FFups Posted March 16, 2011 Report Posted March 16, 2011 Hello, my sister + partner are visiting my partner and me here in upstate NY and we're thinking of spending some time in NYC. I'm looking for a hotel room in NYC, for 2 or 3 nights, sometime between 8/20 and 8/27. We're really flexible in terms of (1) whether we'll all be in the same hotel room (which only leaves us with hotwire, as I understand, and cuts down the options) or book 2 separate rooms (2) when we'd go down to NYC during that time frame, (2) the star rating (anything from 2.5-4 would be fine) and (3) where the hotel is located (that is, anywhere in Manhattan is fine). My question: what's the best strategy in terms of booking for NYC during busy summer tourist season? Is booking now better? Or should I wait until last minute? I checked for dates around now (i.e., March) and there are plenty of options last minute but, of course, it could be an entirely different story in August... What's your take on it? Also, are weekends better (for instance, because financial district hotels might be available)? Or are weekdays generally better? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
AaronJB Posted March 16, 2011 Report Posted March 16, 2011 Welcome to Betterbidding. :)The slowest season in NYC is the Jan-mid March time frame, then the area gets busier/more expensive throughout the Spring (April-mid June), then slows down again during the Summer months due to the high temps (end of June to late August), then gets extremely busy throughout late September until just before Christmas.Rates in NYC can vary quite significantly from day-to-day; weekends are not necessarily a standard indicator, as one weekend can vary significantly from the next. Longer stays of a week or more are sometimes an issue due to whether or not a hotel has consistent discounted inventory throughout the period, but that should not be as much of an issue due to the season.I definitely would not wait until the last minute, and would start to research options/pricing now. If you decide to bid for a couple of rooms, I'd start trying lowball offers now.What would be your desired budget per night for one room vs. two rooms?Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
FFups Posted March 16, 2011 Author Report Posted March 16, 2011 Thanks so much for the quick response & helpful information. Sounds like the best strategy is not necessarily to wait, but to start bidding (relatively low) now. Also thanks for the info on high season -- I had assumed that end of August would be busier than Sept. >What would be your desired budget per night for one room vs. two rooms?If we end up getting two rooms, the budget for each room would be perhaps around $130-$190 (plus taxes). If we end up getting 1 room for all 4, I would say perhaps up to $240 (plus taxes). Hope that doesn't sound too unrealistic... Thanks again.
AaronJB Posted March 16, 2011 Report Posted March 16, 2011 Rates are maybe a *touch* higher than I expected on HOTWIRE, but they're still within your desired budget range, even at the 4* level.For example, when searching for these dates on HOTWIRE for 2 rooms/4 (total) adults, there is a 4* in MTE for $165 per night w/fitness, restaurant, internet, business, tennis. (the price you see may differ slightly.) This would be a possible match for the Grand Hyatt or Inter-Continental Barclay. If you were to bid for a 4* in MTE, given the prices I'm seeing, hopefully you would be able to get a win in the $125-140 range +/-, although given the time period, you could start lower ($105-110) and work higher by $5's.There are not as many options when searching for 4 in one room, but given a week-long stay and the tiny size of many NYC hotel rooms, trying over time between now and your trip to get a lower rate via PRICELINE on two rooms may be optimal vs. 4 in one (quite possibly small) room for a week.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
FFups Posted April 8, 2011 Author Report Posted April 8, 2011 Wanted to conclude this threat by updating on my winning bid: ended up getting just 1 room for my sister and her boyfriend (I won't be going, after all). I ended up bidding on Priceline for 8/20-8/23. I received the Sheraton Tribeca (3.5* (Downtown-Soho-Financial District) for $105/night + taxes and fees. Seems like a good hotel: Conveniently located, close to different subway lines... I think this is a very good price (especially for being during a relatively busy tourist time) -- really happy about this!
AaronJB Posted April 9, 2011 Report Posted April 9, 2011 Congrats on your success. :)Excellent deal for this property, which is new (I believe it opened last December or so.) Glad you are pleased with the deal.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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