Hotwire Hotel: NYC 9/22/11-9/25/11

[janes]

Hello!

Please be gentle with me, as I am not only a Hotwire virgin but a NYC virgin as well!

I am currently researching a first trip to NYC with my entire family (husband and 2 adult boys) for the above dates. I've researched using Tripadvisor and other sites and was recommended Priceline, but having read further I assume (given we're 4 adults) that Hotwire would give me better results.

Coming from the UK, and being on a tight budget (why did I offer to pay???) this is to be a surprise trip for my husband's big birthday and my youngest son's 21st (younger son knows about it, although husband is still blissfully unaware).

OK, down to business. Haven't booked flights yet, so still flexible (a week earlier) on travel dates. I'm reading my way through the useful and valuable information on this site. However, I've had conflicting information from a couple of American friends (one a native New Yorker) about "good" areas to stay and am now completely confused.

For a short trip like this, I feel that area is more important than getting top-quality accommodation, but the advice I've had so far is so varied that I'm totally confused.

My first questions:

- what would people recommend as a good area to stay?

- probably premature to ask for specific help with a bidding strategy yet, but I would appreciate some tips as to how to most effectively narrow a search in the recommended areas in order to get a reasonable hotel at a reasonable price.

- In NYC, would it be better to try a booking for 4 adults in one room or try for 2 rooms...and would this influence whether to try Hotwire or Priceline?

I apologise profusely for asking such basic and naive questions, but appreciate any help that's forthcoming and hope I'm not wasting anyone's time.

Thanks in advance!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you haven't begun looking yet, these are likely going to be fairly expensive dates, and much of the advice offered will be depending upon the star rating you're seeking, which in turn will likely be determined by your expected budget... that is your desired star level and expected budget for this stay? This will at least give us a basis to begin answering your questions above.

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

[janes]

Thanks for that. Is there any particular reason why these dates are likely to be expensive? I haven't been able to check if they correspond to any specific events etc.

If so, I'm still not averse to changing them in order to get a better deal.

Having looked at other options, I'd say I'd be happy with something in the 3* range. Looking at Priceline briefly for deals outside the "name your price" category, I've been able to find stuff at around the $800 mark (that's for 3 nights) so would be delighted if I could find something either better quality for the same price, or the same quality but cheaper. (e.g. Bedford Hotel East 40th Street: one-bedroom suite for 4 people on Priceline $762 excl. taxes)

[AaronJB]

I particularly like the MTE and ESB areas of the city; convenient and a lot to see, but not quite as hectic as Times Square/MTW. However, if bidding and looking for more areas to increase options/odds of a win, I'd also look into Chelsea, MSG and CPS. Late Summer in NYC is one of the slower times of year due to the high temps. Then, once it starts getting into September, rates head higher/significantly higher due to nicer weather and conventions. Rates are generally high in September/October due to pleasant temps, then once November hits, the holiday traffic starts to ramp up into the first half of December.

The issue with four people and PRICELINE is that the service only guarantees 1 bed/double occupancy, and that is particularly true in NYC, where rooms are often small/tiny and the rooms that do have two beds very often go for a premium.

Rather than PRICELINE, I'd suggest HOTWIRE, where you can indicate the amount of people in the party.

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

[thereuare]

(e.g. Bedford Hotel East 40th Street: one-bedroom suite for 4 people on Priceline $762 excl. taxes)

The Bedford hotel is 2* rated by PRICELINE... if you change your dates to a slow time in the summer you could possibly get TWO ROOMS at a 3.5* or 4* hotel for a similar price... but not sure just how flexible your dates are (and i'd also suggest confirming that rates are indeed slow for any dates you choose before committing to the airfare)

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