Priceline Hotel: 3.5 or 4* hotel (July 21-24, 2010)

[CJIowa]

I am looking for assistance bidding on priceline for a hotel in NYC for three nights (July 21-24, 2010). I have previously bid up to $145 and have not had success. I noted another bidder who had similar nights getting a 4* at the Hyatt Grand for only $125. I am starting to feel like this is mission impossible.

I am pretty flexible in location, but would prefer just south of central park, hell's kitchen, or midtown east or west.

What am I doing wrong? How many bids can I make at priceline?

Thanks so much for this great resource.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Rates are dates specific and even if dates differ by just one day it can have a dramatic effect on rates. For example, you comment that somebody won the Grand Hyatt for dates that are close to your own... but if you check prices for your dates at the Grand Hyatt website you'll see that they're sold out for your stay. While we sometimes see hotels won which are otherwise showing a sold-out condition, this is much more the exception then the rule, and when a hotel is showing sold-out on their website the chance of you receiving it as a win are greatly reduced.

Which zones have you already bid and at what star level? How high are you willing to bid? Are you willing to pay more for a 4* vs. a 3.5* OR is your goal the least expensive 3.5* or better for this stay?

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

[CJIowa]

Thank you very much for the reply. I have bid all of the central park and lower regions at 3.5 and 4 star. Perhaps it is just the number of days that I am bidding. Do you suggest that I try to break my three days into a one day bid and a separate 2 day bid? Is $150.00 just not reasonable for a 3.5 or 4 star hotel?

[CJIowa]

Thank you very much for the reply. I have bid all of the central park and lower regions at 3.5 and 4 star. Perhaps it is just the number of days that I am bidding. Do you suggest that I try to break my three days into a one day bid and a separate 2 day bid? Is $150.00 just not reasonable for a 3.5 or 4 star hotel?

I ended up going up to $175 for the six areas south of central park but not all the way down to the Financial District. Still no luck. I have a quote from a nice, new hotel in Hell's Kitchen for $200.00 per night so I may just go with that since my namby pamby bids are not having any luck. I can cancel the reservations at the HC hotel up to 24 hours in advance, so if there is any additional suggestion I am all ears.

Thanks again for the advice and I have used your PRICELINE links, and will do so for future trips.

[thereuare]

HOTWIRE does have some 4* and 3.5* hotels at around this same price point... what is the star rating and hotel name that you have the back-up at?

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

[CJIowa]

I am excited about the hotel. I am not sure of the star rating - it is the Ink48 hotel by Kimpton for $209.

I have a few more days to bargain shop before I am locked in to this reservation, but the more I hear of this hotel and the Kimpton brand I am pretty excited.

I will keep using your links to PRICELINE and report back my ultimate outcome. Thanks!

[maballz]

For what its worth I've been trying to get a bargain for these same dates. Only tried bidding up to 130 or so per night for 3.5 or 4* with no luck and only looked in the upper east side, midtown east or empire state area... i usually get the grand hyatt when i bid, and usually in the price range... must be a peak week or something because Ive been having no luck... may just have to bite the bullet and pay full list price.

[thereuare]

CJIowa,

Ink48 has been getting very good reviews and the Kimpton brand usually "does it right"... the location can be a bit far east for some, but if you don't mind walking, should be a nice stay.

maballz,

If you'd like help with your stay feel free to start a NEW TOPIC.

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

[CJIowa]

I just wanted to close this thread by stating my results. I never won a bid on PRICELINE going up to $190. I ended up staying at Ink48 at 11th and 48th. I paid $209 per night after calling the hotel. I have only terrific things to report about this hotel. The hotel is about 4 blocks from Times Square which was a short walk. The neighborhood is very nice and I never felt concerned for safety. Beautiful hotel.

While I would have liked a bargain, I am pleased with Ink48 and the deal I got by contacting the hotel directly via their internet reservations.

Thanks

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up... glad you enjoyed your stay.