Priceline Hotel: Priceline Newbie!

[me_min]

I'm looking for a 3* or 3.5* hotel from 8/16 (check in) to 8/18 (check out) for 2 adults.

I read some of the posts on the forum and used your PRICELINE link to try it on my own, but realized that I needed some help with bidding strategies (such as what price to start with). I would like to pay up to $200 (incl. fees) per night, but am not sure if this is a realistic price.

The areas that I would like to stay in are: MTW, MTE, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, but would be open to Empire State, Chelsea, and Central Park South.

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Have you tried bidding so far? If so, what bids have you made so far in terms of price/zone? This isn't the slowest period of the year (that would be January-early March), but it should be a somewhat more reasonable time.

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

[me_min]

Initially I put in $135 for 3.5* MTW, MTE, Madison Square Garden, Times Square

Then I tried $140 and $145 for 3* and 3.5* MTW, MTE, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Empire State, Chelsea, and Central Park South.

At this point, I stopped because there is a 3* Empire State Bldg area hotel for $147 a night, which I think might be Murray Hill East Suites because the amenities are Suite, Fitness, Kitchen, and Laundry.

I'm not sure if there a smart way to bid or decide between HOTWIRE or PRICELINE.

I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!!

[thereuare]

At this point, I stopped because there is a 3* Empire State Bldg area hotel for $147 a night, which I think might be Murray Hill East Suites...

Keep in mind that this property is currently 2* rated by PRICELINE, so it's not really an apples-to-apples comparison. If this property is acceptable to you then using $147 as your maximum bid may be a valid approach, but don't use this figure and question why your bids at the same amount were being rejected by PRICELINE.

What is your goal for this stay... best value or least expensive hotel at a minimum star rating? Are you willing to spend more than $150/nite for a nice hotel?

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