phntm3 Posted August 23, 2010 Report Posted August 23, 2010 Hello,Long time listener, first time caller.Here's the deal. My girlfiend (and myself, who are we kidding) want to stay in what Priceline calls the Times Square/Theater District OR Midtown West.We'll be arriving Saturday, November 13th and staying for 3 nights, leaving Tuesday, November 16th.We're trying to get a room at 3* or higher for $720 or less (taxes included).I've tried bidding, even going as high as $200 (which is a few bucks past that $720). Nothing has been accepted.Any ideas? We're pretty set on those areas... unless I can convince the lady friend that an adjacent area is just as accesible, fun and safe (first time visit to the big apple, so safety is a big deal to both of us)HELP!!
thereuare Posted August 23, 2010 Report Posted August 23, 2010 Welcome to BetterBidding!Please read your messages and click this PRICELINE link... then reply to this thread and we'll comment regarding your stay above.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
phntm3 Posted August 23, 2010 Author Report Posted August 23, 2010 I've clicked on that link and will use it for my purchases... any advice on the bidding?
thereuare Posted August 23, 2010 Report Posted August 23, 2010 Could you extend your budget a bit for a higher rated hotel?HOTWIRE has the 4* rated 70 Park Ave (it's a safe area just 2 blocks south fo grand central station and residential if you walk east on 38th St, plus lots of bars/restaurants convenience stores if you walk to Third Ave (in addition to those in the immediate area) for $220/nite. As well, since this is a Kimpton property it includes an evening wine reception which might be a good way to end the day/start the evening for you and your girlfriend.Would this work for your plans?Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
AaronJB Posted August 23, 2010 Report Posted August 23, 2010 Personally, I just find the MTE area preferable; less crowds, very nice, easy access to TS but not right IN Times Square, etc. In terms of going with a significant other - and this is just my 2 cents - I think staying in an area where you could enjoy the city together without having to dodge crowds as much might be nice. The 70 Park Avenue deal (which is also available on Expedia) is worth considering. Very nice area, and the wine reception is a bit of a bonus. Plus, this would appear to be a refundable reservation (although check the fine print to make sure!), so this could be a great back-up to have while you continue to try bidding.Please use the site's PRICELINE, HOTWIRE or Expedia.com links to start your purchases and searches.
phntm3 Posted August 23, 2010 Author Report Posted August 23, 2010 Here are my thoughts on these first replys. Please, anyone, keep them coming. I like to think of myself as well traveled for my age, but New York is new to me.First, in regards to 70 Park Ave. We're aiming to be more north, than south. I think most of what we want to see includes museums up north, central park, times square, broadway. We will make our way to empire state building and lady liberty, but we're favoring north of 42nd (what looks like the south border of Pricelins TS area). I'm also trying to keep the $200 budget for now.Second, I'm now considering adding MTE as our third area for bidding. I like those comments on the crowds.Does anyone have any thoughts on what Priceline calls Central Park South?
phntm3 Posted August 23, 2010 Author Report Posted August 23, 2010 I wanted to add that I could possibly go higher than $200, but am trying to stay there.After tax and fees, our absolute max for hotel is $240 a night or $720 for the three nights.One more note, I have a $10/night coupon code for priceline bidding that i can utilize to help in my quest and a $20 back from hotwire that i can utilize, too.
thereuare Posted August 24, 2010 Report Posted August 24, 2010 First, in regards to 70 Park Ave. We're aiming to be more north, than south. I think most of what we want to see includes museums up north, central park, times square, broadway. We will make our way to empire state building and lady liberty, but we're favoring north of 42nd (what looks like the south border of Pricelins TS area). I'm also trying to keep the $200 budget for now.If it's a budget thing that's fine, but don't not stay at the 70 Park Ave because it's 3-4 blocks south of 42nd Street... that would be a mistake, imo.If not the 70 Park Ave, how do you want to play this... which zone(s) do you want? Are you willing pay more for a 4* vs. a 3.5* vs. a 3* OR is your goal the least expensive 3* (or 3.5*) for this stay?Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. (or Expedia if you go that route)Please also note:You can still use the links on the board in conjunction with your promos...For PRICELINE:1) click our link to PRICELINE and let the page fully load2) at the top of the page go to MY PROFILE >> MY REWARDS3) use the bonus money link found in the MY REWARDS section of your profile (and not the link in any emails sent to you)For HOTWIRE1) click our link to HOTWIRE and let the page fully load2) go to the designated entertainment page3) perform your search and purchase as usual Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
phntm3 Posted August 24, 2010 Author Report Posted August 24, 2010 I keep refering back to PRICELINE cause it's map is very clear to me. Our initial research and goal has us striving to stay in the Times Square-Theater District or Midtown West areas, with our new third option being Midtown East.My fears of bidding on what looks like the Madison Square Garden area on PRICELINE is that it will put us either further south than 70 Park Avenue or further west near the Turner Expressway.I think our desires can be summed up like this:-A hotel that ranks 3* or higher, and-A hotel that can be gotten for $240 night ($720 total for three nights) BUT that is closer to $200 a night, and-A hotel located in the above mentioned areas in a very safe, walkable area near transportation.
thereuare Posted August 24, 2010 Report Posted August 24, 2010 My fears of bidding on what looks like the Madison Square Garden area on PRICELINE is that it will put us either further south than 70 Park Avenue or further west near the Turner Expressway.70 Park Ave would be in PRICELINE's Empire State Buidling zone, not the MSG zone, and if you look closer i'm guessing what you refer to as the Turner Expressway" is actaully the Lincoln Tunnel Expressway?? (again, that would be in the MSG zone.. not ESB) However, if you were interested in 70 Park Ave i would purchase on HOTWIRE where it would be a calculated guess/risk, not roll the dice and hope that was the one received via PRICELINE. Regardless, it's a moot point now as the price has gone up to $256/nite.I keep refering back to PRICELINE cause it's map is very clear to me. Our initial research and goal has us striving to stay in the Times Square-Theater District or Midtown West areas, with our new third option being Midtown East.Note that in MTE, since you're bidding for property less than 4*, the Millennium UN comes into play, and while a nice hotel, is probably a bit too far east fr your liking (~15 minute walk to the subway)... do you want to include this zone in your bidding?Is your reference to a $240 budget including fees/taxes or is that BID AMOUNT?? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
phntm3 Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Posted August 25, 2010 Yep, what looked like Turner is Tunnel when a bit tipsy and tired. Never drink and type.I'm seeing some mentions of this Millenium UN. Seems far away. Makes me wonder if I shouldn't include MTE in a bid and add Central Park South instead?? The rest of the zone would be okay, but the UN is so close to the coast. I'd also be okay with the north side of ESB but am worried about the south side of that area.$240 after taxes/fees.
thereuare Posted August 25, 2010 Report Posted August 25, 2010 If you decide to add CPS the Hudson Hotel comes into play... a 'cool' hotel but notoriously small rooms, just so you're aware.To recap: Your current maximum bid is $205 (which would come to ~$240 after taxes/fees and you're looking for the least expensive 3* or better (rather then paying more for a 3.5* property)Let us know what you want to do re: MTE and CPS and we'll suggest a strategy to follow.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
phntm3 Posted August 25, 2010 Author Report Posted August 25, 2010 We're actually up for anything. So, I'm up for a strategy that works so we can stop worrying about it.Here are our goals, watered down:-Island of Manhattan... we're hoping to be closer to midtown.-SAFE... we hope to be able to access the hotel at night feeling somewhat safe-Under $240 a night after fees (max bid $205)That's it... we've never been to New York and are realizing nearly every hotel and neighborhood have pluses and minuses.In all honesty, if someone thinks there is a better area or strategy for two 20-somethings who want to see the sites, enjoy some food and simply take in NYC, please include it in a strategy. We're just starting to feel the pressure after a few declined bids and seeing different prices rise in the past week.We hoped to be as close to Times Square as possible, but would widen out to fit our price point. We've seen options that seem nice in:BTSMTWMTECPSESBMSGObviously, we'd want the highest * as possible... but have stated we'd fall to a 3* thinking it would help us. But, I'm very green on bidding, maybe there's a strategy that I'm unaware of that's more complicated then simply lowering our stars.
phntm3 Posted August 26, 2010 Author Report Posted August 26, 2010 We're a young couple, wanting to visit NYC for our one year anniversary.We're ready to book, so I'm up for a strategy that works so we can stop worrying about it.Here are our goals, watered down:-Island of Manhattan... we're hoping to be close to midtown and transportation-SAFE... we hope to be able to access the hotel at night feeling somewhat safe-Hoping for under $240 a night after fees (max bid $205... or max total of $720)That's it... we've never been to New York and are realizing nearly every hotel and neighborhood have pluses and minuses. Like I said, in the grand scheme of things, we're young and have never set expectations for a 5*. We just need something clean, fun, safe and accessible.In all honesty, if someone thinks there is a better area or strategy for two 20-somethings who want to see the sites, enjoy some food and simply take in NYC, please include it in a strategy. We're just starting to feel the pressure after a few declined bids and seeing different prices rise in the past week.We hoped to be as close to Times Square as possible, but would widen out to fit our price point. We've seen options that seem nice in:BTSMTWMTECPSESBMSGObviously, we'd want the highest * as possible... but have stated we'd fall to a 3* thinking it would help us. But, I'm very green on bidding, maybe there's a strategy that I'm unaware of that's more complicated then simply lowering our stars.
thereuare Posted August 27, 2010 Report Posted August 27, 2010 You might get something at the 3.5* level at $205 or under so let's start there (if i'm interpreting your 'desires' hierarchy correctly)At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.(i'm also assuming that BTS above = TS ?? )Select 3.5* CPS, MTW, MTE...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, ESB, MSG...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MTW, MTE...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* CPS, ESB, MSG...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* CPS, TS, MTW...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, ESB, MTE...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* CPS, ESB, MSG, TS, MTW, MTE...Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $190, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $195, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $200, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $205Any questions feel free to ask.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
phntm3 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Posted September 1, 2011 Hey all,So here's what happened. We tried the gameplan... but couldn't get anything to fall in our price range. We tried to go up $10-$15, but still no success.Luckily, we stumbled on a discount that was offered from my work that allowed us to stay at the Grand Hyatt.We'll use this site again for bidding help and directions. Very helpful.
thereuare Posted September 1, 2011 Report Posted September 1, 2011 Glad you found something that worked well for your plans.Please remember to follow-up your threads with whatever you end up doing for the stay, even if you choose to book direct, cancel your trip, etc.Hope you enjoyed your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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