Priceline Hotel: NYC - 1 night only 5/22: Late booking! Need advice!

[ZoeM]

Hi there,

British girl who's suddenly found herself arriving in NYC this coming Saturday (5/22) without any accommodation and desperately needing some advice on obtaining a cheapish (<$200 all inc.) hotel room in the city.

I've no real preference over area: ESB, MTE, MTW, CPS, Chelsea, Downtown, Times Sq all fine if 3*, 3.5* or 4*, but only if they're under $200 (I can hope, right?!). Otherwise, will consider a 2-2.5* if under $150 (and preferably downtown).

Any advice on what method I should use on Priceline, please?

Thanks!

Zoe

[kt32]

I've been bidding for that same night for several weeks with no luck. I've tried all zones south of central park, plus the re-bid zones for everything 2.5* and above.

Thus far I've tried bidding up to $155 for a 2.5*, $190 for a 4*, $185 for a 3.5* and 165 for a 3*. I also started bidding for Jersey City last night and plan to add in Brooklyn in my bidding tonight and bump up the bids in all zones. Even looking at the hotel websites, there isn't a whole lot of availability this weekend and most of that falls in the $400/night range.

Realistically, I'm thinking I'm probably looking at at least $200, before taxes & fees for just about anything in Manhattan, perhaps a little less in Brooklyn or Jersey.

[ZoeM]

Hi kt32,

Thanks for your post - that's good to know, albeit a bit depressing! Guess it's a busy weekend in the city...damn.

Not sure what strategy I should try; any thoughts?

[thereuare]

I think you're going to have to adjust your budget or stay outside of the city... which airport are you flying in to?

Is this just a one nite stay?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[kt32]

I'm still bidding for Manhattan and Jersey City, but no luck thusfar.