Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 20, 2011 Report Posted April 20, 2011 So far I've tried 3.5 star hotel in Zone 2 through 14 (only Brooklyn and Uptown West were not selected), but still rejected at $140. I've read a post showing that Sheraton Downtown is $130 in June 17-22. Moreover, I don't know why everytime I added a zone and increased the price, it always showed info asking me to wait for 15 minutes. I don't know whether this is a good sign for bidding or just tricky things. Any suggestions for my next bidding?
AaronJB Posted April 20, 2011 Report Posted April 20, 2011 The 15 minute note means that it is taking longer to get a response from the service than usual. It does not indicate whether or not you are getting closer to a win.The rates for the Sheraton win would not be reflective of what it will take for a win for these dates, as the dates differ slightly, which will result in different prices and different discounted inventory.What would be your desired budget per night for this stay?Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 20, 2011 Author Report Posted April 20, 2011 $1000 for 5 nights, including everything, 3.5* or higher, within Manhattan but south of central park (don't like upper sides). Will it possible?
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 During June 18-23, there is a $178 hotel with 4 stars in Downtown Area which includes fitness, business, laundry, and Internet. From the Hotwire List in this website, the only possible hotel is Embassy Suites. However, Hotwire shows that "We are still gathering reviews for this property". So, anyone have a clue? I actually need this info from Hotwire to bid via Priceline. Thanks!
thereuare Posted April 21, 2011 Report Posted April 21, 2011 Please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread... if you ultimately use HOTWIRE for this stay we'll then move the entire thread to that section of the board.The HOTWIRE property above is a match for the World Center Hotel, which has been upgraded since the last time it was reported to the board.If you're looking to continue bidding on PRICELINE...So far I've tried 3.5 star hotel in Zone 2 through 14 (only Brooklyn and Uptown West were not selected)......within Manhattan but south of central park (don't like upper sides).Please list, by PRICELINE name, the zones you're willing to accept 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.Thanks. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 Zones in order from most preferred to less preferred will be:Times Square - Theatre DistrictMidtown WestCentral Park SouthMidtown EastHell's KitchenEmpire State Building AreaMadison Square Garden - Convention AreaChelsea AreaDowntown - SoHo - Financial DistrictI think the following zones can be used as free re-bid zones, since all of them don't have 4 stars, most of them don't have 3.5 stars, and I don't want to stay in any of them:Upper West SideBrooklynUpper East SideQueensborough BridgeLong Island City Coney Island Please provide some strategies for both 4 stars and 3.5 stars. No more than $1000 in total (including tax) for 5 days during June 18-23. Thanks!
thereuare Posted April 21, 2011 Report Posted April 21, 2011 Zones in order from most preferred to less preferred will be:Times Square - Theatre DistrictMidtown WestCentral Park SouthMidtown EastHell's KitchenEmpire State Building AreaMadison Square Garden - Convention AreaChelsea AreaDowntown - SoHo - Financial DistrictAre you willing to pay more for a hotel higher up in this list vs. near the bottom of the list OR is your goal the least expensive 4* (or 3.5*) of these zones? If there are zones you'd be willing to pay more for vs. others, can you group them (ie- first choice is least expensive out of the first 4 zones on the list up to $xx, then if rejected start lower for the other zones)Please provide some strategies for both 4 stars and 3.5 stars. June 18-23.Please decide what star rating you want to bid for first and we'll suggest a strategy for that star rating and bidding limit... there are different re-bid zones (and zones you may want to include/avoid) depending upon whether you're bidding 4* or 3.5*.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
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 I've tested the price on PRICELINE.com,finding out that when the bidding price is $165, the total amount including tax for 5 nights will be $1004. So, here is my thoughts (regardless of stars):Group 1: <=$165 for bidding price Times Square - Theatre DistrictMidtown WestCentral Park SouthMidtown EastGroup 2: <=$155 for bidding priceEmpire State Building AreaMadison Square Garden - Convention AreaGroup 3: <=$145 for bidding priceChelsea AreaDowntown - SoHo - Financial DistrictHowever, I am now hesitating a little bit regarding the Hell's Kitchen Area, since there is no subway nearby, which might not be convenient. Any info about this area?In terms of stars, I would like to start with 4*, then 3.5*.Thanks!
AaronJB Posted April 21, 2011 Report Posted April 21, 2011 The Hell's Kitchen area is - depending on where in the zone - not a bad walk to Times Square. The Intrepid Museum, which is one of the attractions I most highly recommend in NYC - is also right there. However, in terms of hotels, the only hotel that has been reported to the board in this zone is Ink48. There are VERY few hotels (in general) other than Ink48 within the bounds of this zone and as a result, there has not been much interest.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 I see. I think my groupings and budgets above are fine. Please provide some strategies in detail. Thanks!
thereuare Posted April 22, 2011 Report Posted April 22, 2011 In terms of stars, I would like to start with 4*, then 3.5*.To confirm... if you try Group1 at the 4* level up to $165, did you then want to try again for Group1 at the 3.5* level... OR did you want to try group at the 4* level before trying your first group again at the 3.5* level?Please confirm 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. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 22, 2011 Author Report Posted April 22, 2011 Try 4* for each groups first, then try 3.5*.
thereuare Posted April 22, 2011 Report Posted April 22, 2011 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.Group 1: <=$165 for bidding priceTimes Square - Theatre DistrictMidtown WestCentral Park SouthMidtown EastSelect 4* MTE, MTW and TS...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 4* CPS...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 4* MTE, MTW, TS and CPS...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165If the above is rejected close your browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINEGroup 2: <=$155 for bidding priceEmpire State Building AreaMadison Square Garden - Convention AreaThere are currently no 4* hotels in the MSG zone so this cycle will just be bidding on the ESB zone. Based upon your previous rejections above you can use those zones as pseudo re-bid zones too, since they were just rejected, but also because they're also acceptable.Select 4* ESB...Bid $110, if rejected add MTE...Bid $115, if rejected add MTW...Bid $120, if rejected add TS..Bid $125, if rejected add CPS...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155If the above is rejected close your browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINEGroup 3: <=$145 for bidding priceChelsea AreaDowntown - SoHo - Financial DistrictSelect 4* Chelsea and DowntownBid $90, if rejected add ESB...Bid $95, if rejected add MTE...Bid $100, if rejected add MTW...Bid $105, if rejected add TS..Bid $110, if rejected add CPS...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 add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145Any questions feel free to ask. If the above is rejected post back and we'll revise to try for a 3.5* property.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
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 22, 2011 Author Report Posted April 22, 2011 To make sure... You mentioned that "if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE". So, do I need to entirely delele my brower's histories, etc.? Thanks!
thereuare Posted April 22, 2011 Report Posted April 22, 2011 Nope... just need to close by clicking the 'X' on the top right corner and then re-launch.Each of the bids above is unique from any previous bid so there shouldn't be any duplicate bid rejection.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 23, 2011 Author Report Posted April 23, 2011 OK. So far, none of them is successful, all rejected. Any further suggestions?
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 23, 2011 Author Report Posted April 23, 2011 Follow Up. After rejected by all 4 star hotels. I changed the stragegies a little bit for 3.5*, and finally got accepted by Hudson, A Morgans Original at $160. Here is my steps:Select 3.5* MTE, MTW and TSBid $120: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $125: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $130: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $135: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $140: rejected, closed browser and used this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* CPSBid $120: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $125: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $130: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $135: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $140: rejected, closed browser and used this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTE, MTW, TS and CPSBid $145: rejected, but priceline suggested $185, I ignored and added re-bid zoneBid $150: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $155: rejected, added re-bid zoneBid $160: accepted by Hudson, A Morgans OriginalHotels.com shows it's 4* at $269. But the guest's rating is only 3.7, saying that the room is too small. Also, the confirmation page shows that "Your guest room confirmed through priceline will include 1 (one) bed". This is really a trouble since I don't know if it can change it into two double beds. So, not pleased with the result and I'm thinking how to deal with it since my parents will travel with me. :) Anyway, thanks for the strategies.
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 23, 2011 Author Report Posted April 23, 2011 Update. I gave a call to the hotel and they said they can do nothing regarding room type, even placing a 2-bed room request. The representative is really frigid. This is the worst hotel I've ever seen after bidding via Priceline. So, I finally called Priceline.com and cancelled this reservation with full refund. So, any suggestions to avoid this trouble? Thanks!
AaronJB Posted April 23, 2011 Report Posted April 23, 2011 Sorry to hear that the result didn't work out. Unfortunately, the issue with PRICELINE is that it only guarantees one bed/double occupancy. Given that most NYC rooms are small (or in some cases tiny), rooms with two beds are limited and often go for a premium. It's definitely a risk to use the service in NYC if two beds are a must - HOTWIRE, where you can search for the amount of people in the party - is a better choice, but is going to be more expensive (especially when you search for more than 2 people.)Is two beds a must for this stay?Thank you for sharing the result and for using the site's PRICELINE link.
thereuare Posted April 23, 2011 Report Posted April 23, 2011 ... there are different re-bid zones (and zones you may want to include/avoid) depending upon whether you're bidding 4* or 3.5*.The CPS zone is one of the hotels you possibly would have wanted to avoid given the 'known' very small rooms at this property. You are very lucky that PRICELINE was willing/able to cancel this hotel as they were under no obligation to do so.PRICELINE bids are for double occupancy, anything more than that is a request which hotel may not be able, or willing, to honor. As we have mentioned many times on the board, using PRICELINE for more than double occupancy, especially in NYC where rooms are typically small and therefore hotels have a much higher percentage of rooms with only one bed, is a risky proposition.For help with a replacement stay please start a NEW TOPIC since the topic title of this tread now reflects your win and the information may be helpful to somebody else.Thanks. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Twinkle.Lyphard Posted April 23, 2011 Author Report Posted April 23, 2011 Actually, not a must, as long as the room is able to be added in an extra bed, since I will be travelling with my parents. However, this Hudson Hotel told me they could not add in another bed since the room is really tiny; also, they said they could do nothing regarding the room type, and asked me to negotiate with Priceline. If I've not misunderstood, Priceline said room type request should be discussed with the hotel. Yet, this hotel seems unresponsible. That's why I called Priceline and cancel the reservation. So, any suggestions?
AaronJB Posted April 23, 2011 Report Posted April 23, 2011 One can make a request with the hotel regarding bedding type with PRICELINE reservations, but the hotel could be unwilling (policy or other reasons) or unable (availability) to take the request. Unfortunately, not being able to fit a rollaway into the room may be an issue with other properties in NYC, and other hotels - especially if this is a busy period or they don't have availability (I'm not even sure if the Hudson has rooms with two beds; you can see an example of a room at the Hudson ) also may not be able/willing to take requests.While the Hudson's rooms are particularly tiny, there are definitely a number of other hotels where rooms are not too much bigger (I believe the 3.5* Roosevelt in MTE is another example.) Overall, with NYC and three people, PRICELINE does become a risk; HOTWIRE is less of a risk because you can indicate the amount of people, but more expensive.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
thereuare Posted April 24, 2011 Report Posted April 24, 2011 Will 4* be less risky?No... bid for 2 rooms on PRICELINE or use HOTWIRE and search for triple occupancy. With space at a premium most NYC hotels, even those with rooms with two beds, have a very high percentage of rooms with only one bed, and many consider these rooms an 'upgrade' from their standard rooms.For help with a replacement stay please start a NEW TOPIC since the topic title of this tread now reflects your win and the information may be helpful to somebody else.2xPlease 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
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