Priceline Hotel: 3* New York City (Times Square - Theatre District) Manhattan Hotel At Times Square

[t_rex]

First time bidding on Priceline - plus first time poster. I would appreciate any insight...

Dates: 11/23/11 to 11/25/11

Star level: 3* or better

Zones: (In order of preference) Times Square, Midtown West, Central Park South

Max price: $125/night

Am I dreaming? I have a free alternative so I really don't want to spend anymore than $125/night.

And, I have time - I could book the day before or morning of 11/23 if necessary.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I think your chances of succeeding in the zones above at $125 or under are fairly low, although you can still give it a try and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow. However, is there a reason you're not including MTE and/or ESB as i think including these zones would greatly improve your chances... and if you were willing to bid up to $140 your chances would increase even more so.

Let us know the above and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[t_rex]

Well...preferably we would not include those areas...however, we could do MSG or MTE if our chances of getting a room for $125 were better...since our alternative is free - I would like to keep my bidding at $125 max.

Would you say my chances increase if I wait until next Mon/Tues?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

...preferably we would not include those areas...we could do MSG or MTE if our chances of getting a room for $125 were better

Do you want to bid up to $125 for only TS, MTW and CPS, then if rejected consider other areas? Also, not sure if you have a typo that mentioned MSG (instead of ESB) or if you would consider MSG (but not ESB), but there are no 4* hotels offered in the MSG zone, so that is not an option if you're sticking with only bidding 4*.

Would you say my chances increase if I wait until next Mon/Tues?

What would be the advantage of waiting... if you're rejected now you can try again on Monday and/or Tuesday... if you're accepted now at $125 or less, i see very little risk of rates heading much lower from there.

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 advise accordingly.

[t_rex]

Nope - I think we would consider MSG but not ESB. I have been bidding up to $125 for TS, MTW and CPS with no luck. I would very much prefer those areas and am willing to wait another day before adding the others (MSG and MTE)...since like I said I have a free alternative.

[thereuare]

OK, keep us updated on your progress and let us know if/when you want to add other zones and/or if you'd like help with a bidding strategy.

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

Good luck.

[t_rex]

So after days of trying for a 3.5* or better in TS, MTW, or CPS I was offered a 4* for $157. I declined since this was above my budget. I decided to add 3* and got:

The Manhattan at Times Square

3* Times Square Zone

11/23 to 11/25

$125/night.

I have read mixed reviews about this place. I can handle outdated as long as it's clean - hoping for the best!

It is a great location for us on 7th Ave - right on the parade route - and the kids are happy there is a pool.

I'm hoping they will honor our request for non-smoking 2 beds as we have 4 people traveling.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to see you found something within your budget. All rooms at this property are non-smoking so at least that aspect shouldn't be an issue.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board.

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

Enjoy your stay and the parade.