Priceline Hotel: NYC Oct 20 - 25th

[janers]

Hello! I'm super new to this site as you can tell by my number of posts but I've been religiously reading everything here, and my friend referred me here saying that using this site is a must if I want an awesome deal for a hotel in NYC.

I read some of the other threads in this section, so I think I know now that I don't want to be more than 10 mins away from a subway, or in a sketchy part of town (was reading that once you're on the outskirts of places like Midtown West, it gets sketchy, we are three girls going).. ideally, I don't want my max price to be over $150, taxes included. I also have a coupon from Priceline for $32 off my total stay time, but I don't think I can use it since I want to be able to click through and use the link to PRICELINE from here!

My stay dates is from Oct 20 - Oct 25th. Ideally, I would like to try for a 4 star hotel because I know that's possible, and then if that doesn't work then try another strategy working my way down to 3.5, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give me in advance!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Few items to cover before moving forward...

...we are three girls going...

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. 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. However, this is typically not recommended in NYC as there are such a high percentage of rooms with only one bed and rooms with two beds is considered an upgrade by many hotels. 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)

I don't want my max price to be over $150, taxes included.

This isn't realistic if you're looking for anything about a 1*/2* property... especially if requiring triple occupancy. Have you checked rates thru conventional booking channels for these nites?

I also have a coupon from Priceline for $32 off my total stay time, but I don't think I can use it since I want to be able to click through and use the link to PRICELINE from here!

Thanks! However, you can use your coupon/bonus cash along with our links :) .

1) click the PRICELINE link on the board

2) go to the MY PROFILE >> MY REWARDS link at the top right of their home page

3) use the bonus money link in the MY REWARDS section of your profile (not a link from an email) and bid as usual

If there i no bonus cash in your profile, then you need to click the link in the email and provide the email address of your priceline account which will deposit the bonus cash into your PRICELINE account. Then close that window and follow steps 1-3 above.

Based upon the above let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. (and thank your friend for referring you here :) )

[janers]

Hi!! Thanks so much for your quick response.

We are three girls, but I already expect that I'll be bringing stuff so I can sleep on the floor (I usually offer to do so on trips with a lack of beds) or that the 3rd girl will bail because she hasn't booked a flight yet and those prices are going up (so I guess officially, I am looking for two ppl occupancy since that's all that is confirmed).

If $150 is extremely unrealistic, I am definitely up for something lower than 4 stars. I just figured since others managed to find places for $145-$160 for 4* in Sept/Oct, I might luck out too! But I do realize it could be based on dates and it could be just the luck of the draw. I would definitely be happy with a 3* hotel if it meant that I could save even more money.

Thanks for letting me know that I can use my bonus money while clicking through on the link to PRICELINE from your forum!

[thereuare]

For these dates i just don't feel you're close at the moment, but we have some time so let's get into the bidding and if you're turned down, we'll still have time to review some options and make changes.

Previously you mentioned $150 all-in which is only about a $125/nite bid... to even have a shot i think you're going to need to be at least $150 bid amount and not all-in, but i'm not sure if this is simply not do-able budget-wise or not. Given your budget (whether it is $125 or $150) i'd also suggest being a little more flexible in how close/far to the subway you are... if 15 minute walk is too far you'll need to exclude some zones from your bidding.

Ultimately we'll suggest a strategy for whatever you'd like, but my current thinking is that this is going to be a bit tougher then you expect.

Let us know your thoughts (and you should probably also speak to your friend who is going on this trip with you) regarding the distance to the subway, as well as if a really small room is acceptable. We'll then review/confirm zones and then suggest a strategy to follow.

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

[janers]

15 mins away from the subway is acceptable. I'm not opposed to the distance because of walking, I just wasn't sure how safe it was if I ended up bidding in an area where I was in the outskirts of busy streets. If it's in a decent part of NYC where I would feel relatively safe to walk at night, then 15 mins is fine by me. I hope that helps to open up more possibilities for me to find a room at a good price. My friend gave me full control of the trip :) If its necessary, then yes, I can bid up to $150.

Hmm, not sure how small is a really small room? Do you mean like a hostel with two bunk beds type thing? I'm used to staying in Best Western sized rooms, but am OK with being in a smaller room. I don't plan to be stay in my room often.

Whatever maximizes my chances of getting a decent room, I am up for. Hopefully PRICELINE will be accommodating!

[thereuare]

Small = ~150sq ft

Basically 12ft x 12ft. Other then the small bathroom, expect the main part of the room will be 'all bed' with not much more a few feet on each side to move around. At the right price is do-able for a few nites, but for most not for a full week... yours is someplace in between.

HOWEVER, if you ultimately do end up being three people, this will certainly be less than comfortable, imo.

Your call if you need to avoid a situation such as this, or if price is the ultimate deciding factor, and the least expensive hotel at your minimum star rating is the desired goal.

Let us know and we'll advise accordingly.

[janers]

I think that the small size will be tolerable (the description sounds like what I had in Hawaii) so if I can get something for 150 + taxes (if necessary), that'll work.

i guess its really just the best bargain i can get for a decent room, i'll be fine with!

[thereuare]

Given the caveats above i would start at the 3.5* level and bid the following zones:

CPS, Chelsea, ESB, HK, MSG, MTE, MTW, TS up to $150 bid.

If that is rejected i would then consider adding Downtown to the mix, if acceptable to you, as this may be your best shot at a reasonably priced hotel... Downtown is not as convenient as midtown, but for the right price, it's certainly do-able.

Please confirm the above zones/game plan is acceptable OR if you have any questions or different thougths, we'll take it from there.

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

[janers]

Thanks for the quick response.

Those zones would work fine.

[thereuare]

At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones. 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 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, MTW, TS...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* CPS, MTE, HK, ESB...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* CPS, Chelsea, MTW, TS...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3.5* MSG, MTE, HK, ESB...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3.5* MSG, MTE, MTW, TS...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* CPS, Chelsea, HK, ESB...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $133, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, MTW, TS...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $138, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* CPS, MTE, HK, ESB...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $138, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* CPS, Chelsea, ESB, HK, MSG, MTE, MTW, TS...

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

Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $150

Any question 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.

[janers]

Thanks for the strategy...just a quick question though, what is the rebid zone I'm supposed to add?

I was reading the re-bidding link and also the link within that to about.com too and am pretty sure I understand the concept of how re-bidding works, but still am not 100% sure. For example, in the first one when it says:

Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, MTW, TS...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

....what zone am I adding to here?

[thereuare]

Start with the following...

1) Use the PRICELINE search box on the upper right of this page, enter 'New York' and your dates, and click "GO".

2) List each zone that is offered in this region.

3) Next to each zone list the highest star rating offered in the zone. The way to determine the highest star rating offered in the zone is by selecting the first zone i the list, then scrolling down to see the highest star rating selectable (ie- not greyed out). NEXT UNcheck the selected zone, place a checkmark in the next zone, and repeat the process for each zone in the region. Each time you take note of the highest star rating in the zone, make sure that only ONE zone is selected above.

4) post your findings and we'll take it from there

If you don't follow the above just post back and we'll break it down further.

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

[janers]

Ok, I hope this is what you mean?

Highest stars avail in those areas are:

CPS: 4*

Chelsea: 4*

ESB: 4*

HK: 4*

MSG: 3.5*

MTE : 4*

MTW : 4*

TS: 4*

Sorry about how long it's taking me to understand this but thanks for your help!

Does this mean that any of these can be added as part of my rebid zone?

[thereuare]

Sorry about how long it's taking me to understand this but thanks for your help!

Not a problem at all, there is a learning curve involved... and your learning. If you stick with us, we'll stick with you! :)

You're doing it correctly (so far), but make the list above for all the zones in the region... not just the zone(s) you intend to bid on.

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

[janers]

Brooklyn: 4*

CPS: 4*

Chelsea: 4*

Coney Island: 2*

Downtown - Soho: 4*

ESB: 4*

HK: 4*

Long Island: 3*

MSG: 3.5*

MTE : 4*

MTW : 4*

Queensborough: 3*

TS: 4*

UES: 3*

UWS: 4*

Added all the regions in! There's four zones that don't have 3.5* hotels - so would those be the ones I add whenever I add a re-bid zone?

[thereuare]

There's four zones that don't have 3.5* hotels - so would those be the ones I add whenever I add a re-bid zone?

Correct... but always double check your re-bid zones just before bidding to make sure that nothing has changed since you last checked. (also, just to clarify, it's zones that don't contain 3.5* or higher... if there is 4* bidding in a zone but not 3.5* bidding, this zone is not a re-bid zone since your 3.5* bid could be upgraded to a 4* hotel)

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[janers]

And there was no success! None of my bids were accepted :) I guess its time for a 3* attempt?

[thereuare]

Lowering your star rating to 3* is one option... other options are to include Downtown in your 3.5* bidding or SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID. (not sure how much either will help)

If you decide your next move is to try 3* bidding, you can try using your ONE re-bid zone (confirm with the board if you'd like):

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

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* CPS, MTE, HK, ESB...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* CPS, Chelsea, MTW, TS...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* MSG, MTE, HK, ESB...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

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

Bid $128, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* CPS, Chelsea, HK, ESB...

Bid $128, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

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

Bid $133, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* CPS, MTE, HK, ESB...

Bid $133, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

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

Bid $138, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* CPS, MTE, HK, TS...

Bid $138, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

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

Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

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

Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...

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

Select 3* CPS, Chelsea, ESB, HK, MSG, MTE, MTW, TS...

Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $150

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.

[janers]

OK, I'll try again tonight (my 24hrs doesn't start again til 1am). I am up for adding Downtown to the mix and then if that doesn't work, a 3* is good too. If I want to add Downtown, is that a completely new strategy?

[thereuare]

If you want to try 3.5* and include Downtown, you can simply repeat the strategy in post #10 above, and add 'Downtown' to each bid. You don't even need to wait 24 hours from your last bid attempt since you're now including a new zone in the bidding.

If that fails you can then try the 3* strategy two posts above this one.

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

Good luck, and any questions feel free to ask.

[janers]

Tried for the 3* strategy and also the previous 3.5* strategy with adding Downtown Soho to the mix and it didn't work. Should I try the 3* strategy with Downtown or try a new strategy, and perhaps raise my budget to $175 a night? Would that help?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Should I try the 3* strategy with Downtown or try a new strategy, and perhaps raise my budget to $175 a night?

You could try either and/or both (ie- the 3.5* strategy up to $175... then the 3* strategy up to $175... with or without Downtown for each (although as you see these are difficult dates and including Downtown would improve your chances by giving additional hotels the opportunity to accept your bid))

With the above noted, my guess at the moment, for a 3* or better you're probably looking at closer to $200+.

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