Priceline Hotel: NYC 10 Dec - 16 Dec

[Steveh1976]

Hi, I will be staying in NYC between the 10th December and the 16th, I'm looking at either staying around Midtown East, Central Park South or maybe Midtown West. Since it is so near to Christmas am I likely to get any good deals using priceline. I'm not entirely sure what a suitable bid should be however I'd be looking at either 3* plus or 4*. Ideally I'd like to pay $250 inc taxes. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

Steve

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

...Midtown East, Central Park South or maybe Midtown West.

Should be include MTW in a bidding strategy? Have you also considered MTW, TS and/or ESB as these usually work well for the typical visitor as well.

Since it is so near to Christmas am I likely to get any good deals using priceline.

You're right on the cusp of when rates typically drop from high-season to low-season, while historically this happens just after mid-Dec, i was surprised that at the moment rates don't look too bad for this stay.

...I'd be looking at either 3* plus or 4*.

Did you want to bid up to your limit first for a 4*, then if rejected try for a 3.5*, then if rejected try for a 3*... OR is your goal the least expensive 3.5* (or 3*) for this stay? (by guess is that your budget may be a little short for a 4*, but depending upon zones (which we'll discuss further depending upon which star level you're bidding) you may success for a 3.5* property.

Let us know the information above and how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[Steveh1976]

Many thanks for your reply. Well I would be looking at a 4* hotel and to see if I can get one, I got a reservation at the Comfort Inn New York for $1600, however this can be cancelled upto 1 day before (just wanted to ensure I had somewhere). That's a 3* with good reviews on Trip Advisor (& ranked 54 of all hotels), so was just wondering if there was a better deal to be had. Happy to add TSQ & ESB to the list. If I'm unlikely to get a better hotel for a lot lower rate (wouldn't want to risk a worse hotel for $100 dollar saving example, the GF wouldn't be best pleased!) then I will stick with my current reservation.

[thereuare]

Your back-up reservation appears to be $267/nite, and i do think you can do better than a 3* rated hotel for this price, but just so i'm clear as to the actual price you're trying to beat... is that 'all-in' including taxes and fees OR is that your room rate only?

Let us know and we'll then look at your options.

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

[Steveh1976]

Hi, that's the all in price including taxes. Steve

[thereuare]

This is a bit difficult simply because ratings are so subjective... for instance, the Comfort Inn (3*) has a high ranking among NYC hotels, but guests may expect less at a budget property and the property exceeds their expectations. Similarly, those at a 4* may expect more and the hotel can fall short of their expectations, and therefore receive poor reviews. This would make the 3* hotel rank higher then the 4*... but when compared side-by-side the 4* may still be the 'better' hotel.

HOTWIRE has a 4.0/5.0 Tripadvisor rated hotel with an 85% recommendation from previous guests, which i'm guessing to be Ramada New Yorker or Doubletree Chelsea for $1525 all-in, if this is of any interest. They also have a 3* property which i believe is the Murray Hill East Suites for $1375 all-in... but this hotel is not as nice as the others mentioned in this thread; bigger then average rooms (especially by NYC standards) but the rooms are very 'basic', but i mention simply on account of the somewhat cheaper rate.

Let us know your thoughts on any of the above and we'll take it from there.

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

[Steveh1976]

Hi, not sure what I'm doing but when I use hotwire via your link I end up with the 4 star for $2,366.33 for the 6 nights and the 3* for $1398.99, am I doing something wrong or do the prices fluctuate quite significantly? Of the 2 hotels it could be I'd probably say the Ramada is a little too far West for our liking (my g/f has been told that areas around Grand Central Station are the places to stay, hence why I was unsure about including MTW). Do you usually get significantly lower prices using Priceline, or are they typically in line with those on Hotwire? Also do prices generally go up or down the closer you get to the date? Cheers Steve

[thereuare]

...I end up with the 4 star for $2,366.33 for the 6 nights and the 3* for $1398.99, am I doing something wrong or do the prices fluctuate quite significantly?

I never quoted a 4* hotel above (it was a 3.5* with a Tripadvisor rating of 4.0/5.0)... and the 3* difference is only $20, or less than $4/nite on a 6 nite stay, which is completely within the realm of HOTWIRE fluctuation.

Of the 2 hotels it could be I'd probably say the Ramada is a little too far West for our liking (my g/f has been told that areas around Grand Central Station are the places to stay, hence why I was unsure about including MTW).

It's your stay so you have to comfortable with wherever you stay, but i would not say that The New Yorker is too far west, it's actually considered fairly centrally located by most.

Do you usually get significantly lower prices using Priceline, or are they typically in line with those on Hotwire? Also do prices generally go up or down the closer you get to the date?

PRICELINE is usually a little cheaper than HOTWIRE, but HOTWIRE let's you know the amenities associated with the property you're about to purchase (if there are any amenities you want) which also gives you the ability to take a guess as to what you think you may receive, as well as see user ratings/satisfaction. So it depends what is most important... the lowest price, or having a guess as to the hotel/location before your purchase.

As far as booking early or late, see the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

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

[Steveh1976]

Hi, sorry I misread you post, makes perfect sense now. I think I'll stick with what I have since I'm happy with the reviews at the moment and although your suggestions appeared to be good options and were cheaper. However for the time being I think I'll stick with my current reservation since although not ideal it ticks many boxes. I'll continue checking your site to see if the prices do change however and I appreciate all your help. Regards Steve

[thereuare]

Let us know if any changes in your plans or if we can be of further help.

Enjoy your stay in NYC.