Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC MTW bidding help

[newbieguy]

Hi. I used Priceline for the first time last night, so I apologize for the obvious newbie questions.

I am trying to reserve a 4* in NYC July 10-13 (3 nights). Strong preference is MTW area (due to relatively broad PL maps for neighbouring areas). Tried bidding last night as follows:

MTW $120

rebid MTW + UES $125

rebid MTW + UES + UWS $130

These bids were rejected, so I tried again later

MTW $135

rebid MTW + UES $140

rebid MTW + UES + UWS $145

Also rejected. I already have a backup at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, but was hopeful for a better hotel up to around $150.

I had seen some successes noted on the board in that price range so was hopeful. I will re-try tonight after the 24 hours have passed but wondered if anyone had any tips on whether I should shift strategy. Presumably, given that supply is subject to change, lack of success last night does not dictate potential results for tonight's rebid; I checked the hotels listed as 4* in that area, and all but one have availability, typical prices in $300+ range.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Is $150 your absolute maximum or would a higher rated hotel than the Hilton Garden Inn be worth a few extra dollars per nite?

Let us know and we'll detail a strategy to go up to your true maximum bid (assuming $150 isn't it) while also ensuring you don't overbid.

Have you ever been to NYC... as the midtown zones are not really large at all.

[newbieguy]

Right now my rate at the Hilton Garden Inn is $180; definitely more than I'd like to spend if possible (at least for that level of property, although I have heard positive feedback about it). But I have to be practical about the class of hotel I'm looking for and the fact that this is NYC, so let's say around $160 is my limit if that is not unrealistic (based on recent postings, I wouldn't expect it to be so, although I recognize that prices and availability fluctuate).

Admittedly, it has been some time since I've been there. I recognize that my inflexibility on MTW likely hampered my chances; while I don't want to be far off the beaten path, I am certainly open to suggestions to broaden my search area , especially if that will increase chances of success of netting a nice 4* property in a good location.

[thereuare]

Given your previously rejected bids i don't think you'll need to add any zones in order to get up to $160, and the MTE and MTW are usually where you'll end up anyway.

Select 4* MTW...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $145, if close browser adn re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTE...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $145, if close browser adn re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTW and MTE...

Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $160.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[newbieguy]

So far, I've only bid on MTW up to $150 (thought I'd try my luck with that area for a couple of days before adding MTE). I'll try MTE and let you know (and I've been using the savingsbarn.com link). Thanks.

[newbieguy]

After stubbornly sticking with MTW for a few days and going as high as $165 with no luck, I tried the suggested strategy with MTE first, then MTE+ MTW. Got as high as $160 for MTE + MTW. I guess it's a relatively high occupancy period for those regions so I'll try again starting bids at $165 for MTW, etc., unless a different approach is suggested.

[thereuare]

If you're looking for alternatives to your current back-up, you can also consider the Paramount Hotel which is available for $166/nite thru Quickbook. The hotel has notoriously small rooms but the location is excellent.

If you need the space you could also consider a studio suite at the Beekman Tower, also thru Quickbook, for $179/nite. We very often recommend a 1BR suite at this hotel thru EasyClickTravel, but it is already sold-out (listed as 'on request') thru them for your dates. This may be a bit east for your needs since you originally only wanted MTW, but you get the added advantage of staying in a former NYC studio apartment, including a kitchen and refrigerator.

[newbieguy]

Thanks for the suggestions, but the room is only for 2, so I don't need the extra space.

I've just bid MTE+MTW up to $175 with no success via the savingsbarn link.

As noted, I already have what is supposed to be a nice quality backup at the Hilton Garden Inn for around $180, but I am hoping to get something better, and my stay is in around 3 weeks. Most of the postings I've seen around then are for weekends, so not much guidance there.

So, based on prior experience (and knowing that there are never any guarantees), would I be better off holding off for a few days or a week in the hopes that new supply will be added by PL (possibly at lower potential rates), or is it more likely that this is as good as it gets such that I should continue bidding from $180 if I'd like the chance at a 4* property?

Thanks again!

[thereuare]

If you're happy with your back-up and you've reached your maximum bid, then i would hold off for a few days before trying again. You can always increase your bid beyond amounts you have already tried at a later date.