Boiler Up Posted March 15, 2011 Report Posted March 15, 2011 Looking for cheapest 3.5+ for 4/13-4/17 (vacation to Manhattan) I have tried up to $143 for MTE, SOHO FD, ESB, & TSQ (not sure I want Midtown East - It sounds like some of the hotels can be far from the subways...i think i may have been lucky that nothing was won.....)I would be open to most locations below central park.What is the best way to bid and zones I should be adding and in what order?Any idea what pricing I should expect?Should I expand to 3*? I guess my max price would be up to $160 (depending on *), mainly just looking for a great deal. I don't want to pay $150 for a 3*, when I could get a 4* for $160; but i would pay $90 for the 3* - I think you get the ideaAny help is appreciated....Thanks Greg
thereuare Posted March 15, 2011 Report Posted March 15, 2011 Welcome to BetterBidding!There is a rate change which takes place between your midweek and weekend dates... is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option?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
Boiler Up Posted March 15, 2011 Author Report Posted March 15, 2011 Thanks for the reply -I really would not want to risk having to change hotels during the stay. (really it is the wifes preference :) )I understand the mid-week to weekend transition.Still - any suggestions on a strategy and expectations.Thanks a lot - this forum is very helpfulI have a budget hotel booked directly in the ESB area but I think I can do a lot better.Greg(I have been using the links to bid )
thereuare Posted March 15, 2011 Report Posted March 15, 2011 I'm not seeing too much of a difference between the 4* and 3.5* rated properties, and unfortunately i think it will likely take closer to $180-$190 to be successful for a 4* hotel for these dates, if you're lucky a 3.5* may be a little cheaper, but probably not by much.Given your rejections for a 3.5* up to $143, do you want to try bidding for a 4* up to $160, then if rejected try for a 3.5* up to $160? If that is rejected we can then explore your other options in terms of zone, star rating and budget.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Boiler Up Posted March 15, 2011 Author Report Posted March 15, 2011 Sure, I am pretty much open to anything.Right now, I do have a budget 2* booked directly with the hotel in the ESB area for $130 (private bath)...Ok reviewsOne thing i noticed is that some of these budget hotels have private baths and shared baths. I was just looking to see if I could get something a lot better for just a little bit more.Greg
AaronJB Posted March 15, 2011 Report Posted March 15, 2011 Have you tried for a 3* within this general price range (starting lower and working up to $130-140 in Midtown zones) as while not a 3.5*, a 3* would still definitely be an upgrade over a 2* w/some shared bath rooms.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Boiler Up Posted March 15, 2011 Author Report Posted March 15, 2011 I have not tried that yet. what is a recomended starting price? any areas i should target (or void) if going to a 3*? Thanksgreg
thereuare Posted March 16, 2011 Report Posted March 16, 2011 What do you want to do first... try for a 4* up to $160, then a 3.5* up to $160... or for a 3* up to $140?? 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
Boiler Up Posted March 16, 2011 Author Report Posted March 16, 2011 I think I probably like to start with a 4* and work down. Unless you would just recomend starting with the 3* up to $130 or so...One other question,How difficult is it to take the bus (Q33 or Q72) from LGA (laguardia) to the 7 subway with a medium size suitcase? It would be on a Wednesday around 12:00.ThanksGreg
thereuare Posted March 16, 2011 Report Posted March 16, 2011 At the 4* level are MTE, MTW, CPS, TS and ESB all acceptable? (NOTE: that above you mention that MTE was not an option since some of the hotels area bit far from the subway, however, of the 'known' hotels, this isn't an issue at the 4* level... only at the 3.5* and below)As far as taking the bus to the 7 train, it's do-able and cheap, but not terribly convenient, imo, either... my guess is that if your wife doesn't want to change hotels mid-stay, she probably wouldn't want to take this option either :) However, we can further discussion once you know where your hotel will ultimately be, for if it's not on the 7 line, it becomes more and more inconvenient since it then involves a bus plus subway plus a transfer.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
Boiler Up Posted March 16, 2011 Author Report Posted March 16, 2011 Great - all those areas are fine. I would also be okay with SoHo-FD as well. (probably contradicts my reason for avoiding MTE 3.5* ... :) )Thanks for the info on the airport transportation. I was planning on getting the 7-day metro pass anyway and thought that I could use it from the airport as well. We may just take a Taxi if the public transportation is not convient depending on our hotel....Greg
thereuare Posted March 16, 2011 Report Posted March 16, 2011 I don't think you'll be successful, but nothing to lose by trying for a 4* hotel first...At the 4* level you have SIX 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, MTW, TS, DT and ESB...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 4* CPS...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 4* MTE, MTW, CPS, TS, DT and ESB...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160Any 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
Boiler Up Posted March 17, 2011 Author Report Posted March 17, 2011 Ok - I just want to check the rebid zones for a 4*CIHKLICQBUES UWSIF this is correct I will give it a go.Thanksgreg
thereuare Posted March 17, 2011 Report Posted March 17, 2011 No, that is not correct.Start with the following...1) Use the PRICELINE search box on the upper right of this page, enter New York City and your dates, and click "GO".2) List each zone that is offered in this region. 3) Next to each zone list the highest star rating offered in the zone. The way to determine the highest tar rating offered n the zone is by selecting the first zone i the list, then scrolling down to see the highest star rating selectable (ie- not greyed out). NEXT UNcheck the selected zone, place a checkmark in the next zone, and repeat the process for each zone in the region. Each time you take note of the highest star rating in the zone, make sure that only ONE zone is selected above.4) post your findings and we'll take it from thereIf you don't follow the above just post back and we'll break it down further. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Boiler Up Posted March 17, 2011 Author Report Posted March 17, 2011 Ok (I don't know why I didn't figure that out...got it now...I'm an idiot)I did all that and nothing up to $165 for a 4 star (I went 155, 160, and 165 on the last three)(any reason why Chelsea and HK are not part of the search?)anyway - what is the plan if we knock it down to a 3.5 or 3*?Thanks for all your help - greg
thereuare Posted March 17, 2011 Report Posted March 17, 2011 The only known 4* in the HK zone is INK48 which gets good reviews, but is a bit far west. Similarly the only 4* hotel reported in the Chelsea zone is the Fashion 26 hotel, which is now the Hilton Fashion District. If both of these locations/properties work fine for your needs you can include these zones as well, but they do get a bit far west and/or south for some users... the other zones (which have have bid above) are more centrally located.Let us know how you'd like to proceed, including these two others zones at the 4* level or dropping t the 3.5* level.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
Boiler Up Posted March 17, 2011 Author Report Posted March 17, 2011 Lets drop to the 3.5* area... What price do you think it will require? is $150 realistic?thanksgreg
AaronJB Posted March 17, 2011 Report Posted March 17, 2011 Would you be okay with the MTE 3.5's further east (The Millennium UN/Hilton Manhattan East?) and the Hudson 3.5* in CPS (very small rooms)?Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Boiler Up Posted March 17, 2011 Author Report Posted March 17, 2011 Avoid the MTE. DT ok. CPS ok.Greg
thereuare Posted March 17, 2011 Report Posted March 17, 2011 So to confirm you're currently going to try for a 3.5* hotel with a maximum bid of $160 in any of the following zones:MTW, CPS, TS, DT and ESB... i'm also adding MSG to the list as this typically works well for the average user and represents good value at the 3.5* level. If you have a problem with this zone then don't bid the below and post back, we'll revise accordingly.I also went up to $160 as i think that is more realistic then $150, but the strategy below starts low and gradually increases, so if something is available at lower price points you'll be able to hit it. Of course you can stop at whatever level you are comfortable with, but i think even $160 is 'iffy' as to whether you'll be successful or not for these dates at this time.At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones. Priceline Re-Bidding ExplainedSelect 3.5* MTW, MSG, CPS...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 $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, DT, ESB...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 $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, MSG, CPS...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $138, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTW, DT, ESB...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $138, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTW, MSG, ESB...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $148, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS, DT, CPS...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $148, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTW, MSG, CPS, TS, DT, ESB...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160Any 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
Boiler Up Posted March 18, 2011 Author Report Posted March 18, 2011 HotwireMidtown Centralfitnessrestaurantinternet90% recomended4/13-17$109 (would this be a good deal?)
Boiler Up Posted March 18, 2011 Author Report Posted March 18, 2011 It is probably Club Quarters...Is this a decent price for this hotel?greg
AaronJB Posted March 18, 2011 Report Posted March 18, 2011 This is a possible match for the Manhattan Centre or Club Quarters. $109 is a good rate for mid-April in Midtown.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Boiler Up Posted March 18, 2011 Author Report Posted March 18, 2011 Thanks for your help.I just booked with HotwireClub Quarters opposite Rockefeller center $106 (I think it is a good deal considering i was getting denied at $165 for a 4*)Here is something interesting....Got differenent prices from one search to the next.Any idea why?
thereuare Posted March 18, 2011 Report Posted March 18, 2011 Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing your results with the board.HOTWIRE fluctuates their prices from search to search in order to increase opacity, so that the $100 hotel isn't always Hotel A and the $105 hotel isn't always Hotel B.Hopefully you remembered to use the links on the board for each search :)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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