Troy D

Tuesday (tomorrow) turns out to be the killer for some reason. I understand there's a huge event to honor peace officers that's even shut down Capitol Hill for the day. I ended up grabbing an Expedia special that popped up for the Palomar Hotel, a 4* in Dupont Circle area, for $303/night (normally $379/night) for Weds & Thurs. While Hotwire had a Dupont 3* and 3 1/2* for $258 and $278, respectively, I figured the little bit extra justified the certainty of the Palomar, which gets very good reviews. Now I'm searching for a very modest place to flop tomorrow night to bring down the avg cost. Flying into DIA, we're thinking a 2* close to the airport might be our best shot. Thanks all for the assistance.

No luck up to $255/night for 3 nights.

Thanks. I worked that strategy but started and ended $20 higher out of desperation. So, unsuccessful up to $190 and 5 days to arrival. Yikes! I think I'm going to have to give up on my $200/night cap. I'm also wondering if I might improve my odds by trying a 2-day stay and either relying on them to offer their "add another night" or risking having to get the last night at another hotel. Is this advisable?

Yes.

Getting desparate and conceding to changing strategy. 4* Dupont Cir up to $260 hasn't worked for last 2 weeks. I'm interested in being close to nightlife and tourist attractions for no more than $200/night. I would appreciate a strategy to accomplish this. I'm guessing it'll involve 3* in the White House and Convention center zones.

Hi Therearue and welcome back from vacation. Blindman was a fine fill-in. I'll check Hotwire now. I didn't realize that it was a good technique to use to get a sense of going prices. Thanks for the advice.

Update: Been trying daily and still losing with 4* Dupont Circle up to $155/night.

Looking for 5/15-18. I'm just assuming that there are conventions, but don't necessarily know if there are.

In previous posts there's been reference to hotel blocks for conventions that upon release increase inventories to Priceline. I'd like to know if there's a rule of thumb as to when convention blocks get released so as to better time my pricing strategy. I've been using a bidding strategy for at least a week now with no luck for a 4* in Dupont Circle up to $125. Any and all help is appreciated.

After days of trying and gradually loosening my pricing constraints, I finally landed a 4* Fri/Sat/Sun night stay (5/18-21) for $260/night at the Le Parker Meridian. After taxes and fees it comes to $307/night, but all in all I think it's a good catch. The Le Meridian lists for $375/night and next best in the category (via Priceline) was $299 before taxes and fees. BB was a big help. Only one question remains that I'd like opinions from the veterans regarding...did I get too impatient being still 3 weeks out? :) P.S. Many attempts were made, all via www.savingsbarn.com.

Yes, Arlington not Airport. I believe it has a Ritz Carlton as its 4-star, but I'd guess one would land a 4-star in the Dupont/Downtown areas before the Ritz would be won. So, are those the 4 rebid zones...Alexandria, Arlington, Crystal City and Springfield?

Based on my review, the Airport, Crystal City, Springfield and possibly Alexandria areas do not have 4-star hotels and therefore can be used as re-bid zones. Can anyone advise on this.

Thanks, Aaron. Unfortunately, I could stretch it to 5 nights but not 6. Priceline lists the W Court hotel for $279, which I'll consider. In the meantime, I just failed for a 4* at $245/night for Fri/Sat/Sun.

Update: The bidding strategy has been helpful, although not yet fruitful. I've been unsuccesful over the last several days focussing on the Fri/Sat/Sun night combo with $190 beginning bid and $235 highest losing bid. Will keep trying and hoping for a win.

Please do confirm my re-bid zones. Upper East Side and Upper West Side?

I apologize again. I added a day mid-stream. It's 5/17-5/23 = 6 nites.

Sorry, 5 nights checking on on 5/23.

I'd consider it a coup if I could save an add'l $20/night to get to an avg $230/night for my 6-night stay 5/17-5/23 by splitting my bids. Going from one 4* to another actually sounds good, too, from a variety standpoint. MTS seems fine to include, unless there's a downside I'm not aware of.

I've read many topics and your suggestions today and intend to follow the "standard" approach involving MTE, MTW, UM/CPS, in that order. Although, I'm not sure why MTE seems better as a first choice than MTW. Also, I'm not sure whether to include MTS. I definitely want a 4* and am willing to pay up to $250/night. I am comfortable to work on this for awhile and intend to set-up a back-up plan with the Beekham Tower option.

I'd like advice on whether to split my bidding on PL on account of my trip having a weekend in the middle of my stay. I know from experience that hotel rates in cities like LA and San Diego, particularly in/near downtown areas, drop during the weekends. So, I'm wondering if there is a strategy for mid-town NYC to take advantage of this...or at least just not pay the price for having the weekend overlap. If so, would I want to consider a Thurs-Sun and Sun-Tues split to optimize?