Priceline Hotel: London Newb Heading to NY 18/5 - 24/5 .... HELP

[emceee]

Hi Guys

Been searching the forums for a few weeks and have finally decided to head to NY for the first time, went to Vegas last year and wish i had found you sooner. Looks like all the admins and some of the users are doing a grand job . . . . enough arse kissing now for my hotel hunt.

Travelling from London to NY 18th May - 24th May 2011 , Its just for me and my partner so one room is perfect.

Have looked at some of the options via this site and MTE, TS, MTW, CPS seem to be the best options but not massively bothered as long as we can get around the city, i have also seen that some of the option have small rooms or a walk to the subway, not overlly bothered by these but prefer if not.

Now the problem i understand we are heading out in Spring which i understand is classed as "busy" and i would ideally like to pay no more than $150 + taxes for a 3.5*+ do you think there will be any decent options available.

Look forward to your replys

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

...i have also seen that some of the option have small rooms or a walk to the subway, not overlly bothered by these but prefer if not.

At the 3.5* level the 'caveat' zones are CPS (Hudson Hotel with their small rooms) and MTE (can be a 15 minute walk to the subway)... do you want to include these in your initial round of bidding OR do you want to focus on other zones up to your limit, then if rejected, try again while including these two zones?

Also, in addition to the zones you mention above, is there a reason you're not including MSG and/or ESB in your bidding? At the 3.5* level these typically work out well for the average user too.

Let us know your thoughts regarding our questions above and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[emceee]

Hi thereuare, I'm totally open to suggestions so i'm happy to try MSG + ESB also , but if we can leave out the areas mentioned (CPS,MTE) to start with and we can see how we progress.

Thanks

[thereuare]

So to confirm you're looking for a 3.5* or better in the TS, MTW, MSG or ESB zones with a maximum bid of $150/nite. If this is correct...

At the 3.5* level you have FOUR 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 3.5* TS and MTW...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* MSG and ESB...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* MSG and MTW...

Bid $123, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $128, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* TS and ESB...

Bid $123, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $128, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* TS and MSG...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* MTW and ESB...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* TS, MTW, MSG and ESB...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $138, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $150

Any 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.

[emceee]

Hi thought i would give you guys an update, have had a few bids and also done alot of research and with all the info below and still going up to $200 i'm still having no luck.

I think it might have to do with my length of stay and how busy new york is .

Let me know if you have any other ideas, otherwise it might just pay for me to book through a standard hotel as i am getting close to some of the offers anyway.

And on that note if anyone can recommend a hotel it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[cousintim]

My suggestion is to be patient if you can. More hotels and lower rates often appear within 30 days of arrival date. If you can't wait, consider bumping down to a 3*. Good luck.

[thereuare]

Two suggestions...

A 4* in the MTE zone may run you ~$185-$225... you can try this zone at the 4* level up to your $200 or continue onward to $225 if you're willing to pay a bit more for a higher rated hotel then what you've already bid for a 3.5* property.

HOTWIRE has a 3.5* hotel in the MTC zone with Fitness, Restaurant, Internet icons for $198/nite and very good 4.0/5.0 Tripadvisor ratings and a 95% HOTWIRE user recommendation rating. Best guess is that this is the Manhattan Centre Hotel or the Club Quarters (i'm thinking the Club Quarters a bit more likely of the two, although you should be prepared for either). Since you didn't bid this zone hoping to avoid the small rooms at the Hudson, this shouldn't be the Hudson since the 4.0/5.0 TA rating shown by HOTWIRE for this property is far enough away from the 3.0 TA rating for the Hudson; as well, the HOTWIRE reviewers give this hotel a 4.0 on Room Comfort (and i seem to recall the Hudson being near the 3.0 level last time i saw it appear)

Would this HOTWIRE offer work for your needs or do you care to bid higher for a 4* in one of the 3.5* zones you couldn't (since there were hotels at the 3.5* and under rating there you were hoping to avoid)

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

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.