Priceline Hotel: Newbie advice appreciated

[Philippa1983]

Hi. I'm new at this- only just discovered priceline and am very excited at the prospects! i've read lots of things about do's and don't and bidding loopholes so i think i've got myself a bit confused :) so if anyone can give me any simple advice i'd be very grateful! :)

so....I'm coming to New York on 23/09 for 6 nights. looking at 3 or 4 star in midtown?? ( not so good at my NY areas ) so around times sq, Penn Station, Madison Sq. Would love to be paying $155-200 in total...is that realistic or to much or or or?? if so what should i be starting bidding at?? i've been told to start low but i dont want to take the p (not that this is personal bidding i guess) or waste my time...

thank you in advance for anyone taking the time to help me x

[Philippa1983]

Where are there no 4*'s on priceline? any sure suggestions pls??

Thanks

[Romelle]

Where are there no 4*'s on priceline? any sure suggestions pls??

Thanks

There are many small towns across the US that don't have 4* hotels available to Priceline bidding. Seattle had the airport and one other. There are I think 4 in Pittsburgh. I could go on, but wonder if perhaps you are asking about a specific city or area? The way to find out is to get into the Priceline bidding area, and then check an area. See what star levels are possible to bid. Then un-check that area and check another. You have to do it one area at a time.

Romelle

[Philippa1983]

oooh i'm so stupid!! sorry- i did mean around New York!

[thereuare]

I've merged your threads... please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread.

Based upon current prices I'm guessing that your 'all-in' budget will not be enough for a 3* or better property... a $200 bid might be enough for a 3* hotel (although still may be a bit of a reach), but at all-in much less likely.

Based upon the above let us know your current thoughts as to how you'd like to proceed, as suggested zones, and therefore re-bid zones, will be dependent upon the star rating you choose.

Do you want to try for a 3* hotel first and use $200 all-in as your maximum bid amount? Would you like to adjust your maximim bid to a 3* bid amount? Increase your bid further for a higher rated hotel?

Let us know the above and we'll take it from there.

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

[Philippa1983]

thanks for you comment- i thought that $200 would be enough since i've looked on the calendar of wins.... that is my per night budget- not for all 6 nights..??

Mon 08/16/10

4* NYC (ESB) Kitano - $190

4* NYC (MTE) W New York - $135

4* NYC (MTW) Algonquin Hotel - $180

4* NYC (UWS) Empire Hotel - $128

2* NYC Airports (LGA) Fairfield Inn - $70

If i can get some thing similar to the W or Empire Hotel i'd be happy....

[thereuare]

Rates are date specific, and as far as i can tell, most of the rates you're quoting above are for August stays... whereas your stay is at the end of September. Please confirm.

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

[Philippa1983]

Yep 23/Sept-29/Sept.

In your opinion do you think I

[AaronJB]

The second half of September is very busy/expensive; I'd suggest continuing to try and bid up to your max and lock something in. If your bids are not accepted, I'd start over and try again up to your max 3-5 days later.

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

[Philippa1983]

will do. Thanks you for your advice. Keep fingers crossed

[AaronJB]

Best of luck on your next round of bidding, and thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Please let us know if you have any questions and if you are successful.