Priceline Hotel: Locating 4* in NYC

[wannabe]

I'm working my way thru learning the bidding strategy for NYC, and think I'm getting it, but have a basic question. In order to expand my rebid options, I know I can add an area that doesn't have a 4* in it, so that I can up my bid in the area(s) I want.

How do I find which NYC areas do and don't have 4*s (or any level I might be interested in)?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

From PRICELINE BIDDING EXPLAINED:

The way to check what star levels are available in each zone is to open a Priceline page, check ONLY the zone you are inquiring about, and then proceed to the next page (as if you were going to select a zone)... this will give you the available star ratings in that area. You can then hit BACK on your browser, uncheck the current box, check the next box, and repeat the process. It is important to do this before EACH attempt at adding a zone that you really don't want, as new hotels can be added and the star ratings can change at any time.

Feel free to confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

It is important to know how to do this on your own rather than just have somebody tell you... as re-bid zones are subject to change, somebody can suggest a re-bid zone at one point in the day and by the time you bid it that evening it may no longer qualify.

If you'd like a suggested bidding strategy let us know the dates of your stay and your maximum bid.

[wannabe]

I need 2 rooms for September 27-29. We want to stay 4* in MTW or MTE, with UMT/CP as a third possibility. While the preference is in the $160 range, we'd go as high as $200 if absolutely necessary. Since we have 2 months, I don't mind playing with the system off and on between now and then. In the meantime, we found a couple of rooms at one of the chains as a backup.

[thereuare]

Where and how much is your back-up?

Have you figured out your two re-bid zones?

[wannabe]

A Best Western for the backup.

Rebid would be UTE and UTW.

[wannabe]

Oh, the BW is for $160. From what I've been reading about rooms in NYC in September, that's not a bad rate as a backup...can always cancel if we find something just as convenient for a better rate. The midtown location is important to us.

[thereuare]

I think $200 is going to be tough based upon current rates, but this is how i would currently bid...

Select 4* MTW...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $160, if rejected close browser adnd re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTE...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $160, if rejected close browser adnd re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* UM/CPS...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $160, if rejected close browser adnd re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTE and MTW...

Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $175, if rejected close browser adnd re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTW and UM/CPS...

Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $175, if rejected close browser adnd re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTE and MTW and UM/CPS...

Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $190

If the above does not succeed, repeat the process in 72 hours and increase your bid by $5, repeat again (and increase by $5 once again). This will get you up to $200 within the next week.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Good Luck and keep us updated as to your progress.