Priceline Hotel: NYC August 18-25

[mery]

I've used Hotwire before and was very happy, but I've never used Priceline. I've been researching and read tons of reviews saying horrible things. The main complaint that I saw was that Priceline does not tell you about any fees that the hotel might charge. For example, some of the hotels booked had a fee of $30 a day just because that person booked through Priceline. Many people complained that the point of this was for them to save, but instead they paid the same if not more than when using a regular booking site. I'm afraid to book because of potentially having to deal with hidden fees and because I heard that their customer service is terrible. The majority of the reviews also said that their star ratings shouldn't be trusted. I'm not a very picky person. I want a decent 3 or 3 1/2 star hotel in a safe area, but I don't want to be stuck with something awful. Can someone break all of this down for me? Has anyone had similar experiences with Priceline?

Thank you!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

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

The main complaint that I saw was that Priceline does not tell you about any fees that the hotel might charge. For example, some of the hotels booked had a fee of $30 a day just because that person booked through Priceline. Many people complained that the point of this was for them to save, but instead they paid the same if not more than when using a regular booking site.

While it is true that PRICELINE does not disclose any additional fees such as resort, parking, internet, etc., it's NOT true that these fees are just because that person booked through Priceline... these fees are the same whether the person booked thru PRICELINE, HOTWIRE, a 3rd party booking agency, or directly with the hotel.

The majority of the reviews also said that their star ratings shouldn't be trusted.

While you may ultimately disagree with a given star rating (just look at reviews for any hotel... some people love it while others may hate it), HOTWIRE is usually a bit more 'generous' with their star ratings than PRICELINE. If you've found HOTWIRE listings to be true to their star rating, i suspect you won't have much of a problem with PRICELINE's ratings (although with PRICELINE you don't have the ability to 'pick' a hotel with a high user recommendation percent or a good TA rating like you can with HOTWIRE)

I'm not a very picky person. I want a decent 3 or 3 1/2 star hotel in a safe area, but I don't want to be stuck with something awful.

Do you have an upcoming trip? Where is it that you're looking to travel?

[dahammer]

I believe the reason for "horrible" reviews is because of inexperience with the bidding process and the inability to cancel reservations once a bid is accepted. I have made hundreds of reservations with PRICELINE and as a result, have saved over 50% compared to conventional reservations. Its all about managing your expectations.....you plans must be firm (hence, I bid on the day of travel or maybe just the day before), you have to accept any hotel within the zone of your choice, you have to trust the star ratings PRICELINE assigns to each property, you can be upgraded to a higher rated property ( your chosen star rating is the minimum you will get). There can be additional charges for parking or a resort fee. That said, these trade offs can result in a great savings and allow you to stay in higher rated accommodations for the price of a Motel 6. In my personal experience, I have been put into a smoking room a few times, had to pay for parking, was upgraded to a 3* when I really wanted a 2.5* (and a better chance of getting free breakfast and free wifi), was assigned to a "PRICELINE" room with a one bed next to the elevator, and was given poor customer service by a snotty clerk on a power trip. However, these experiences are a slim minority.

[mery]

I appreciate both of you answering my questions and making me feel better about using Priceline. I'm going to New York City August 18-25.

[thereuare]

What is your budget (per nite before taxes and fees) for this trip? Do you have specific zones in mind?

You mention in your first post that you're looking for a 3*-3.5* property... are you willing to pay more for a 3.5* vs. a 3* OR is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this trip?

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 take it from there.

[mt99]

This is the first I have heard about these extra fees. How do you find out if the hotel I got charges them before arrival?

[thereuare]

mt99 (and anyone else following along)...

All third party booking agencies charge a booking / transaction fee... this usually amounts to ~$5-$7 per nite depending upon the length of your stay, and is shown to you before you complete your purchase (it's combined in the 'Taxes and Fees' line item) and are included in the amount you pay to PRICELINE, HOTWIRE, or whatever booking service you use.

Depending upon the hotel/area, there may also be what are called "Resort Fees". These are payable directly to the hotel and are charged to guests regardless of how they booked... PRICELINE, HOTWIRE, some other 3rd party agency, or even directly with the hotel.

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

If you have a more specific question regarding an upcoming stay please post in the existing thread for your hotel win, or if for a new trip, please start a NEW TOPIC.

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

Thanks.

[mt99]

Ah so it's not something I will have sprung upon me at checkin? I was thinking it sounded like once you got there you had these extra fees.

[mery]

Ideally I wan't a 3.5* hotel for as cheap as possible. I live in Vegas and for a $100 you can easily get a brand new suite in a hotel/casino with everything you can possibly wish for, but through research I realize that isn't the case in New York. I wan't to start my bid at $100 and preferably not go over $130. I have a feeling I'm crazy thinking that this would be possible though. I want to be in the middle of everything so the Chelsea, Empire State building area, Midtown West, or Madison Square Garden area would be ideal. I'm also open to suggestions in other areas if you think it would better fit my needs. I want to be in a fun area with a lot to do close to transportation. I'm not too picky about the size or special hotel accomadations, but I just feel bed bugs crawling all over me just by looking at some of the hotels New York has to offer.

This is my first time going to New York and I'm not sure what to expect. I notice it's common for people to have a shared bathroom so I'm leaning towards 3.5* to try to avoid that. I was also wondering if there's a way to request one queen or king bed when booking through Priceline?

[thereuare]

I want to be in the middle of everything so the Chelsea, Empire State building area, Midtown West, or Madison Square Garden area would be ideal. I'm also open to suggestions in other areas if you think it would better fit my needs.

What about TS and/or CPS? Although note that CPS has the Hudson Hotel with notoriously small rooms (~140 sq. ft.) which you say above isn't important to you, but please confirm that this would/wouldn't be acceptable and whether we should include either/both of these zones. MTE is often bid also, but unfortunately there are a few hotels at 3.5* and under which can be up to a 15 minute walk to the subway, so based upon your goals above, it sounds like this one would not be an additional zone to include.

This is my first time going to New York and I'm not sure what to expect.

It's just like that hotel you have in Vegas of the same name... not! ;)

I notice it's common for people to have a shared bathroom so I'm leaning towards 3.5* to try to avoid that.

All rooms obtained by bidding on PRICELINE (thru their 'Name Your Own Price' service) will have a private bathroom.

I was also wondering if there's a way to request one queen or king bed when booking through Priceline?

No, all that is guaranteed is 'double occupancy'... bed choice requests can be made directly with the hotel, but there is no assurance that the hotel will be able, or willing, to honor your request.

Let us know the information above regarding zones and we'll take it from there.

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

[mery]

I'm not opposed to TS, but from my understanding it's harder to get a good deal there since its in demand. We can throw TS in the mix if you think it's a good idea. I want to stay away from CPS though. I'm fine with a 15 minute walk to the subway, but I prefer not to walk much further. I don't think NY streets are paved to perfection like Vegas so I'm not sure if my heels will survive. Plus my boyfriend and I want to enjoy the night life while avoiding sketchy areas. I think based on what you're telling me I'll avoid MTE too. So TS, MSG, Chelsea, Empire State Building area and MTW.

[thereuare]

As long as TS is acceptable, you should include it in your bidding. While it may typcially be a more expensive area than the others, including it in your bidding will give you more bid opportunities, and the worst case scenario is that you get accepted in this zone at a price lower than you thought would otherwise be possible.

So to recap, you're looking for a 3.5* or better hotel in the TS, MSG, Chelsea, ESB or MTW zones, with a maximum bid of $130/nite. If so you can begin with the following:

When bidding 3.5* in NYC 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 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, ESB or MTW...

Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $108, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $113, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* TS...

Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $108, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $113, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* TS, MSG, Chelsea, ESB or MTW...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $118, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $123, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $128, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $130

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[mery]

I will do this and I will let everyone know what happens, but first I have a million more questions because I'm terrified. :)

I read rebidding explained and didn't understand this, "the zone you add (that you really don't want) must NOT have the star level you are bidding OR HIGHER. If you are bidding 3* and add a zone that does not have 3* but does have 4*, Priceline can upgrade you to the 4*! When you selelct a star level, it is the MINIMUM star level that you are willing to accept.

-if you don't fully understand how this process works, ask for help to avoid an accepted bid in an area that you don't want"

Why would you add a zone you don't want? I understand the whole upgrading thing when they don't have your star level, but the first and last sentences throw me off. Why would you ever get stuck with a big in area you don't want? You select the areas so I'm having a hard time understanding that.

You also said my first bid should be $90 in the following areas Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, ESB or MTW. For example, should I first select MSG, Chelsea, ESB and MTW individually and then place a $90 bid all at once, OR should I select MSG for example and place a $90 bid and then wait for the results before putting the same bid in a different area?

Also, I will use your links, but I don't understand why at $113 I have to close my browser and reopen it again?

If a bid gets accepted do they automatically take the money from my card or do I have to confirm? I have my money in my savings so I want to make sure I transfer them before they just take it out from my regular checking account.

If I don't get an offer I like can I pull out at any time and remove my card number from the site? I know that's probably a dumb question.

Do you think since my trip is in August I'm doing this too early? How will they know that far in advance if their hotels are filled? I notice with sites like Hotwire if you book last minute you get the best deals because they're looking to fill up empty hotels. I tried looking on there for August and they have really bad deals compared to if I booked for next week.

I think that's it for now. Thanks again for all your help.

[Romelle]

I will do this and I will let everyone know what happens, but first I have a million more questions because I'm terrified. :)

If you haven't already done any bidding, you could get over the "opening night" jitters by just sticking in some totally impossible bid. $50 for a 4* in the NYC zones you want won't buy you anything. That way you can see how the bidding works and you'll be more comfortable when you do it for real. Don't try $50 in some small town though, as it could work!

I read rebidding explained and didn't understand this, "the zone you add (that you really don't want) must NOT have the star level you are bidding OR HIGHER. If you are bidding 3* and add a zone that does not have 3* but does have 4*, Priceline can upgrade you to the 4*! When you selelct a star level, it is the MINIMUM star level that you are willing to accept.

-if you don't fully understand how this process works, ask for help to avoid an accepted bid in an area that you don't want"

Why would you add a zone you don't want? I understand the whole upgrading thing when they don't have your star level, but the first and last sentences throw me off. Why would you ever get stuck with a big in area you don't want? You select the areas so I'm having a hard time understanding that.

When a zone only has up to 3* hotels, if you are bidding at the 4* level you can't win anything there. The only reason you are doing it is to let you have another bid within the 24-hour period. That lets you work up gradually.

You also said my first bid should be $90 in the following areas Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, ESB or MTW. For example, should I first select MSG, Chelsea, ESB and MTW individually and then place a $90 bid all at once, OR should I select MSG for example and place a $90 bid and then wait for the results before putting the same bid in a different area?

Select all four right away.

Also, I will use your links, but I don't understand why at $113 I have to close my browser and reopen it again?

You have to close out and come back into Priceline again to get it to uncheck all those zones so you can start over and use them again. But this time you are starting with a slightly different set of zones, and Priceline sees the additions as making still new combinations. It lets you work from $90 to $130 all in the same day in small increments.

If a bid gets accepted do they automatically take the money from my card or do I have to confirm? I have my money in my savings so I want to make sure I transfer them before they just take it out from my regular checking account.

An accepted bid bills your credit card right away. You don't have to pay the credit card company until you receive that bill in the normal billing cycle. If you've got that credit card on an automatic draw from your checking account, yes you do have to make sure there is enough in your checking account to cover it when the bill comes due.

If I don't get an offer I like can I pull out at any time and remove my card number from the site? I know that's probably a dumb question.

Not a dumb question. A good one, but I think you've sort of got two questions wrapped together. When you make a bid, there is no "pulling out". If the bid is accepted, the charge goes through and you own the room for the nights you bid. When you sign on to Priceline, you can go into My Profile and Payment Information and remove credit cards.

Do you think since my trip is in August I'm doing this too early? How will they know that far in advance if their hotels are filled? I notice with sites like Hotwire if you book last minute you get the best deals because they're looking to fill up empty hotels. I tried looking on there for August and they have really bad deals compared to if I booked for next week.

A good discussion about bid timing is up in the F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) area. The trick with bidding really early is to just go to the level with which you'd be happy. Alternatively, one can make a cancelable back-up reservation and then play the "last minute deal" up until the very last minute. There are people here who comfortably bid the same day. I read of one person on a rather free wheeling road trip who would bid each night for the next night. He'd bid a group of towns out about as far as he planned to drive and put his head down the next night where his bid was successful. But for planned trips, lots of people do bid this early.

I think that's it for now. Thanks again for all your help.

Romelle

"

PS - as usual, I learned something while trying to help. Next time I'll know to check that little "Show 'Edit by' line" box.

[thereuare]

Why would you add a zone you don't want?

Because it allows you to bid again without waiting 24 hours. If the zone ONLY contains star rated hotels lower than the minimum that you stipulate, you can't win a hotel in the newly added zone. See the picture in this Priceline re-bidding post as sometimes a picture can make it clearer. If not, just post back and we'll break it down further for you.

You also said my first bid should be $90 in the following areas Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, ESB or MTW. For example, should I first select MSG, Chelsea, ESB and MTW individually and then place a $90 bid all at once, OR should I select MSG for example and place a $90 bid and then wait for the results before putting the same bid in a different area?

You should include all three of those zones in your first bid.

Also, I will use your links, but I don't understand why at $113 I have to close my browser and reopen it again?

So that you can UNCHECK zones... after a rejected bid the previously selected zones are greyed-out and can be UNchecked... closing the browser allows you to 'wipe the slate clean' and only select the zones you want on the next round of bidding, which helps you maximize the number of bids you can make in a day.

If a bid gets accepted do they automatically take the money from my card or do I have to confirm? I have my money in my savings so I want to make sure I transfer them before they just take it out from my regular checking account.

If your bid is accepted your credit card is charge automatically.

Based upon your budget, if your bid is accepted, i don't see too much downside risk of rates going substantially lower so i would start to bid now... even if not accepted, you at least get some bidding under your belt and see how the process works.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board..

[mery]

Okay so I placed my first bid for $90 using your link and it got rejected. When I tried to bid $95 next it told me to wait 24 hours even after closing that window and reopening it again. I know it said that if I change my dates, star level or area then I can bid again, but I want to stick to what I originally wanted. Am I doing something wrong? The way that you laid out how I should place my bids made it seem like if I closed the window I can rebid again before the 24 hours.

[mery]

Never mind...I'm starting to understand this. It's not so bad. :D

[mery]

I tried it all and even increased my price to $140. All of them got rejected. What do you think I should do from here? How long do you suggest I wait? Or is it all random?

[Romelle]

I'm really happy you "got" the bidding process. But sorry nothing worked this time.

You still have quite a bit of time, but you've established there isn't anything available right now in that zone/star level.

It would be a good idea to research just what your best option is from conventional sources - the hotels themselves, more general sites like Orbitz, etc. Then you will know what your worst case is. There are quite a few links on the Support Page.

Then bid maybe every 4 or 5 days, or even just weekly for a while. The bidding pattern lets you "sweep" and catch any new rooms hotels have put in Priceline inventory at the best possible price.

As it gets closer, if you still aren't successful, then you have to start thinking about alternatives - raise that budget, consider other zones, ....

Romelle

I reread this whole string a couple times. If your exact dates are in there, I missed them? I found August, but just not the actual dates?

[thereuare]

I'm going to New York City August 18-25.

I've quoted above so it will be easy to find again as this thread continues... actually i've just put into the topic title which will make it even easier :).

It still may be a little early for PRICELINE to have such deeply discounted inventory... do as Romelle suggests and bid every 4 days or so (perhaps every 3-4 days vs. 4-5 days if you're so inclined) and in the meantime book a fuly refundable back-up reservation. This will give you some peace of mind while you're bidding, protect you from rates rising from here, and less pressure to fee you have to win something right away.

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

Good luck! Keep us updated and let us know if/how we can be of further help along the way.

[mery]

I was thinking to add the financial district as well, but I was wondering if you think it's a good idea? How far are most of the hotels from the subway? Is it safe? Does it take a while on the subway to get to the more exciting part of Manhattan? If nothing works, I was thinking to lower it down to a 3* hotel, but nothing less. From what you've seen so far, how do the 3* hotels look on Priceline?

Thank you!

[thereuare]

As per above, my advice would be to book a fully refundable back-up and try PRICELINE and search HOTWIRE twice a week for the next few weeks... certain dates can be troublesome even during slow times of year, but summer is generally slow season in NYC and i wouldn't drop to 3* or consider Downtown just yet.

I think it might help if you could squeeze another $20/nit into your budget (making your maximum bid $150/nite) and SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID is another option you may want to consider if/when it's time to try another approach.

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