This strategy helped a friend of mine book that hotel 3 years ago through Hotwire, for a little more a night. The hotel was great--you'll be quite satisfied. And the WTC construction going on literally across the street is much more interesting now, and of course a short walk to the newly opened WTC Memorial.

Score, my first offer, after seeing this priceline win and this hotel purchase. I picked 4 regions IIRC--MTE, MTW, Times Sq, Empire State Bldg. Pretty happy--thanks everyone! To anyone reading this for tips--start lower. :) I used the BetterBidding PRICELINE link to book it.

thereuare, first thing I'm doing is following another piece of advice you had--I reserved a fully refundable backup hotel using the link you provided, to make sure I've got at least SOMEWHERE to stay. After I nail down a flight, I'll follow your Priceline advice. One change--I think it's going to be better for me to go for 4 nights rather than 5, though I assume your same bidding advice holds (since it's per-night). Also, as I've never used Priceline before, I assume bids come back within seconds (rather than hours/days)? I'll double-check your entry on re-bidding too. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

I'm going on vacation. As I said, I don't plan to do more than shower, sleep, and keep my stuff in my room. I'm fine w/ a bit of a spartan place. Mainly I want to be in Midtown just because it'd be cool to stay in a Midtown hotel and I never have. If I can get a decent hotel there for that cheap, awesome. It'd be closer to most stuff I want to do, a ton of good restaurants, etc. If I can't, I'll book the Holiday Inn Express in LIC today for $150/night and be done with it. (It's a couple blocks from the subway, and then a 15 minute ride to Midtown.) At least for non-bid prices, almost every case I've seen is higher for a Saturday night than most weekday nights. I already know weekends are more expensive (again, at least for non-bid standard prices, and I don't know why bidding would be any different in that regard); I was just wondering if there was a particular reason thereuare said those dates would be pricey--why THOSE dates in particular. Yes, favoring any of the Midtown zones above uptown/downtown. If you think I have a chance at getting a 3* in Midtown with a $130 max bid this far in advance, then by all means, let's start with that and work our way down.

Yep, I was sure to check that when I signed up. Also, every time I post or reply, it says "You are currently receiving email notification of replies" below. I hadn't looked into Jersey City. If it's close to the PATH it probably wouldn't be a big deal, but I'd rather stay in New York proper (incl. Brooklyn). And I'd rather not change hotels unless there'd likely be a big benefit to me doing so.

(Hmmm, I never got an e-mail notification that you replied, and it's been over an hour...) I picked my * level based on Priceline's descriptions. For 2* it has: "Moderate Hotels: Priceline's 2 Star hotels are national name brand and quality independent hotels with a reputation for offering a consistent level of quality and amenities. Participating hotels are well-regarded, with high customer satisfaction ratings. These hotels are generally located near major attractions, intersections and casual dining restaurants. Some hotels may offer limited restaurant service within the hotel." I certainly don't need to pay more for an "Upscale Hotel" (3*) when I don't plan to do more than shower, sleep, and keep my stuff in my room. My last time in New York, I spent one night at a $35/night hostel (a 20 sq ft room w/ plywood walls) and $105/night hostel (w/ no heat, in early April--both places list price), so I imagine 2* will be a pretty good step above that. What about 2* hotels do you think would be so bad? Do you think Priceline's description is pretty optimistic? The reviews on the hotels listed at that level sounded good... Why would prices be high for those dates? Is it because it includes a Saturday, or is that a popular time of year? If I'm pushing it to get a 2* for my price range, I don't think going to 3* will help unless I want to wait until the last minute; do you think I'd have much chance w/ a 3*? I briefly checked EasyClickTravel and there were very few choices w/ private rooms below $150/night (one of which used the dubious phrase "budget-conscious" about 10 times in its description--not a good sign). Of course I'd love to go with a non-opaque supplier, but it seems like the quality I'd get in my price range is even worse there than taking my chances on Priceline. Again, I've never done this before, though; do you disagree? As for NYC zones, anything near public transportation is fine. I'd prefer Midtown (any zone); barring that, elsewhere in Manhattan; barring that, the Brooklyn zone on there has a ton of subway and bus lines nearby (you're right, about half the LIC zone is near public transportation and half of it isn't). Thanks for the advice!

Hi! I was just referred to this board, love the concept, and think you guys have done a great job as evidenced by all the good deals ppl have gotten. This is my first post so be gentle. <G> I've never used Priceline or Hotwire before--I don't even see where you can bid on Hotwire (can you?). But Priceline's where I've started. I'm looking for a 2* hotel (something along the lines of a Holiday Inn, Days Inn, or Super 8 maybe) in Midtown Manhattan or as close to it as possible. I'd consider farther uptown, Long Island City, or somewhere equally close if that's the only way I can get a good price. It'd be nice to have high speed Internet, but not required. If I'm not in Midtown, easy access to the subway/bus lines is a must. I'm shooting for $150/night or less, including taxes (so maybe $130 before). Does this seem realistic? Too low/high? I'd like to make reservations soon for peace of mind, though they seem to be much cheaper (but it's also riskier!) if you wait until the last minute. If nothing else, I could shorten my visit by a day (I haven't bought plane tickets yet, but want to do that ASAP for the same reason) and up my price a bit. Thanks!