Priceline Hotel: NYC One Night 6/4/12

[mike21878]

Hello all. I've been lurking on the forums for quite some time as a guest, but thought i'd take the plunge and ask a question.

I got a call back for Jeopardy auditions last week and need to go down to NYC on the 4th of June (I live in Upstate NY, Utica to be exact).

The audition is near Times Square and i'll be taking Amtrak in that morning.

I'd prefer to keep my total cost under $175 a night but $150 or less would be optimal.

Amenities aren't that important as i'll only be there Monday night.

I'd prefer someplace close to Times Square, but as long as I can hop on the Subway and be there in 10-15 minutes, I'm fine with that.

I've been bidding between $90-120 on 2 stars and up with Times Square, UWS, UES, CPS and Midtown (I think) but with no success.

Am I SOL for the 150-175 price range? Or am I doing something wrong? I'd rather not stay at less than 2 1/2 - 3 stars after reading the forum, but may need to bite the bullet.

Thanks so much!!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links, then reply to this thread and we'll have a look at your post above.

pricceline.hotwire

Thank you.

[mike21878]

Done. Thanks !

[thereuare]

Rates are very high for these dates and at the moment i don't think $150 will be possible... i'm doubtful that even $175 would be enough currently.

To increase your chances i think these are your best options at the moment:

• include the Downtown zone in your bidding. You still may fall short, but it will certainly increase your chances
  
• increase your budget
  
• consider staying outside of the city in Long Island City. I'm not a fan of the area, but could likely hook up with the 7 train which would be an easy commute into Times Square (although some location may not be that close to the subway)
  
• stay in Hoboken-Jersey City-Weehawken on the NJ side at a 3.5*-4* hotel for ~$150/nite. If you end up in Weehawken you could take the bus in (need to account for possible traffic going into the Lincoln Tunnel) which would leave you off not too far from Times Square at 42nd St and 8th Ave OR if you end up in Hoboken/Jersey City you could take the PATH train into the city, then work your way towards Times Square from there

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

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

PS- good like at the audition!