Priceline Hotel: 4* New York City (Midtown East) Intercontinental The Barclay

[Hector1028]

Hi all,

I'm looking to go to NYC for 2 nights (Feb 17-19). I'm not very familiar with the different neighborhoods, but I'd like to be somewhere close to Times Square/where there is a lot of shopping and things to do. I'd like to have a 4* Hotel. Looking around at prices, I wouldn't like to spend more than $100/night.

I have 3 questions that I hope you can help me with.

1) Is it a good idea to book this far in advance if I'm doing "Name Your Price"? If not, when is a good time to book?

2) What neighborhoods should I be looking into? Downtown / Times Square / Lower East and West Side?

3) What should I expect to pay for this weekend Valentine's getaway?

Thank you so much. I'll be sure to post what I ended up paying for the stay.

Hector

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Times Square is generally the most expensive section of the city and also one of the most busy/hectic. It's generally recommended to stay in one of the nearby zones - MTE, MTW are core areas, but Central Park South, Empire State Building, MSG-Convention and Chelsea are other options nearby. Downtown/Soho/Financial District becomes too far South. At the 3.5* level in MTE, a couple of properties are also a bit of a trek and are more at the far East boundary of the zone. Additionally, while TS is arguably the most widely known area for activities, there's really a lot to see across the city.

There is a detailed discussion of timing in the FAQ; I will note that it's definitely not too early to start looking at the Feb. time period. The only issue with Feb that I'm aware of would be that I think Fashion Week occurs sometime mid-Month.

Would your desired max bid be $100 + taxes/fees or $100 "all-in" (w/taxes fees included)?

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[Hector1028]

Perfect, thank you so much for your help AaronJB.

Your discussion of timing is really helpful. After reading it, I'll definitely go ahead and book it sooner, rather than later :)

I'd be interested in $100 all-in, including taxes and fees. Think this is feasible with TS/MTE/MTW? Should I start bidding at even less than $80/night (100 total)?

[thereuare]

If you haven't yet, please start by reading your messages.

I'm doubtful that $100 all-in is likely going to be enough for a 4* hotel... my guess is that you're likely looking at ~$110-$130 bid price.

If you want to give it a try, at the 4* level you have SIX 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 4* TS, MTE, MTW...

Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $68, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $73, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $78, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $80

Any questions feel free to ask.

If the above fails, let us know if you're interested in raising your maximum bid, considering other zones (still may not help if looking for a 4* hotel), or lower your star rating.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Hector1028]

Bidded 4* TS/MTE/MTW for $110.

Won Intercontinental The Barclay from Feb. 17-20 (Presidents day weekend, and weekend following Valentine's Day).

Very happy with purchase!

Used the PRICELINE link of course.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Looks like a nice deal for this property. Glad to see you're happy with the outcome.

You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.