ddlabcret Posted September 16, 2010 Report Posted September 16, 2010 Greetings,Could you kindly give tips/help on how to successfully book the hotel room in New York - Midtown East/West, Times Square - Theater District or Central Park South area?3* and above is preferable.Date: 12/31/10 - 01/04/11Thanks so much! really appreciate your help/suggestion
thereuare Posted September 16, 2010 Report Posted September 16, 2010 What is your maximum budget for this stay?Are you willing to pay more for a higher rated hotel OR is the goal the least expensive 3* or better?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
ddlabcret Posted September 16, 2010 Author Report Posted September 16, 2010 I would hope to get a bargain price at $250/night max for 3* or better.Yes, I will use the PRICELINE link for travel purchases. Would like to keep the cost down as much as I can.thanks
ddlabcret Posted September 16, 2010 Author Report Posted September 16, 2010 looking at the roster of the hotels on MTW/MTE/Times Square-Theater/Central Park South area, ideally would rather get the 4* hotel as much as i can, with 3.5* as acceptable option.
chechein Posted September 16, 2010 Report Posted September 16, 2010 Hi I just succeed the bidding yesterday, bidding for 12/30-1/1 (195 per night 4* in MTE) Please refer to my experienceI saw hotwire has some optionCentral park area 4* 199MTC 3* 225MTE 4* 237TS 3* 239Central park 3.5* 241MTC 3.5* 244MTC 4* 259So I think 250 should have something.( I don
AaronJB Posted September 16, 2010 Report Posted September 16, 2010 Seriously, if anyone can get $195 who is looking to stay in NYC over NYE, I'd take it in an instant - that's a really superb deal. The regular rate for chechein's win (see priceline win) is over $400 per night for those dates.
ddlabcret Posted September 16, 2010 Author Report Posted September 16, 2010 Thanks fellas!I saw chechein's win at W hotel for $195 that's mind-boggling....awesome stuff!Will take the suggestion, thanks a lot...any other tips?Should I start with 4* and keep adding the zone until it's successful? or adding 3.5* in the bidding will lower the chance of getting the 4* hotel?Does HOTWIRE give preferable results vs PRICELINE, or both are pretty comparable?
chechein Posted September 16, 2010 Report Posted September 16, 2010 How about following?170 CPS175 MTE180 MTW185 TS190 CPS+MTE195 CPS+MTE+MTW200 CPS+MTE+MTW+TSthereuare always has good strategy, maybe you can also wait his strategyIf i were you, i will try 170-200 first, if i fail, then move 180-210, and 190-220 for next run.I think you can try 4* for one week to see if you really can get something because your budget is 250 per nightAs I metion hotwire has following prices.MTC 3* 225MTE 4* 237So I will stop if i fail in the run 190-220 for 4* then move to try 3.5* Just be patient, sometimes it is not related to price. It's good luck. (for example, i try around one and half week to get it)
thereuare Posted September 16, 2010 Report Posted September 16, 2010 ddlabcret,So it appears you have decided you want to bid up to your limit for a 4* hotel first, then if rejected lower your star rating, correct? If so...At the 4* level you have FIVE 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.Select 4* MTE and MTW...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* TS and CPS...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* MTE and CPS...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* TS and MTW...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* MTE and MTW and TS...Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $190, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* MTE and MTW and CPS...Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $190, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* MTE and MTW and TS and CSP...Bid $195, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $200, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $205, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $210, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $215, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $220I'd start with the above... any 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
ddlabcret Posted September 19, 2010 Author Report Posted September 19, 2010 I only have FOUR re-bid zones, not five.Interestingly, I tried to make a bid on PRICELINE using a different combination of different zones, but Priceline recognized that those areas have been selected in the previous bid, for eq. instead of TS CPS MTW, I selected MTW TS MTE (note that TS CPS MTW MTE had been selected in the failed bid scenario the first time around).Since I can afford to wait for another 24hrs, I am going to reset, and try again tomorrow.Any take on this? Any scenarios would be considered.Any other suggestions or tips are welcome.Thanks guys!
ddlabcret Posted September 19, 2010 Author Report Posted September 19, 2010 btw chechein,does your $195/night success include taxes and service charge?or is it just the usual standard rate, in which taxes will be added in the final price?thanks!it has been a while since i used PRICELINE.
AaronJB Posted September 19, 2010 Report Posted September 19, 2010 The $195 is the bid price. Taxes/fees are extra.
thereuare Posted September 20, 2010 Report Posted September 20, 2010 I only have FOUR re-bid zones, not five.No, you have FIVE re-bid zones at the 4* level in NYC. Please ask for help and/or confirm your re-bid zones if you're unsure.Interestingly, I tried to make a bid on PRICELINE using a different combination of different zones, but Priceline recognized that those areas have been selected in the previous bid...If you follow the strategy as posted above you shouldn't have any duplicate bid issues.Let us know if if you have any issues or questions regarding re-bidding or the strategy 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
ddlabcret Posted September 20, 2010 Author Report Posted September 20, 2010 now that you mentioned it, yes i am unsure. what would the zone(s) be?do you mind elaborate first section of your suggested scenario?my understanding of the re-bid zone(s): TS, MTW, MTE, CPS.any correction or clarification is appreciated. thanks!
thereuare Posted September 20, 2010 Report Posted September 20, 2010 No, re-bid zones are zones which only contain star ratings lower then the star rating you've selected (so in your situation above you're looking for hotels which only contain hotels rated less than 4*)The way to determine the star rating available in each zone is as follows, from Priceline Re-Bidding Explained:The way to check what star levels are available in each zone is to open a PRICELINE page, check ONLY the zone you are inquiring about, and then proceed to the next page (as if you were going to select a zone)... this will give you the available star ratings in that area. You can then hit BACK on your browser, uncheck the current box, check the next box, and repeat the process. It is important to do this before EACH attempt at adding a zone that you really don't want, as new hotels can be added and the star ratings can change at any time. (NOTE: for most users Priceline has updated their interface making the above process easier... simply check a zone and note the highest star rating available within each zone, UNcheck that zone and checkmark the next zone, repeating the process)See if you can determine your re-bid zones as per the method above, if you're still confused just post back and we'll break it down further for you.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
ddlabcret Posted September 21, 2010 Author Report Posted September 21, 2010 I am still somewhat confused, appreciate if you're breaking it down for me.I however, prefer to stay in 4* hotel, and 3.5* only if I have to. I am not looking for hotels which only contain hotels rated less than 4*Does that change the dynamic of the re-bid zones?
thereuare Posted September 21, 2010 Report Posted September 21, 2010 OK, looks like we have two aspects to cover:1) why use re-bid zones2) how to determine your re-bid zonesSo we'll take them one at a time...Take the following example:ZoneA - highest star rating available is 4*ZoneB - highest star rating available is 3*... and you want a 4* hotel in ZoneA.Now assume you bid ZoneA at $100 and are rejected.If you then add ZoneB to your bidding (so you're now bidding ZoneA and ZoneB) and increase your bid to $110 while keeping your minimum star rating at 4*... should you win do you see how the hotel would HAVE TO BE in ZoneA since the zone you added (zoneB) doesn't contain any hotels which meet your minimum star rating requirement (since the highest hotel offered in zoneB is 3*)?If you're understanding, you can then use these "re-bid zones" to continue bidding, essentially for the same zones as your previously rejected bid (since you're only adding zones you can't possibly win in), without having to wait the usual 24 hour lock out period.If you're more of a visual person you can see this post which gives a picture of this concept: Priceline Re-Bidding PictureDoes this make it a bit clearer? If so we'll move on to the next step... if not post back and we'll try to break it down further. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
ddlabcret Posted September 21, 2010 Author Report Posted September 21, 2010 This one is very clear, i understood this concept since the beginning of the this section's inquiries.I guess the subject in which I am not following is the FIVE re-bid zones.I am assuming those re-bid zones are the ones that I can add without risking the 4* preference...now that I think about it, I'm beginning to think that I need to add area such as Brooklyn since it doesn't have 4* hotels.Is this what you are referring to?If so, what other areas are you referring to? I just crossed out Upper Manhattan, Chelsea, and Wall St... they all have 4* hotels in their roster.
ddlabcret Posted September 21, 2010 Author Report Posted September 21, 2010 I think I got it now...those five re-bid zones are: Brooklyn, Coney Island, Long Island, Madison Sq., and Upper Eastthese five areas do not have 4* hotels on their roster...now your scenario does make sense!
thereuare Posted September 22, 2010 Report Posted September 22, 2010 YES!! It appears you have the re-bidding down as those are your FIVE re-bid zones... but always double check them before each bidding cycle to make sure that nothing as changed (as hotels can be added/upgraded at any time) and that each of those zones still qualified as your re-bid zones.So if the next step to try the bidding in post #9 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
ddlabcret Posted September 23, 2010 Author Report Posted September 23, 2010 Hi all, just want to share the successful bid story...I actually exhausted all of bidding strategy from thereuare and reached till the last section of the bidding:selected MTW, MTE:bid 205, got rejected...add CPSbid 210, got rejected...add Brooklynbid 212, got rejected...add Coney Islandbid 214, got rejected...add Long Islandbid 216, got rejected...add Madison Sqbid 218, got rejected...add Upper Eastbid 220, got ACCEPTEDI checked on Priceline, and their published rate is $342Truthfully, I was a bit bummed out thou...since I was hoping that I could score $195 like chechein on W hotel.But knowing that I am getting the hotel at Midtown West area, I think I should just be happy and thankful that I got a good deal as well...as least it's a 4* hotel...anyone ever stayed at Warwick and experienced a good stay?! please share...Here is my hotel:Warwick New York Hotel65 West 54Th Street At Avenue Of AmericasNew York, NY 10019Thanks to all for the advice and tips! I appreciate the help....And YES, i did use the PRICELINE link provided by thereuare.Cheers!One last question: is it save to assume that we are only bidding for the standard room at any hotel?With the rate that I'm getting, I am pretty sure I am not getting the suite, or even the deluxe room...is there such event as in room upgrade from the hotel? also, is our reservation guaranteed providing no cancellation?
chechein Posted September 23, 2010 Report Posted September 23, 2010 Congratulations!!!!Usually, MTW is expensive than MTE because of great location.Especially, your hotel has 85% people recommend in tripadvisor. So I think it's a great deal. You should be happy for that!!!!For my hotel W, it is just 55% :) since somebody say the room is a little small. So enjoy your hotel!!!
thereuare Posted September 23, 2010 Report Posted September 23, 2010 Congratulations on your success!Glad to see you're happy with the results and this location should work well for your plans. This is a very nice hotel which generally gets very good reviews.Your reservation is for a standards room, and upgrades can/do happen... sometimes for the asking and sometimes for an additional fee. However, given your check-in date is New Years Eve, i suspect the hotel will be plenty full and an upgrade (fee or free) may be though to come by.As well, your reservation is confirmed and non-cancellable, but if you do intend to arrive late (say after 10pm or 11pm) it's a good idea to call the hotel to let them know so they don't treat you as a 'no show' and re-sell the room to a walk-in/last minute customer.Also, after a nite where you may have had a few cocktails head just a block away to the 53rd St and Sixth Ave to the 'famous' ... remarkably they only serve from 7:30pm-4am and draw a line at almost all hours.Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.Enjoy your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
ddlabcret Posted September 24, 2010 Author Report Posted September 24, 2010 I suppose I could ask whether they could upgrade the room if those rooms are available...Heard that guest could be upgraded if they can't fill out the suites, since selling the "more affordable"-standard rooms to last minute walk-ins is easier than selling the suites at premium price. But then again, I could be just assuming...any thoughts?I also believe I am at their mercy of putting me in the interior view or the city view, thou both are considered as "standard" room based on Warwick description.By the way,are you talking about the food stall with a long line located in front of Hilton Hotel at the Ave of America?!If so, I had tried those on my previous NYC trip....delicioso!They should prob. print out a biz card, I keep forgetting about that stall unless someone reminded me so.Anyhow, quick question:I am planning to - for the first time ever - celebrating the countdown @ TS...advice, advice please...I heard people saying they close down the section since 12 noon...if i plan to count down at TS, when would be best time to start waiting at TS? I only will be arriving in NYC around 4 pm on the 31st...I can't believe you'd need to queue up since 12 noon, what gives?!?Also heard that you cannot leave your spot even for bathroom break, since you won't be allowed to return to your spot in the middle of TS..rumors? or true story?Thanks for sharing!
thereuare Posted September 25, 2010 Report Posted September 25, 2010 As far as room upgrades and/or 'interior view' it will be based upon what is available, you can try, but again, given the holiday, i suspect they will be mostly full (including their suites). If you're unable to secure the room type on your check-in date you can inquire the following day if you can change to a better/different room as occupancy will likely go down after New Years Eve.Yes, i was referring to the food cart in front of the Hilton. I agree... great stuff, i think they're even open on NYE, although not sure if that will make you feel better or worse in the morning :)In a city where people will line up for 2-3 days in order to be first to get the latest iphone or ipad, you can understand how people will begin to line up to see the ball drop in Times Square. They do begin to line up quite early and by 4pm i wouldn't expect to be too close. For crowd control purposes, barricades are set up in 'quadrants' and they fill a quadrant before closing it off and then filling the next, and so-on and so-on... take care of your bathroom breaks and bring any snacks you might need before your arrival as you'll be in your quadrant for the duration (even if a one cop agrees to let you leave and come back, you might have difficulty making your way back to your space due to the crowds)Enjoy your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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