Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) InterContinental The Barclay

[Spanky Deluxe]

I've just booked our flights to JFK and want to try to get stays at 4* hotels for as cheap as possible (obviously).

Is it better to wait a while or should I start bidding now? We're going to be in the states for 14 nights total but will spread this between NYC, Washington DC and (maybe) Toronto. From what I've seen, it looks like shorter stays are much better so breaking it up sounds cheaper - what's best though?

Edit: We'll probably want to stay in Manhattan. Haven't got a clue about Washington yet but will think about that more as well as our full plans.

Edit 2: Do the prices in the Calendar include tax? Also how much is tax on hotel bookings? Is a budget of $200 after tax all in doable for 4* in Manhattan and Washington DC, possibly spread around with stays in different hotels - maybe 5 days Manhattan, 4 days Washington DC, 3 days Toronto, 2 days NYC as a rough example?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is your actual date range? Generally speaking NYC is a slow time of year in NYC, but spring is very expensive, so rates may vary substantially if you're looking at early June (spring) vs. late June (closer to summer)

In addition to seasonal factors, rates are date specific, so even if traveling during low-season you could find a few days where demand is higher then usual (a conference or some other event in the city) which inflates rate for that period. You'll need to come up with a preliminary itinerary in order to get a better gauge of rates for your specific nites.

A\ll wins reported to the board are before taxes and fees. As far as when to bid, see the related "bid early or close to check-in" link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

The above should be enough to get you started, once you firm up a more general idea of your plans, we'll be able to have a closer look at your plans and comment further.

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

[cousintim]

I have found that 4-6 weeks before my arrival is a good guideline.

[AaronJB]

If you don't get up to Toronto, Boston's a wonderful city. Amtrak goes to Toronto from NYC and part of that trip is a gorgeous ride along the Hudson from NYC to Albany, but unfortunately the trip as a whole takes a day.

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

[Spanky Deluxe]

After much faffing around and mind changing, we've now settled on our schedule and have booked the flights to Toronto from Washington and back to NYC (didn't realise there wouldn't be a direct train from DC to Toronto so ended up coughing up for flights).

Our schedule is now as follows:

16th June - 20th June (4 nights) NYC

20th June - 24th June (4 nights) Washington DC

24th June - 27th June (3 nights) Toronto

27th June - 1st July (4 nights) NYC

We'd like to stay in 4* hotels and are aiming at $150 for NYC, $100 for DC and $75 for Toronto. Those are based off what I've seen in the calendar of wins although Toronto had hardly any data points to go off. I've seen places go for a fair bit less in a lot of cases so I'll obviously want to start lower than that, however, if push comes to shove I can also stretch higher.

Search zones are I think (although I'd really welcome some thoughts - just want to be in the 'middle of things' in a decent area). Could particularly do with advice on DC and NYC, Toronto doesn't seem too complicated.

NYC - MTE/MTW/UES/UWS

Washington - Dupont Circle/Convention Centre/Whitehouse Downtown

Toronto - Downtown North/South

Should I start new threads in the Washington and Canada sections to book those?

Phil

[Spanky Deluxe]

Just had my first shot at bidding.

130 MTE rejected

135 MTE,MTW rejected

135 MTE,MTW,CPS rejected

140 MTE,MTW,CPS,UWS rejected

145 MTE,MTW,CPS,UWS,UES rejected

Don't want to risk too many other areas since I don't know what I'm doing and don't want to end up somewhere dodgy by accident. Will have to wait 24 hours I guess to try again but I'm still aiming for $150 so it may be worth me waiting until a little closer to the time.

[thereuare]

...since I don't know what I'm doing and don't want to end up somewhere dodgy by accident.

Since you have a lot of bidding ahead of you, and 2+ months before your stays, why not take a moment to get a firm understanding of re-bidding so that you can apply this technique to this stay and to your future bidding.

I'd suggest starting with Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board (HINT: at the 4* level in NYC you have SIX such re-bid zones). If you read the previous thread and are 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.

[Spanky Deluxe]

Thanks!

I saw another thread where you spelt it out for someone so I've had a proper go now at all of my bookings. Went up to $165 for NY and $105 for both Washington and Toronto. I didn't want to go any higher right now because I figured I'd do best to wait a week or so and then try again. I've made sure always to use the PRICELINE links but haven't made a purchase yet. Should be plenty of time still. :)

Phil

[thereuare]

Keep us updated on your progress and let us know if we can be of help along the way.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

[Spanky Deluxe]

Just got my bid accepted. I ended up having to go up to $200 per night but got there in the end. We've got the Intercontinental The Barclay. :)

Now I just need to get my Washington D.C. stay for 20th-24th June. Have bid up to $160 now with no success so onwards and upwards!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

While a bit more then you may have originally thought it would take, hope you're pleased with the results nad looking forward to your stay. You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

If you'd like help with the Washington DC leg of your stay feel free to start a NEW TOPIC.

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

Enjoy your stay.