MoroccanBride Posted October 25, 2010 Report Posted October 25, 2010 Hello,I'm trying to plan a trip to NYC checking in Dec. 16 and checking out Dec. 19. I've been lurking on the boards, and even tried the bidding strategy proposed for another traveller (but that traveller was going in November, which probably will have lower rates than prime Christmas season). I had wanted a 3.5* hotel, if it was within my price range, but I don't want to go over $500 for the entire trip (including taxes and fees). I'll list my bidding history so far below. I'm not sure whether it makes any sense to continue trying to find a 3.5 star in my price range, or whether I should move to a lower price range. I would be willing to take a 2* for around $110, but don't know whether that's reasonable during the high season. Location: First choice is Times Square, but I'd be willing to do just about anywhere in Manhattan, as long as it's a reasonable walking distance to the metro.For my prior bids, I pretty much followed the suggestions in this Priceline NYC post.Specifically, I bid: Select 3.5* MTE and TS...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* CPS and MTW...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTE and MTW and CPS...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE Select 3.5* MTE and MTW and TS...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTE and MTW and CPS and TS...Bid $135All of these bids were rejected. The budget doesn't allow me to go much higher than the bids I've already placed, so I'm forgetting about the idea of getting a "nice" room, and trying to just get the cheapest deal I can get, without ending up in a dump. Any suggestions?(If I've left out vital information or made some other breach of etiquette in my posting, I apologize--it's my first time.)
MoroccanBride Posted October 25, 2010 Author Report Posted October 25, 2010 As a follow-up question, do you think I could find better rates if I do Dec. 17-20 (Friday through Monday) instead of Dec. 16-19 (Thurs. through Sunday)?
AaronJB Posted October 25, 2010 Report Posted October 25, 2010 Welcome to Betterbidding. :)At one point earlier in the Fall there appeared to be a point around mid-Dec where prices started to come down, but unfortunately the second half of December is now also appearing rather busy. You may have better luck on 12/17-20, as prices seem moderately more reasonable during that period. If you have reached your max for 12/16-19 for 3.5*, I'd try again for 12/17-20 if those dates are acceptable. Hopefully you will be successful, but if not, let us know and we would be happy to suggest alternatives. Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
MoroccanBride Posted October 26, 2010 Author Report Posted October 26, 2010 Well, I tried using Dec. 17-20 instead, and also added a bunch of zones, and still had no luck. I also tried downgrading to 3*, but still didn't have success Here's a recap of my 3* bids so far today: TS & MTE - 100add Rebid Zone (Coney Island) - 105CPS & MTW - 100Add Rebid zone - 105MSG & Chelsea - 100add rebid zone - 105SoHo & Empire State - 100add rebid zone - 105Hell's Kitchen - 100& rebid zone - 105TS, MTE, & MTW - 115add rebid zone - 120TS, MTE & CPS - 115add rebid zone - 120MSG, Chelsea & TS - 115add rebid zone - 120SoHo, Empire, & HK - 115add rebid zone - 120I think I'm going to try 2.5 stars next. Can you advise if any of these zones should be excluded at the 2.5* level? I don't want to end up in an unsafe or dirty hotel. Also, any advice on what would be a reasonable price for a 2.5* hotel at this time of the year?
thereuare Posted October 26, 2010 Report Posted October 26, 2010 I would think that most of the midtown zone(s) you're bidding should be fine, but we don't see enough 2.5* bidding to consistently see any 'known' hotels which are definitively problematic... and i advise moving cautiously when bidding 2.5*... you may get something great that works for your needs, or you could get something which you wish you were staying elsewhere.HOWEVER, aren't you still a good ways away from your $500 budget? If so, i'd sooner increase my budget and try 3* bidding again before venturing into the 2.5* arena; but it's your stay and you know your needs and expectations better then we do.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
MoroccanBride Posted October 26, 2010 Author Report Posted October 26, 2010 Well, with the taxes and fees, I'm at about $475 with a $130 bid, so I do have a little more wiggle room to try bidding on a 3*. Not sure whether it's helpful to you for me to go though the details of all my bidding, but just in case it is, here's what I tried (unsuccessfully) today:2.5* TS & MTE100105110CPS & MTW100105110Chelsea & Empire100105110TS, MTE & CPS115120125MTW, Chelsea, & Empire115120125TS, MTE, MTW1302*TS & MTE100105CPS & MTW100105Chelsea & Empire100105TS, MTE, MTW110115CPS, Chelsea, Empire110115TS, MTE, MTW, Empire120125Still no luck. I'm giving up for today and hoping that tomorrow brings more luck. Any advice you can offer is appreciated. Thanks! (And of course, I made sure to use your PRICELINE links for all my searches.)
thereuare Posted October 26, 2010 Report Posted October 26, 2010 With rejections at $125 for a 2.5* i would sooner first bid up to $140 for a 3*... it's a $15/nite difference and i think the chances of disappointment are greater at the 2.5* level.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links for your bidding.Good luck and keep us updated if we can be of further help. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
MoroccanBride Posted October 27, 2010 Author Report Posted October 27, 2010 Thanks for the expert advice!! My thinking was that if I'm getting rejected for 2 stars at $125, there's no WAY I'd be able to afford a 3 star. But I took your advice and added a little money to my 3* bids, and here's what I got: Your Price Was AcceptedCongratulations, your price of $145 was accepted by Jolly Hotel Madison Towers. Empire State Building Area22 East 38th Street New York, New York 10016 212-802-0600Check-In Date:Thu, Dec 16, 2010 / After 03:00 PMCheck-Out Date:Sun, Dec 19, 2010 / 12:00 PM Thanks so much for your help!!!
AaronJB Posted October 27, 2010 Report Posted October 27, 2010 Congrats on your success. :)Nice deal for this ESB property! Glad you are pleased with the result.Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.Enjoy your stay.
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