Priceline Hotel: Is Priceline possible with 6 people?

[jsteph]

I had amazing luck booking a June NYC trip for my husband and I last year on Priceline (with help from this site of course!). This May I'm travelling as a group of 6 (4 adults/2 teens). Is it possible to get accommodations for that number using a blind-bidding site? Obviously we'd all want to stay at the same hotel.

My thoughts are it's not possible, but wanted to hear from anyone who's managed to find lodging for a group this size outside of a traditional booking method. Travel would be for May 18-21, 2012. Thanks!

[thereuare]

One room for six people will not be possible with PRICELINE.

Your best bet is to bid for three rooms (which could be cheaper, or not much more, than booking a 'suite' for six people) OR you can use HOTWIRE and search for 2rooms/4adults/2children.

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

[jsteph]

It never occurred to me to bid on 3 rooms... just figured that would be way too much. Does one pay fees on each room or by transaction? just wondering what my bidding ceiling would be for 3 rooms to come in around $1,700 total for 3 nights? (can get a 2 bedroom suite at eastgate towers for just over $1,700, and a jr suite at the affinia 50 for $1,630ish.)

As always, thanks for your speedy reply.

[thereuare]

You're probably looking at a maximum bid of ~$160 to come in about the same rate at $1700 all-in (i'm assuming the $1700 includes tax... if not the maximum bid would be closer to ~$180 or so)

Given May is an expensive month in NYC that may or may not be do-able, but of not, another option is 2rooms/4adults/2children on HOTWIRE, which would bring your equivalent room rate to ~$240 or so.

Depending upon the room set-up at your alternate hotels, multiple rooms gives the advantage of extra bathrooms, which can make getting ready to go out for the day (or out for the evening) a much quicker process than if 6 people have to use one shower.

If you want to pursue either of these routes let us know and we'll explore further.

[jsteph]

We've booked a 2-bedroom suite at the Salisbury. More than I wanted to spend but my mom likes the idea of everyone being together, plus it does have 2 bathrooms and kitchenette. With 6 people, it's beyond my control. lol

Apparently these rooms are quite large and the location is good, so everyone is happy.

However, my husband and I will be going to Chicago in June and I'll definitely be using Priceline for that trip. When my flights are confirmed I'll start a thread on that board for bidding tips as I've never been to Chicago.

Thanks!

J.

[thereuare]

Thanks for closing this thread with your decision for this trip.

Since you have a large group you may want to try Carmine's for Dinner one nite. The entrees are designed to be shared family style and it's a fun place with a large group (the menu prices look high but when you figure each feeds 2-3 people it's actually reasonable for NYC... although note that drinks here are very pricey!). I'd go to the Upper West Side location (2450 Broadway at 90th St) which is more of a locals restaurant vs. the one at Times Square which is more tourists)

Have a great time in NYC!