Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) Inter-Contenintal The Barclay

[emcronc]

Can you help with a Priceline bidding strategy for a 4* hotel in NYC 10/6 through 10/10? Preferred zones are MTW, TS, CPS, or MTE (in order of preference). Would like to spend $200 per night or less if possible, but willing to spend up to $220 per night. Thanks!

[thereuare]

Can you help with a Priceline bidding strategy for a 4* hotel in NYC 10/6 through 10/10? Preferred zones are MTW, TS, CPS, or MTE (in order of preference).

Are you willing to pay more for a hotel in your first choice of zone vs. second choice vs. third choice, etc... OR is your goal the least expensive 4* or better in any of these zones?

Let us know 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.

[emcronc]

Thanks! We've actually reconsidered our plans a little. To answer your question, I think we'd ideally like to stay in TS or MTW at a max of $220 per night even if it means going down to 3.5* or 3*. And then if we're not successful with that, we'd like to add in CPS and MTE at 4* for a max of $220 per night. Does that make sense or do you need more info? Thanks for your help!

[thereuare]

I understand, but please clarify if you're willing to pay more for a 4* in the TS or MTW zone vs. a 3.5* vs. a 3* in these zones... or is your goal the least expensive 3* or better in the TS or MTW zones?

Please confirm and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[emcronc]

Sorry, I understand your question now! The goal is to stay in the least expensive 3* or higher in TS or MTW. So, cost is more important than stars within those zones. If we're not successful with that approach, we'll move on to adding MTE and CPS.

[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* MTW...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* TS...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* MTW and TS...

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

Bid $160

If the above is rejected wait 24 hours and re-try:

Select 3* MTW...

Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* TS...

Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and TS...

Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $180

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Let us know how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[emcronc]

Thank you. I'll post an update with results after we start the bidding process.

[emcronc]

We ended up getting delayed in making our plans a little bit, so haven't started bidding yet. We've finalized everything we need to now, though, and want to start bidding any time. Do you think this strategy is still good or have things changed since you suggested it? Any updates we should make to the strategy? Dates and preferences are still the same. Thanks!

[thereuare]

Personally (for me) i would prefer a 4* in any of the zones vs. a 3* in the MTW or TS square, but based upon the parameters you provided you can still use the strategy above. I do think the bid amounts are too low (so don't get discouraged if/when you're rejected), but with time on your side that is where i would start.

Please remember to use the requested PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[emcronc]

I sort of agree with you. As an alternative, can you suggest a strategy with a 4* as the first priority in MTW, TS, MTE, and CPS, still using the same $ maxes? Or would you suggest adding ESB in place of CPS? I don't want to end up too far away from everything. Thanks again.

[emcronc]

Well, I just decided to stick with 4* only and just got the Intercontinental Barclay in MTE for $220 per night 10/6/11 through 10/10/11.

I used your PRICELINE link and thank you so much for all of the great info on this board! Will definitely be back here next time we're planning a trip!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to see you found a 4* hotel within your desired budget and hopefully are pleased with the results.

You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.