Priceline Hotel: NYC or Airport Advice and Bid Help

[Segura]

Need some help. Planning a trip arriving 11:00 or midnight on Friday 09/08 and departing on 09/12 around 7:00.

I haven't decided which airport to land at LGA EWR JFK, obviously I want to get a hotel close to the airport when I arrive, so I am letting the airport decide.

So hotels should be 2* or better. Obviously I would love to stay in the city, but the budget goes up to $150 with all fees. I would prefer closer to $100 though. I see lots of 4* bids for $150+, but are there winners that are in town and less than 4*? I don't need fancy, just the convenience of Manhattan.

If Manhattan is not an option, would Jersey City or close to LGA be a better choice? There may be nights where I come back to the hotel at 2:00 in the AM, so safety is some consideration.

Any thoughts? I have not started bidding yet, but I am ready to as soon as I get some advice. I need to hurry as hotel is going to drive which airport I fly into (Continental from IAH, so I hit all 3 Airports)

Thanks,

David

[powerplantop]

The PanAmerican in the Elmhurst - Corona zone is starting to be won. It is 3 blocks from the subway. They have 24 hour Courtesy Airport Transport from LGA and JFK.

[thereuare]

If Manhattan is not an option, would Jersey City or close to LGA be a better choice? There may be nights where I come back to the hotel at 2:00 in the AM, so safety is some consideration.

I recommend Jersey City over Queens, but i'm also biased towards the NJ side :) Another consideration is how you will be traveling at 2am... mass transit or taxi?

[Segura]

The PanAmerican in the Elmhurst - Corona zone is starting to be won. It is 3 blocks from the subway. They have 24 hour Courtesy Airport Transport from LGA and JFK.

I saw that. $75 looks to be a steal and would be perfect. Anyone else?

[thereuare]

I wouldn't stay in Queens... but that's me.

[Segura]

Can you tell me why JC over Queens? I may only be in the hotel to sleep, so I may not spend too much time in the hood. Most of the travel will be mass transit, subway and bus, then taxi. Taxi to JC seems to be expensive because of a toll or something like that.

If I stay in Queens, then LGA. If Jersey City I fly into EWR. How about travel time Queens > Times Square versus Jersey City > Times Square. The visit is really to do sightseeing and see WTC Memorial on 9/11.

[thereuare]

Many 'tourists' woul have no problem with the PATH train at 2am, but would have a problem with the subway at that hour.

The area around Corona, LGA, Elmhurst, etc is just a bit 'gray' (as in color, not as in 'shady') to me... JC certainly has such parts also, but the area around the waterfront (where the hotles you're considering are located) is quite nice.

[Segura]

Tried $90 Priceline in Jersey City, no dice.

Tried $125 3* + 4* in Manhattan all no dice.

About to try LGA area.

[powerplantop]

The area around Corona, LGA, Elmhurst, etc is just a bit 'gray' (as in color, not as in 'shady') to me... JC certainly has such parts also, but the area around the waterfront (where the hotles you're considering are located) is quite nice.

I agree there are some nice pockets but over all it is not a pretty area. I don't mind the area since it is close to the project (and I work a lot of hours) and I have a car.