Priceline Hotel: 3* New York City (Chelsea) Holiday Inn Nyc - Manhattan 6Th Ave

[idnas71]

Hello, All. I was happy to find this board recently, as I am a Priceline fan of many years, and always like to do my homework before using it. So thank you, and I will be sure to use the board links for bidding when the time comes.

Currently am trying to plan a bidding strategy for myself for New York City for May 31st through June 2nd, a three-night stay. I realize this is a popular time in the city, but there seems to be so many acceptable bidding zones and star levels, that I feel good about my chances of winning a good deal. I have printed off the hotels list for Priceline here, and have been checking up the reviews on each one listed, to see which zones would be acceptable to me. Happy to report that I am finding much more positives than negatives!

One thing I am questioning right now... I would not have thought to bid at a 2-star level in a city like New York, but the Midtown West zone lists the Washington-Jefferson, with no others, and I feel I would be happy if awarded this property. (Along with all the other properties listed in the higher star levels in this zone!) Small rooms, yes, but am traveling solo, so would be fine for me. Looks like a clean and pleasant place, excellent location. I do realize that just because a hotel isn't on the list doesn't mean Priceline won't use it. I tried to find evidence of winning bids for this hotel, but the most recent I could find was from 2008!

My budget is not the best, was hoping to find something nice for a bid of $120-$130 at the most. I do have $5/night bonus cash available, which expires in a week! lol Acceptable locations to me are: Madison Square Garden (actually this was my first choice as I will be arriving at Penn Station), Chelsea, Hells Kitchen, Midtown East, Midtown West, Empire State, Times Square, Central Park South (only 4-star, though... the Hudson scares me). Haven't researched Upper East or Upper West sides too much yet, but I don't think I am opposed to them, location wise.

Sorry for rambling all over the place. My main question was about the 2-star bidding in Midtown West, and the likelihood of getting the Washington Jefferson Hotel if I do bid there. But any other advice is welcome and appreciated!

Thanks,

Sandi (idnas71)

[idnas71]

Forgot to add, I do have two back-up hotels booked the regular old-fashioned way, at the Millenium United Nations Plaza for $216 a night, which I didn't think was bad for what looks like a very nice hotel, and at the Eastgate Tower Suite Hotel for $177, $195, and $195. But somehow, I think I will be able to beat those deals with Priceline. Ever hopeful! :)

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

It's generally not recommended to bid under 2.5* in NYC due to more substantial variations in quality, which is why there are few reports at the 2.5* and under level on the board in the various NYC zones. Additionally, the list of PRICELINE wins on the board includes the hotels that have been reported to the board; there could be quite a few additional hotels that have not yet been reported to the board - The Washington Jefferson may be acceptable, but there could definitely be other 2*'s in the same zone that have not yet been reported to the board.

If you would still like to bid 2* in MTW (given that you could quite possibly get a different hotel than the W/J) let us know and we would be happy to suggest options - otherwise, I would definitely suggest the 3* level in NYC instead of the 2* level. In terms of your back-up at the Millennium for $216, that is a 3.5* property; if you could win a 4* for less (possibly $165-185), would that be of interest?

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

[thereuare]

Currently am trying to plan a bidding strategy for myself for New York City for May 31st through June 2nd, a three-night stay.

Can you confirm your dates as 5/31 (checkin) - 6/2 (checkout) would be a 2 nite stay... or is your check out actually June 3rd?

A note for your back-up reservations... the Millenium UN is a nice hotel but can be a bit 'out of the way' as it can be a 15+ minute walk to subway (15 minute walk). The Eastgate Tower isn't fancy, but offers a lot of space by NYC standards (it's a converted apartment building so all the rooms were previous NYC apartments)

Please confirm your dates and we'll take a closer look at your options.

[idnas71]

Thanks for the kind replies. I do believe I will stay away from the 2-star choices, as recommended, though a couple zones are very tempting to try it. lol!

Apologies for the date mix-up. I meant to say checking out on June 3rd, to complete a 3-night stay. Really hoping to keep my bids lower than $150, considering taxes are quite high. The Millenium UN is definitely as east as Midtown East can get, but figured a subway couldn't be too far away. Really don't think I'll end up needing that reservation, though.

I'll definitely post back here if I am successful at the bidding process, with the appropriate details. Guess I'm not really asking for help here, just was seeking a sounding board and any educated opinions.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Please follow-up this thread with whatever you end up doing for this stay... even if you don't use PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, book direct, cancel the trip, etc.

If you can be of any help feel free to ask.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board for your purchase (or the links in our support page if you decide to book direct)

Good luck.

[idnas71]

Just a follow up... I have tried the last 4 days to bid for a 2 1/2 star hotel in Midtown West, Madison Square Garden, and Chelsea, starting at $90, up to $135(including $5 Bonus cash), with no success. With the taxes/fees, my total was going up to $485 for a 3-night stay, and rejected. Decided I am going to just wait this out until a week or so before my travel dates. I think the best deals found on Priceline/Hotwire are of the last-minute variety. Will post on the board again at that time. :)

[AaronJB]

I would definitely consider at least trying a few times between now and your trip, as waiting until the last minute sometimes does not work, if there is something going on in the area.

Thank you for keeping us updated and please let us know if you have any questions.

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

[idnas71]

Only ammenity listed is high speed internet, but I don't think that could possibly be the only ammenity. lol It also only has 50% recommendation from Hotwire customers, which makes me leery. I can't seem to find where to read those reviews, but the ratings don't sound horrible.

Thanks if anyone can shed more light.

Cheers,

Sandi

[AaronJB]

Unfortunately, this property has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board, but the 50% approval rating from HOTWIRE customers is concerning.

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

[idnas71]

I ended up going with Priceline at the last minute and won a Holiday Inn property in Chelsea on 26th street. I don't remember what I paid, but I know it was more than I was hoping to. I will say the hotel was excellent, though, and a good value.

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up and sharing your win with the board. Can you please check your PRICELINE account using the MY PROLFE >> MY TRIPS link near the top right of their home page, there you should be able to see the winning bid amount for this stay and we can put it in the topic title.

Please remember to follow-up your threads with your wins/decisions as you receive them so that the information can best help others in a timely manner.

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

Glad you enjoyed your stay.