Priceline Hotel: Advice/Strategy - 23/08 - 29/08 Budget ~$100 per night

[HanaB]

Hi, I'm new to Priceline and I'm look,ing to go to New York on the 23/09/2010 - 29/09/2010 8/23/2010-8/29/2010 for 2 adults sharing a queen/double room.

I realise my budget is quite low but we've seen a 6 night flight and hotel package with Expedia for

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

September is traditionally a very expensive time of year in NYC, even for lower star ratings. In terms of bidding for a 2* (for example) in NYC, you may be comfortable with the Hotel Pennsylvania, but with PRICELINE, there is no way to know which hotel you may get when bidding on PRICELINE, and at the 2* and below level, there is the possibility of running into other issues (the possibility of shared bathrooms, etc.) There is no way to know what you may get.

Would your budget be $100 "all-in" ($100 including taxes/fees) or $100 + taxes/fees? While there may be a slim chance of the $100 neighborhood being accepted for a 2* for these dates, unfortunately I think it will likely take a higher bid.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE, PRICELINE or Expedia links to start your purchases and searches.

[HanaB]

Sorry, I've just realised that I've put the correct dates in the title, but the wrong dates in the text. We are looking to go in August. We definitely don't want a shared bathroom, will I be safe from them at 3*. If I could bid $100 plus taxes/fees in August would that get a hotel?

[thereuare]

You can try, but i'm doubtful that you'll be successful at a 3* or higher at $100 or less.

I'm not seeing that much difference between 3.5* and 3* hotels, so if you're able to stretch your budget a bit i think your chances get much better at the $120-$130 range. If you're able to increase your budget i would first try this at the 3.5* level, then if rejected, try the same budget up to the 3* level. If stretching your budget is do-able but will prevent you from doing other things in NYC that you intend to see/do, you could try up to $120-$130 at the 3* level (and forgoing the possible higher rated hotel for a little bit more)

If you're unable to increase your budget, you could try for a 3* or 3.5* anyway as there is no harm in trying, but i woudl think your chances are low. You could also consider lowering your star rating below 3*, but i often don't recommend that as while there may be some 2.5* and lower hotels in NYC which satisfy your needs, there may be others which do not, and with PRICELINE you can't choose which type you will get :)

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

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take ti from there.