Priceline Hotel: 3.5* NYC (MTE) Helmsley New York

[jcwhite]

I'm looking for a 3* hotel in the Empire State area. I'll only need one room for the two nights. Any suggestions??

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is your maximum bid for this stay? Are you willing to pay more for a 4* vs. a 3* OR is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay?

Let us know the above and we'll take it from there.

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

[jcwhite]

I'd like to get a room for under $170, if possible. I'm fine with a 3* - more concerned with the budget than luxuries.

Just found a 3* on Hotwire for $166 a night - amenities included suite, Fitness Center, Laundry Facilities (self-service), Kitchenette. Any ideas on what hotel this could be? What do you think about the price??

Thanks for the help!

[thereuare]

The HOTWIRE property is a match for the Murray Hill East Suites so that would be my best guess for this one. This property is a converted apartment building to a hotel, so the rooms are generally a bit more spacious then a typical hotel room, but it's a 'basic accommodations'... nothing fancy, but it serves its purpose.

Do you want to go with the HOTWIRE offer above or try bidding on PRICELINE? Do you have a need to be in this particular zone as if you're looking for the lowest possible price i'd think that other nearby zones would likely work just as well for your needs (given hotel geographically close the midtown NYC zones are to one another and how relatively inexpensive and easily accessible mass transit is)

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

[jcwhite]

I do not have to be in this zone. What zones would you suggest? I'd just like to have a 3* for under $170 a night.

What are your thoughts on the Murray Hill East Suites for $166?

[thereuare]

There's nothing wrong with this zone (and i'd actually include it in any bidding) but i'd also include other zones if you're looking for the best price possible... including more zones gives more hotels the opportunity to accept your bid.

Couple of questions first:

1) is a 15 minute walk to the subway too inconvenient or should we include such zones in a bidding strategy?

2) you mention you don't care about amenities much, but what about a very small room (like ~150sq. ft)... would that be acceptable?

3) do you have any specific plans/location or is this a 'general' see/hang out in the city trip?

Let us know the above and we'll advise accordingly.

[jcwhite]

I'm definitely open to other areas, such as MTW, MTE and SOHO. I've seen several posts about the Chelsea area but I'm just not sure if that location is as convienient to the subway.

As far as your questions,

(1) 15 min. walk or less is fine

(2) I don't want the room too small because there will be 3 of us staying there (mom and daughter)

(3) We are mainly going sight seeing, shopping and plan to see a Broadway play....nothing definite yet.

I really appreciate the advice.

[thereuare]

(2) I don't want the room too small because there will be 3 of us staying there (mom and daughter)

This throws a pretty big curve ball into the picture...

PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the discretion of the hotel, and you could receive a room with only one bed. This is especially true in NYC where there are a high percentage of rooms with only one bed (and in many hotels little or no room for a rollaway)... at many hotels rooms with two beds are not considered standard and are an upgrade. While you can call the hotel you win and request a room with two beds, the hotel may not be able, or willing, to honor your request. Is this a risk you're willing to accept?

If not, HOTWIRE may still be an option as they allow you to search for up to quad occupancy and ensure sleeping accommodations for everyone you include in your search (although this usually means two beds, the second 'bed' could be a sofabed, rollaway, etc). However, searching for more than double occupancy can often (not always) cause the price to increase as well.

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.

[jcwhite]

I think it's a risk I'm willing to take. I'd like to try and get a deal through priceline , but just need some guidance as to where to start the bidding in the Chelsea, Empire State, MTE, MTW areas.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

...bidding in the Chelsea, Empire State, MTE, MTW areas.

Is there a reason you're not including TS and/or MSG in your bidding?

Also, previously you mentioned Soho, which while usually less expensive then their midtown counterparts, is also often a little cheaper as well... did you not want to include Downtown in your bidding?

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.

[jcwhite]

Just checked out all the 3* hotel reviews in the above mentioned zones. I will definitely include them all in my bidding. Please advise what the best strategy would be.

[thereuare]

It's not clear from your post, i take it your OK with:

Chelsea, Empire State, MTE, MTW, TS and MSG

... but should Downtown be included or not?

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

Let us know.

[jcwhite]

Sorry that I wasn't clear...Yes, I'll include Downtown as well. I'd like to include Chelsea, Empire State, MTE, MTW, TS, MSG, and Downtown for one room for the two nights. I'd like to know the best strategy to get the best deal.

Again, thanks for the advice!

[thereuare]

At the 3* level you have ONE re-bid zone. 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* Downtown, MSG, MTE, MTW...

Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, ESB, TS...

Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, MSG, MTE, MTW...

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

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

Select 3* Downtown, ESB, TS...

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

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

Select 3* Downtown, ESB, MTE, MTW...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, MSG, TS...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Downtown, MSG, TS, MTW...

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, ESB, MTE...

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Downtown, MSG, MTE, MTW, Chelsea...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Downtown, MSG, MTE, MTW, ESB...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Downtown, MSG, MTE, MTW, TS...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* TS, ESB, Chelsea, Downtown, MSG...

Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* TS, ESB, Chelsea, Downtown, MTE...

Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* TS, ESB, Chelsea, Downtown, MTW...

Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* TS, ESB, Chelsea, Downtown, MSG, MTE...

Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* TS, ESB, Chelsea, Downtown, MSG, MTW...

Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTE, MTW, TS, ESB, Cheslea, Downtown...

Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTE, MTW, TS, ESB, Cheslea, MSG...

Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTE, MTW, TS, ESB, Cheslea, Downtown and MSG...

Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $160

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.

[jcwhite]

I followed your advice and finally got a room! We're staying at The New York Helmsley Hotel for $125 a night. It looks like a beautiful hotel in a great location. I'm thrilled!! I really appreciate all of your advice.

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

First-rate deal for this NYC property, and glad you are pleased with the deal.

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

Enjoy your stay.