Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) W Hotel New York

[katodisc]

I've been trying for about a week to get a 4* in NYC - CPS, MTE, MTW, ESB. I've been fishing around $105 -$135.

Tonight, when I tried, it ran for about 30 seconds and then it stopped running and displayed the following message, "We're still working on your request." It then gave a "Check My Status" button, and I clicked it a few times before it came up with a denial.

It did this at $105 and $115, but not at $125. Does this mean I'm getting close, or does it really not mean much at all?

Also, anybody have a good backup recommendation for NYC? I'm looking at Thirty Thirty for $116/night with the last night at $170. Also looking at Hilton Garden Inn Tribeca for about $175/night.

My wife and I have been to NYC before, staying at the Rennaissance in Times Square. Had an wonderful time there, but want more of a neighborhood feel this time. Greenwich Village, Upper West Side, Chelsea or Tribeca sound good, but I don't know enough to say for certain. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[thereuare]

The "We'r'e still working on your request..." is the old PRICELINE system and when their systems are busy and get back-logged (either processing other requests) or there is a communications problem (either checking inventory or some other data communcation in the process) it will revert back to the old system in order to give them time to process the request.

I don't think Thirty-Thirty is necessarily in what i would call a residentical neighborhood... other apartments around (much like all over NYC) but no really a neighborhood feel. My favorite area of the city is the Village but there aren't many hotels in this area and what is in the area can't be targeted via PRICELINE. The UES and UWS probably give the most neighborhood feel simply by the fewer office buildings in these areas, and the Empire hotel on the UWS gives a good blend of neighborhood to things to do (although not by favorite area of the city), but these areas also have many fewer hotel offerings vs. midtown (which could be a self-fulfilling prophecy)

With the above noted rates should be fairly inexpensive for these dates, and given the prices (and HOTWIRE choices) i'm seeing i don't think i'd be spending $170+ for a 3* rated property.

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

[katodisc]

Thanks for your detailed and very informative reply, Thereuare. I may book a cancellable reservation with Thirty Thirty, or something near the Village, then hope something opens up on Priceline as we get closer to Christmas.

I've reviewed the wins for past years for Christmas week, and it seems as if it ranges from $105 to $135 is the right range. So guess I just need to be patient. :)

[thereuare]

OK, just continue this thread once you're ready to try bidding and we'll resume where we left off.

Any questions between now and then feel free to ask.

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

[katodisc]

Been trying for a couple of weeks to get a 4* in MTE, MTW, ESB or CPS. Was bidding every day from $105 to $145, but with no luck. I made it up to $125 last night when I landed on the W.

I've stayed in New York once before, at the Rennaissance in Times Square, which was a great hotel, but we wanted to move away from Times Square this time. Looked at the reviews on Trip Advisor for this W and it was a little disturbing at first. Looks like only 55% recommend this hotel, with the two most common complaints being that it's overpriced, and the rooms are too small. :)

I don't care about the size of the room, and I'm very happy with the price I paid. :) Looking back at prior-year sales for the days I'm staying, a 4* usually comes in at $105 to $135, and it's usually the Grand Hyatt, which I would have been fine with me as well. My greatest need is a comfortable pillowtop mattress, because my wife has a bad back, so it looks like the beds here are pretty nice.

So what's your take on the W? Can someone give me a little perspective?

Thanks

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

If you don't mind the small rooms this hotel should suit your needs just fine... W has some of the best beds in the business.

Many of the complaints likely stem from perceived value (ie- notice how many of the comments were complaining that it was too expensive). When guest pay a lot for a hotel room they often expect to get a lot too... once the see their room their disappointed because of the size and any other shortcomings (when paying $300+ for a room, as many do, there should be few shortcomings). I expect you'll feel the room was worth the $125 you paid given the location and it's NYC.

You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

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

Enjoy your stay.