Priceline Hotel: NYC Area Help 9/9 - 9/16

[John Cook]

I've used PRICELINE (from the links here!) in the past and always found this board to be a big help. Finally registered today because I need some assistance.

My wife and I are going to NYC for the first time. It's a surprise birthday gift for my wife. Also we're seeing a Broadway show on 9/15.

Not having been there before, I have no idea what area to stay in. Want something close to the subway and nice as possible for around $200/night. Reading these boards I fear that the US Open and the UN are going to make this a difficult week for deals. I'd personally be willing to stay in a hostel (ha!) but she definitely would not.

Any advice is appreciated.

[thereuare]

Welcome (officially) to BetterBidding!

I've used PRICELINE (from the links here!) in the past and always found this board to be a big help. Finally registered today because I need some assistance.

Information from your previous wins could have assisted another user, just as you have benefited from those who posted before you... it would be appreciated if you began to share your future wins with the board.

The US Open is over by the time you arrive, and the UN doesn't begin until the 13th (but there is also the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks)... is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option? What is the minimum star level you're seeking?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[John Cook]

Information from your previous wins could have assisted another user, just as you have benefited from those who posted before you... it would be appreciated if you began to share your future wins with the board.

Noted. I will do this from now on.

The US Open is over by the time you arrive, and the UN doesn't begin until the 13th (but there is also the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks)... is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option? What is the minimum star level you're seeking?

Oh, good. I was thinking the US Open was going to last a few more days than that. Splitting could be an option for a significant savings, but I don't relish the thought of packing and unpacking.

I'd like to get a 4* hotel if possible... basically the best I could get for about $200/night (assuming the area is good and close to the subway). Budget is somewhat flexible if necessary.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Based upon current rates I don't think that $200 is going to be enough for this stay.

You can probably get a 4* for 9/9-9/12 at a bit over your budget, probably closer to $225-$240... but for 9/12-9/16 it's going to substantially more and you'll likely either need to lower your star rating or (again) substantially increase your maximum bid... or quite possibly both.

At the 4* level most generally consider MTE, MTW, CPS, TS and ESB to be centrally located. However, given the difficulty of these dates, you may also want to consider Chelsea, Downtown, Hells Kitchen and/or Upper West Side.

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

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

[John Cook]

OK, thanks for the heads-up. I decided to try for a whole week instead of splitting at first. Aiming for MTE or MTW, I started off at $220. Was able to add 5 other zones that didn't have 4* hotels which allowed me to bid all the way up to $245. Still shot down. So it sounds like you are dead on with your price estimates.

I'll try splitting tomorrow. I'll start at $220 for 9/9 - 9/12. Assuming I can land that, do you have any guess as to what range a 4* in MTE or MTW for 9/12 - 9/16 would be?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

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

[John Cook]

Tried splitting on the 12th, but started lower. Bid all the way up to $235 with no luck. I'll try $240 tomorrow.

Thanks for your help. I'll update with my final winning bid(s).

[John Cook]

I was thinking of a change in tactics. I see that there is a big price difference on 3.5* hotels in MTE. On Priceline, The Millennium UN Plaza is listed at $271/night for the whole week I'm there. The next lowest in that zone is the Doubletree at $409.

Was thinking about bidding MTE at 3.5*, then if that bid is rejected moving up to 4* and hopefully land the Millennium. With that strategy, what price point do you think I should start my bidding? I was thinking $220...

Thanks.

[thereuare]

...then if that bid is rejected moving up to 4* and hopefully land the Millennium.

Do you mean bid for a 4* hotel and win the Millenium UN Plaza?? The Millenium UN Plaza is currently rated 3.5* by PRICELINE so you wouldn't be able to win it when bidding 4*... or did you mean the Millennium Broadway (TS) or the Millenium Hilton (Downtown)

Please clarify.

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

[John Cook]

Oh, sorry, no I was saying that (temporarily disregarding the 4* request) the Millenium UN Plaza seems a lot cheaper than other 3.5* hotels in MTE. I was just wondering if it lists at $271 per night what I might could snag it at doing a bid.

I've been researching so many hotels that I'm close to giving up and just buying one I know we'd like. Sigh.

[thereuare]

That $271 rate is even cheaper then the Millennium's own website and other sites, so if that is a specially negotiated rate by PRICELINE, i don't think you can use that to predict a winning bid amount (although you can use that to determine an upper bid limit since this appears to be a bookable alternative). Regardless, if you want to try for a 3.5* hotel in the MTE zone, given the $271/nite rate, how high are you willing to bid?? Let us know your maximum bid and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow. If you're bidding 3.5* is MTE the only acceptable zone?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. (even if you choose to purchase the PRICELINE 'retail' listing at $271... or our support page if you choose to make a hotel direct purchase)