Priceline Hotel: New York (flexible *s, location), 5/11-5/15

[joshdacane]

Hi - I apologize if this is a bit of a convoluted question, and I somewhat fully expect to have to answer followups to help articulate what I am looking for.

I am coming to NY from 5/11 to 5/15. I'm not picky about "fancy" (i.e., stars necessarily) but I am looking for clean, comfortable places to stay and (generally) reputable brands. For example, the Hilton Garden Inn on West 35th is a 2.5 star property according to the guide on the site - but is ranked the #23 hotel in NY on TripAdvisor's reviews. So it's kind of iffy, star-wise, what my limit is.

Location-wise, I am flexible. Something Times Square or south, even including Brooklyn, would be okay (since I have some friends I will be seeing there).

Since I've never done Priceline before, I don't really know how to set prices in my head for this. I think I can figure out the strategy if I am only comfortable with 3.5 or 4 and up, but if I want to stick to areas with well-reviewed, "reputable" 2.5 star types (which, so far, looks like MSG, Chelsea, for example), what is my strategy and starting price?

Again, I apologize that this is convoluted. If you think you can help me work through this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

There is variation within every star category... there may be 3.5* hotels which you prefer more than 4* properties. While there may be lower rated hotels which meet your needs, there might be others which do not, and with PRICELINE / HOTWIRE you can't choose which type you will get. This is why we often recommend to stick with the higher rated hotels in NYC.

While you can use the hotel lists to get a feel for what you might receive, they only contains hotels reported to the board, so there could be others, so unless you're willing to accept some risk, you shouldn't bid a low star rating at a given zone because there are only one or two hotels in the hotel list at that star rating and you'd be happy with either of them... you could receive something else and add a new hotel to the hotel.

I have looked at your specific dates, but i'm fairly certain they're going to be expensive, so much of your options are going to be based upon your budget... what are you expecting to pay per nite (before taxes and fees) for this stay?

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

[joshdacane]

I don't even know where to start for price points, necessarily. I'd like to stay under $150 (since I'm flexible on zones) for a 3.5 and $125 if I'm gutsy enough to try something less than that.

[thereuare]

I don't even know where to start for price points, necessarily. I'd like to stay under $150 (since I'm flexible on zones) for a 3.5 and $125 if I'm gutsy enough to try something less than that.

At the moment, $150 is not likely going to be enough to stay at a 3.5* or better in Manhattan. You should first find the best deal you're able thru conventional booking channels and use that as the basis for your maximum bid. If for example you find a 3.5* for $150... you may want to set your maximum bid at $170 for a 4* hotel (if the extra $20 is worth the upgrade in star rating) and $130 for a 3.5* (seeking $20 savings for taking an 'unknown' property at the equivalent star rating)

What is the best deal you're able to find thru conventional booking methods?

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