Priceline Hotel: Hotels NYC Oct 10th - 13th

[Philippa]

Hi there

I've just discovered this website (thanks to moneysavingexpert!) and would like some advice on finding a decent hotel in NYC for October dates. I've been to NYC a few times so not that bothered about being near to touristy things though I'd like to be near good shopping (alternative rather than the big stores). We're happy to travel on the subway etc anyway.

Please could I have some advice on the best areas and star rating to put in. I think our budget would be maximum $120 a night.

Any help gratefully received before I give this a go!

Thanks,

Philippa

:)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is the minimum star level you're willing to accept, as i don't think you're $120 budget is going to be enough for anything 'nice' for these dates... October is an expensive month in NYC.

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

[Philippa]

Hi there

Thanks for your feedback. Hmmmm, well I'm not sure about star ratings - I guess 2* would be minimum. I read that 2.5* is a good bet usually. What would we need to go up to to get a 'nice' hotel? We won't be there much really so frankly, as long as it's clean, safe and on the subway so we can get around we don't mind too much. I probably need advice about areas to look at for the best value for money too please.

Thanks in advance for your help!

P :)

P.S. I'm flying into Newark on the 10th and out of there on the 13th so would we be better to stay out that way and travel in to Manhatten from there? Does the subway go out that way? We won't have a car.

[thereuare]

In NYC we typically don't recommend bidding less than 3* as while there may be some 2.5* and lower rated properties which meet your needs, there may be some which do not, and with PRICELINE / HOTWIRE you don't get to choose which type you will get :)

I'm guessing that for a 3* hotel in a convenient location you're currently lookg at ~$175-$200/nite.

If traveling my mass transit you don't want to stay out by Newark Airport... if you're willing to commute into the city the best area is the Waterfront area of Jersey City (but not all of the zone is waterfront) but rates there appear out of your budget as well. After Jersey City is the Secaucus and Meadowlands area where there are hotels within your budget, but you would commute to Manhattan via bus (stops running about midnite-1am so not sure how late you intend to stay out) This area isn't bad, but it's a distant 3rd choice vs. staying directly in Manhattan and/or the Jersey City Waterfront as you do lose quite a bit of the 'vibe' and convenience of staying directly in Manhattan, but if this isn't a first visit and buget is an issue, it can be a good budget-minded choice.

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

Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

[Philippa]

Thanks again for your advice. We'll look at 3* options then! Must admit I'm a bit surprised by the $175 - $200 a night rate for that level, especially when you see people getting 4* for that amount (and less) but then you mentioned Oct is busy in NYC so I guess that's why.

Can you give me a bidding plan please? I've never used PL before so I'm a bit nervous ie: not sure where to start my bidding etc!

Many thanks for all your help!

Philippa

[thereuare]

Were you looking to increase your maximum bid and try for Manhattan OR are you looking to stay within your budget and try bidding for New Jersey?

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

[Philippa]

Hi there

I think we will increase our budget and try for Manhattan.

I'll use the PRICELINE links from the board.

Thanks,

Philippa

[thereuare]

What is your maximum bid at this time?

Have you decided which zone(s) are acceptable for this stay?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

[Philippa]

I am finding this all a bit overwhelming to be honest. Perhaps we will just book a hostel and be done with it! Not sure I have the patience for this stuff! Phew.

I think our absolute maximum would be $200 a day as that is a lot to us, especially when we will hardly be there other than to sleep!

I haven't thought about 'zones' - central is good but as long as subway accessible then not too bothered. Maybe I need to do some more research on areas before bidding? Where do I find this information?

Thanks again for your help! I really need it! LOL ...

Best,

Philippa

[thereuare]

Saving money can be tough work :) It does take a bit of research and some patience, but if you put for the effort, the savings can certainly be worthwhile.

If you enter "New York City" and your dates in the search box on the top right of this page you'll be taken to the "zone" pages of PRICELINE... look at Midtown East, Midtown West, Central Park South, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Empire State Building, and Chelsea... these are all generally considered to be fairly central. Would you be comfortable staying anywhere within the shaded boundaries of the zone?

If yes, take a look at these two 'known' hotels... the Millennium UN which is in the Midtown East zone and is about a 15 minute walk to the subway, would this be acceptable? Also, check out the rooms of the Hudson Hotel in the CPS, a usually well reviewed hotel but the rooms are notoriously small, would this be acceptable?

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

[Philippa]

Hi again

Thanks for your advice. I looked at the areas you suggested and I think we would be fine staying anywhere in the zones you mentioned. Both the Millennium UN and Hudson Hotel would be fine. We know that rooms tend to be small in NYC and don't mind a walk to the subway at all.

What are my next steps?

Thanks again,

Philippa

[thereuare]

Before suggesting a strategy, how 'involved' do you want to get... above you mentioned already getting frustrated with the process, so i'm not sure if i should 'minimalize' our usual strategy for you in order to speed up the process or not.

Also, once we suggest a strategy, please bid as soon as possible and follow-up your results (not waiting nearly a month between replies :) )

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