tignor

April 2-6 booked the Even Times Square South

I used your Bidding Helper link, and got it there. $145, with taxes and fees $883.05. When I look at it when I click your link above, at $165/night it comes out to over $1100. Now it's giving me different "other hotels" though -- Fitzpatrick and Westgate, but the photo of the room is definitely the Even. Midtown East, though, not the south.

If I click on the link and I just get the Hotwire home page -- is that deal gone? I am looking at Fifty on April 2-6 Also, the resort fee at the EVEN is more than the freaking taxes. Starting to get bummed out again...Thinking of booking an Air B&B, but the hubs is scared of them. Looking on my own, there's a Times Square 4* for $145 that is supposed to be the Even, the Bernic or the Doubletree. Complimentary Free internet Amenities Business centerFitness centerPet friendlyRestaurant(s)Smoke-free rooms Resort fee: $31 a night (the "click on photo of an actual picture leads me to believe this is the Even)

Ok - there’s a 25% off Amtrak discount we’ll try to use. It’s something. Go ahead and see what’s good for a Thu-Monday in April, Midtown, 3.5* and up. We will probably still go. 🙂 The Fifty looks nice but are open to others. We’ll feel like old farts at the Yotel. We appreciate you!

Well, a few things. the BOGO offered by Amtrak isn’t for Roanoke -NYC. Went to book and it didn’t take . So I call and find out that it’s for “long distance” route only. 9 hours on a train apparently is only a mid-distance trip 🤷🏻‍♀️. so there’s that. Now I have to make a decision on should we go or not? Last year Amtrak had a BOGO over Valentines Day. Not sure if they will again, or if restrictions apply like this one. Not zippy excited about having to check in and out of two hotels. if it’s for the same hotel, would we have to check in/out? The Fifty was the one we were eying. Yotel isn’t our style, maybe 20 years ago. The others just not right. We’d be open to a 3.5* if you think it’s a good one. I’m a bit bummed. Thank you for all your help.

If we shift the dates a day, Apr 16-20, do prices change terribly? Being there Monday...just isn’t attractive with most theatres dark.

Ok 1) We are open to staying over the weekend, but Sunday and Monday evening theatre options are limited. It USED to be that theatres were dark Sunday and Monday evenings...and while that isn't always the case anymore, there aren't many options. Matinees are hard to do (post lunch sleepies - since we fell asleep due to travel-lag during A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder we haven't done matinees). So, we tend to avoid being there Sunday and Monday, just because of that. But I suppose we can do matinees and sleep when we're dead. We can leak a few days into March or May, too... Weekend trains run later -- not so bad for coming home, but for traveling up we lose some time in the Big A. 2) $200 all in. Hopefully. (and resort fees are stupid but there's no getting around them I suppose. UGH) I do think this is possible just from checking on my own. 3) We can bring a jacket. Didn't understand what you said about February? We don't want to go in February...too cold! 😄 I LOVE how helpful you always are. Thank you! (and always I will clickie the links here) Hotels we've stayed in in NYC if this will help: Belvedere (loved) Tryp by Wyndham on 35th (loved) The Row (meh, location was wonderful but loud at night) Comfort Inn, I swear it was in the 50s but can't find it - at least 6 years ago maybe more - horrible The Westin near Grand Central (I think) - at least 3 block walk from Grand Central, walking back to the hotel at night was a bit scary. A Quality Inn in the UWS (85th St. or so, probably since switched hands) - very nice. Dream hotel: The Algonquin (but think it will be too spendy)...one day

We would like to go to NYC in April. Amtrak is offering buy one get on tickets on the line from our city if you book by Jan 12. Blackout dates are April 10 and 13th. We will book this first then start looking for a hotel. Any time particularly bad or good during the month? (Ie. big convention in town) Of course the weather will be better later in the month but if that is “super expensive NYC time” we won’t go then. We would to stay centrally located (going for Broadway mostly) so ESB/MSG north to CPS and in between. We know there is more to NYC than midtown but that is where we will spend the bulk of our time and the hubs likes to be able to drop into the hotel easily for things, go back quickly if needed, etc. 4* if possible, under $200 a night and if something is a great deal, please let me know! We’d prefer midweek (we know weekends are usually cheaper), Tues-Sat (4 nights). much thanks in advance. Will always clickie your links.

My apologies for the late response. We didn't go so thank you for your advice and I'm closing this thread.

Hello! We'd like to get a nice hotel for the night in the West End, Midlothian or Midlothian South (Priceline) area, last 2 which have 3.5* as the highest rating, which is preferred but 3* can work if there just isn't anything. Would like to stay for $75 a night (before fees, taxes) if possible. We are driving in, so we'd like the amenity of free parking. Not sure if we should get a Name Your Own Price, Express deal, or Hotwire deal. If NYOP, please give a bidding strategy? They seem to be moving away from this though... Please advise. Thank you!

Good guess! I went with the third option (I honestly flipped a coin -- couldn't decide) and got the SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Orleans Downtown/Canal Street. Regular price on Priceline is $132. With taxes, fees, and protection total came to $406.68 Thank you for your help!

Would staying in the French Quarter be “better” or “worse”? (Or Downtown) Also, we are knocking out a day so Sept 30-Oct 4 instead of 5, would that make any difference with these you recommend? 4 nights.

Oh, it just looked cool. 😄 We aren't married to that one. We trust you and your knowledge. Can you recommend a few higher rated hotels in a better location that fits our budget? We see a few on Hotwire that are $100 or so, that would be magnificent. We can't do Sunday -- The hubs is a letter carrier and while he has that day off, it would be a scramble to either pack before or fly home, rest up, etc. before he'd have to be at work early the next day. Honestly, flights are $10 difference in the dates. The big spendy thing will be the hotel.

Hello, Hubs and I are planning on New Orleans for September 30-October 5 OR October 1-6 (depending on flight and hotel prices -- maybe you know if staying M-Sa or Tu-Sun would be better price wise? Like how hotels in NYC are better on the weekends but Vegas is better during the week! -- The price difference flight wise is only $10 more Sep30-Oct5. We'd like to stay in Downtown New Orleans or French Quarter for 5 nights. We are eyeing the Q&C HotelBar, which is a 3.5*. Currently, the rate we are seeing if we book a package online is at $520 pp for the 5 nights, so that's $208 a night. This is pre taxes and fees. Do you think this can this be beat? 3.5* or above in these two areas? Think we can get something nice for half that? Can you figure out if one of the hotels listed on Hotwire or Priceline may be that one (we are willing to risk getting something else, of course)? Priceline or Hotwire will be fine -- I see nice hotels on Hotwire for $100-ish so I think this is totally possible! And of course will always use your links! As this is our first trip ever, we don't want to stay too far away. I like to be a little away, but hubs likes to be right in the heart of everything. Thanks so much! Stevie

We've decided not to go. Thank you for your help and please mark this thread closed.

Is it possible to find a 3.5* or better hotel for May 7-11? Amtrak is having a buy one get one sale good through tomorrow ONLY and we are considering going but only if we can get a good deal... prices we are seeing are over $200. We'd like to stay near the theatre district. Yes, I know there are many other areas of NYC and we have stayed there, but my husband isn't hip on subway or Uber and wants to be within somewhat of a walking distance. Thank you for help in advance. Regardless if our decision to go or not, I'll post in the thread what happens. Edited to add: We are looking for $150 base price and that includes any "resort fee" (what are we, going to Las Vegas? sheesh! This is new -- it's been a few years), but extra taxes yada yada, we understand. Basically, $700 total is doable maybe. Thanks!

OK, I've done some subway research and think that we can definitely stay in City Center and I decided to jump on your suggestion of the Priceline Express $73 deal. Courtyard by Marriott as thought! You guys just saved me freaking $375.40!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU! I owe you margaritas. I love you. Thank you!!!

Well, you may laugh at me, but we want to get cheesesteaks (1 from Pat's, 1 from Genos...and split them to compare) but honestly, thats all we've talked about. Think wecould get a nice place for 135 or less/night before taxes/fees? Quite frankly, that possible Marriott or Doubletree world be more than fine, (possible cookies!). is the WF Center easily accessible by subway? I will clickie on links for ya as a thanks!

Whoops. Yes, it's the 29th and 30th, checking out on the 31st. (I had double checked the dates after I started the thread than apparently created my own calendar where July has 329 days in it)

Hi! I need your help, you've always steered me in the right direction and I always click your links. Hubby and I coming to Philly on July 329 for 2 nights for a concert at the Wells Fargo Center. We have never been to Philadelphia before and don't know how the city is to navigate, etc. We are taking Amtrak in to the 30th St. station and have booked the Holiday Inn on Packer Ave. thinking we could walk to the concert. Cost is $554.38 (total with taxes) and that's YIKES for 2 nights. We are not adverse with subway systems, so it may be more feasible to stay away and take the subway in for the concert. Driving (ie. taking Uber) probably isn't the best idea as concert traffic tends to be awful, so walking distance from the WF Center or taking a subway in is what we'd like. We don't know the city, have no idea where to stay. Any advice on a cheaper price that would be accessible to the WF Center on the night of the concert? Much Thanks!!!

Okay, you guys always have the BEST advice. Thanks so much. Went ahead and used your links and just booked it through PRICELINE EXPRESS, since you think I probably can't do better. Sure, it's higher, but that freaking Tuesday was going to kill us. Yes, got the St. Giles - The Court. $205/night. Total with fees and such was $1012.92. Canceled that terrible Groupon hotel. Ick. Thank you!

OK, reopening this thread as the trip is back ON! Hubz booked a Groupon deal that I'm not happy with. It looks ick. Royal Park Hotel on the UWS. Thankfully, it is cancelable. Unthankfully, it's a hotel/hostel and private bath or not, reviews on TripAdvisor are NOT favorable. There is a VERY interesting photo of a sign posted on the front of the hotel just the other day about certain rooms being "perilous to life" from the Department of Buildings! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d1155229-Reviews-Royal_Park_Hotel-New_York_City_New_York.html#photos;geo=60763&detail=1155229 Help! There is a 4* boutique deal on TravelZoo at the Iberostar 70 Park for $209/night, so I can't believe I can find something? There is SOMETHING going on in the city on May 16th...which is my birthday but I can't believe that's the reason. ;) Priceline keeps popping up a hotel fee on nearly every one we try: For instance, today, 4* are giving us hotel fees in CPS, UWS, and TS, and the total price is rising significantly. Our price from the Groupon deal is $671.21 total after all the fees, etc. We'd like to stay under $700 total (with fees and such, so on Priceline, highest bid of 160), 3.5* and higher, if possible. I don't want this hotel he's booked, so could add in 3* if needed further down the road, just to get something better. And if we have to stay at the Royal Park, well, we will look at it as an adventure. Would like something in central Manhattan near a subway (near being...10 minute walk?). I'm good with zones from West Village and US - EV north to UWS and UES, and what falls in between, unless you don't recommend. I'm not desperate to book today unless something comes up that is fantastic...I can play with it a bit. I'm ok with Hotwire or Priceline or even others, ok with boutique hotels. AND of course, I will always use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links here.

Hi, ok we are going to close this thread, as we are now not sure we can go. UGH. Life.

I'm thinking -- we have time, I'd like to try to bid to get a 4* first, if possible, in those zones. Thanks!

Well, it IS New York, I don't expect it to be as quiet as a b&b in Virginia. ;) Boutique is actually ok if it happens. We both aren't terribly fussy, and just 2 people. It will be an adventure! And how about we do 3* and above? NYC hotels are really nice. Here are the zones we'd like in order of preference. ESB, MSQ, MTE, CPS, TS, RC, Chelsea. Let's leave out Grand Central. Let's stick with $170 and see what happens, at least for a little while. Thank you! I'll click the links a few times tonight for you.