willfrederick Posted November 8, 2011 Report Posted November 8, 2011 Okay, I'm really new to this - my wife and I are celebrating 5 years on 12/2 and thought it'd be nice to do so in NYC, we already have flights booked....thought we could get a 5* for $100/night or so (my brother and sister in law did this last year, they stayed at the Roosevelt for $100/night....I later found out that they booked 10 months in advance, and from reading other posts on this board, that was probably due to being underbooked at that time for that period in the year....) but now realize that it probably unrealistic, so we've reset our sights somewhat higher. I'd probably be willing to go up to $250/night, but would rather be under $200. I'm thinking we'd like at least a 3*, but of course 4* or 5* would be preferable (it is, after all, our anniversary!) We'd like to walk around the city, so walking distance from Times Square would be great, and we'll probably catch a play as well....we're cool with walking a good bit. We'd really like TS, CPS, or MTW, unless you have some other suggestions you think might be helpful. Also, I've noticed the way you suggest the rebid strategy, but I'm not quite sure I understand it. I understand that you're supposed to add zones that don't have the hotel * level you're looking for, but I don't understand why you have ...at the end of the section lists. Also, when you open up the link from Betterbidding's site, does that start a fresh bid for you? Not sure why you have a bidding series, then you start another one in the betterbidding window. If you could recommend a strategy, and point me to a strand that explains your rebidding strategy in detail, that would be great! Thanks, Will
thereuare Posted November 8, 2011 Report Posted November 8, 2011 Welcome to BetterBidding!Let's start with re-bidding since that will be the foundation of any bidding strategy. See this thread and see if you can determine your re-bid zones and/or confirm them with the board... if you read the following and are confused just post back and we'll break it down further for you: Priceline Re-Bidding ExplainedAt the 4* level you have FIVE re-bid zones.At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones.At the 3* level you have ONE re-bid zone.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
willfrederick Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to BetterBidding!Let's start with re-bidding since that will be the foundation of any bidding strategy. See this thread and see if you can determine your re-bid zones and/or confirm them with the board... if you read the following and are confused just post back and we'll break it down further for you: Priceline Re-Bidding ExplainedAt the 4* level you have FIVE re-bid zones.At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones.At the 3* level you have ONE re-bid zone.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.
willfrederick Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Posted November 9, 2011 Okay, thanks for the tips, I've read that thread and I think I understand rebid strategies better, but I'm still a little confused. I read this girl's strategy in the post labeled "strategy": Select 4* TS, MTW, MTE, ESB...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* CPS...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* TS, MTW, MTE, ESB, CPS...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $190and I'm not sure what to make of it. I guess I don't understand why she closed the browser and started in a new window, but did the same prices over again but only in CPS? And how did she get 6 rebid zones, when I can only find 5 (and you said there were only 5 as well). I made the grid with the areas and star levels, and found it helpful. Anyway, here's what I just did:Selected 4* TSBid $200, rejected, I added Coney Island (dummy zone)Bid $205, rejected, added Long Island (dummy zone)Bid $210, rejected, added QB (dummy zone)Bid $215, rejected, added UES (dummy zone)Bid $220, rejected, added MSG (dummy zone)Bid $225, rejected, added MTW (not a dummy, but this is an acceptable area)Stayed at $225, rejected, added CPS (acceptable area)Stayed at $225, rejected, lowered to 3.5* (which I realize brought MSG into play, but I was okay with that)Stayed at $225, and was rejected. What do you think of that strategy? Do you think I have a snoball's chance in that price range? Maybe closer to the actual travel dates? Also, I read somewhere else that you had to start waiting a full 72 hours after you run out of rebids, but I thought you only had to wait 24 - could you shed some light on this? Any pointers/tips/suggestions to my strategy would be appreciated. Anything to give me more bids.....I kind of feel like I'm missing something. And let me know if I can try again tomorrow night, or I need to wait 72 hours!Thanks, Will
thereuare Posted November 9, 2011 Report Posted November 9, 2011 There are only FIVE re-bid zones when bidding 4* in NYC... not sure why the other user posted six, i'm assuming a typo.The browser is closed in order to 'clear' previously selected zones which helps maximize the number of bids you can make, as well as add 'live' zones without overbidding. Using the bids you made above, when you added MTW, and later CPS (both 'live' zones since you could win a hotel in these areas) near the end of your bidding strategy. If you had closed the browser, started over with just these two zones, you could have then started lower and gradually worked your way up with re-bid zones.Nobody can say if rates will come down... or move even higher... between now and your stay. However, at current rates i don't think you're very close... you're likely looking closer to $300/nite than $200/nite for a 3.5* or better for these dates.If you're trying to stay within budget i would look at the Jersey City-Hoboken zone in NJ. It's right across the river and provides easy access via PATH train, the 4* hotels are all fairly new and get good reviews, and can probably be had for ~$135/nite for these dates. You do give up a little convenience and the 'vibe' of the city, but for $100+/nite savings, i think it's a good trade-off.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll try to assist further. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
willfrederick Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Posted November 9, 2011 I think I would pay more to be in the city; as much as I'd like to stay for a little cheaper, I can afford to spend a little more. How much do you think I'd pay for a 3.5* in those areas I indicated? Don't worry, I won't hold you to it, I just want to know what you think based on your experience! Also, what about the 72 hour thing? Can I bid again tonight?
AaronJB Posted November 10, 2011 Report Posted November 10, 2011 Unfortunately, this is one of the busiest periods of the year (from around the last week of November to around 12/15) and one of the most expensive, due to it being the prime period of holiday shopping/festivity visits. In terms of 3.5* CPS, would you be okay with the Hudson, which has rooms that are quite small (130-150 sq ft?) You can make a specific bid only once per 24 hours.For a 3.5* in these zones, I'm guessing you're looking at $225-275, although more likely $250-275. Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
willfrederick Posted November 10, 2011 Author Report Posted November 10, 2011 Thanks for your input Aaron, but I just tried up to $275 for these areas, 3.5*, and no luck!! I guess we'll just keep trying over the next few nights and see what happens. I'll post whatever I get on this thread.
thereuare Posted November 10, 2011 Report Posted November 10, 2011 You may want to look at HOTWIRE as they have some 4* hotels just a little higher than you've already bid... or maybe you could consider a 3.5* with a higher user recommendations.I'll also suggest that given these prices, you may want to consider staying outside of the city in Hoboken-Jersey City. All the 4* hotels here are fairly new, generally get excellent reviews, and easy access to Manhattan via PATH train (~15 minutes). It's not NYC so you do lose a little convenience and the 'buzz' of Manhattan, but given i think you can get a 4* hotel here for under $150/nite for these dates, it's a trade-off worth considering, imo.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
KennySC Posted November 10, 2011 Report Posted November 10, 2011 I would recommend you book something you like, can afford and able to cancel up to the day you wish to check-in. Then be patient!!!! Bid daily and monitor this website for others bidding for your same dates. From my experience bidding the dates you're bidding it may be just a few days before you leave that something changes. I've been bidding December weekends for several years now for my own reservations and those of my friends and patience pays!! This year I'm bidding on Dec 2-5 for myself, Dec 9-12 for my son and Dec 14-18 for a friend. Just be patient and bid up to your budget for now and in the area you're wishing to stay! Also watch your email from priceline offer where they'll add a few $$ to your bid. Good Luck!
willfrederick Posted November 13, 2011 Author Report Posted November 13, 2011 Kenny, that sounds like a winning strategy - where should I book though? Let's just say I want to spend up to about $250/night somewhere in midtown manhattan relatively close to times square, theater district, or at least within subway distance. Where could I book a stay that I could cancel 24 hours before?
thereuare Posted November 13, 2011 Report Posted November 13, 2011 At the moment i think it will be difficult to find a 4* hotel with a refundable rate ~$250/nite.Do you have to stay in NYC or would you consider staying outside of the city in Jersey City? The 4* hotels there get very good reviews, are fairly new, and a 15 minute PATH train ride into the city. While it's not Manhattan you do lose some of the buzz/vibe of staying directly in NYC, but a 4* hotel there will likely cost ~$150/nite, and for the $100+ savings it might be a trade-off to consider.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
KennySC Posted November 14, 2011 Report Posted November 14, 2011 Ditto!! You have to expand the area you're willing to stay or lower the level of your accommodations. You'll at least have someone to stay while you continue bidding.
willfrederick Posted November 17, 2011 Author Report Posted November 17, 2011 Ok, we're booked at the refundable Hotel Pennsylvania, only a 2*, for $294/night, but in a pretty good location, I think - any thoughts/suggestions about this? We didn't go through priceline, we just went direct so we could cancel....we want this to be our back up plan.We'll probably bid right up to the day before, trying for up to $250 for 3* and up. Thoughts/suggestions?
AaronJB Posted November 17, 2011 Report Posted November 17, 2011 I would definitely look at the tripadvisor reviews for Hotel Pennsylvania. I would certainly continue to bid, but definitely look at the reviews for Hotel Pennsylvania and consider if you want it to continue to be a back-up.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
thereuare Posted November 17, 2011 Report Posted November 17, 2011 While $300 is a LOT for a hotel room, i would pay even more to upgrade your accommodations over the Hotel Pennsylvania, as that hotel gets awful reviews... you're already spending a LOT for a subpar room, i'd sooner spend even just a bit more and get something decent.I still think the Jersey City-Hoboken idea is viable, but understand if you want to stay directly in Manhattan (but at half the price of your back-up reservation, that's an extra $300 to enjoy around the city) Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Recommended Posts
Register now, we have a huge community of travel enthusiasts to answer any questions you might have.
Sign In Now