Hotwire Hotel: Another Newbie in New York!

[tonymc]

Hi,

I've heard about PRICELINE and HOTWIRE in the past, and as we are looking to spend our summer 2011 vacation in New York, New England and Boston, I am obviously hoping to be able to get a bargain (or two) in these areas.

We are not planning on travelling until 5th August 2011, but working on the basis it's never too early to start planning, I was wondering if someone could advise me if there is a "start" date that prices start to get released for bidding for August, is it an expensive time of the year to stay (hoping that as in the UK, the majority of hotels will have a greater surplus capacity at this time), and is there anywhere on this site that gives historical "win" prices for this time of year.

Also, as there are 2 Adults and 1 Child travelling, would I be able to specify anywhere that I needed a 2 Queen Bed room, or would it be too risky to use PRICELINE / HOTWIRE for a specific requirement?

I'm sure that I will be back with more questions, but that's it for the moment from a very wet UK!!

Many thanks.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

As far as when to bid see the related 'Bid early or close to check-in' link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

Summer in NYC is low season so rates should be fairly reasonable (relatively speaking, for as also like London, NYC is expensive)

PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, so it can be risky for using for more than double occupancy in an area such as NYC where there is a high percentage of rooms which only have one bed (given that real estate is a premium and rooms are often smaller then similarly rated hotels throughout the country). Also, some hotels in NYC consider rooms with two beds an upgrade so even if available, the hotel could ask for an additional charge for a room with two beds.

HOTWIRE does allow you to search for up to quad occupancy and guarantees sleeping accommodations for everyone yo include in your search.. but note that the second 'bed' could be a rollaway, pullout sofabed, etc. Would that work for your needs?

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

[tonymc]

Many thanks - I was hoping that August would have low(ish) pricing rates. Will check out the FAQs for the info.

[tonymc]

Have been having another look and thought we had managed to snag a bargain - 3.5* in Chelsea/MSG area for $164/night (8/5/11-8/11/11). It was only when I went to "do the deal" that I noticed that there was a child missing from the booking!!

Price with child is now $199, totalling $1442 (with tax) which equates to $240/night. Just wondering if the prices shown on the Calendar of Wins includes taxes or not, as the same hotel prices for August this year were showing at $205.

Thanks.

[AaronJB]

The prices shown do not include taxes.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[tonymc]

Thanks for confirming Aaron.

I have seen the Distrikt Hotel on one of the hotel booking websites working out at around $250/night which given that I would be guaranteed this hotel may be a better option for an additional $10/night.

Thanks for your help - still looking to use Hotwire for my Boston Hotel booking!!

[AaronJB]

The Distrikt is $225.67 on Orbitz for these dates when searching for 4 (and you can select 2 beds.) Do check the cancellation policy for that rate, though. I am seeing cheaper rates at the Distrikt, but those appear when searching for 2 people only; when searching for 4, the more expensive two bed option is the only option available.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE, PRICELINE or Orbitz.com links to start your purchases and searches.

[tonymc]

Hi,

I had noticed the cheaper rates when I mistakenly only put in for 2A which came out at $164/night, but I'm sure daughter wouldn't mind staying at home :) .

On Orbitz, the Distrikt is coming in at $1600 total against the approx $1500 I am looking at elsewhere - very tempted to press the button, especially as they have a price guarantee valid up to a few days before departure and a no-fees cancellation policy!!

[thereuare]

In NYC it's very common (more the norm than the exception) to see rates rise, sometimes substantially, when searching for more than double occupancy.

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

[tonymc]

Have bitten the bullet here and booked with the non-Hotwire option which does guarantee me the Distrikt Hotel for more or less the same price as Hotwire.

Thanks again for all your help for both NY nad Boston bookings.

[thereuare]

Glad you found something which works for your needs and budget.

Enjoy this leg of your trip.