Priceline Hotel: NYC 4* August 3-9 help

[Rowy85]

Hi everyone,

Looking to try my luck on Priceline for a good deal for hotel in NYC for August 3-9. First time in NYC so have no idea about areas but thinking Times Square? Want to be close to attractions, restaurants, shopping etc - my husband and I are happy to walk places though. Looking for a 4* hotel preferably, so realistically what should I be bidding? Is there much difference between 3.5 and 4*? There is a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal on Priceline for Times Square - $208 for those dates so how much less should I be trying my luck on a bid for?

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding.

I'd suggest against Times Square - it's the busiest and most expensive zone in the city. Other nearby zones (I particularly like MTE) are less expensive, less hectic and generally (I think) provide a better value. There's so much going in every area of NYC; while Times Square is the most well-known, every time I go I find myself spending less time there.

What would be your desired budget per night for this stay?

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

[Rowy85]

Can you still walk everywhere from midtown east? Would be happy to go there for better value. As for budget, probably looking at the $200 mark but just want to get a good deal really so would like to go less than that just to try my luck!! Is that feasible for that area and time of year?

[AaronJB]

Rates do look a tad higher than usual for this time of year, which is generally a somewhat slower time. Still, $200 or under would look quite possible - what appears to be the Intercontinental Barclay or Grand Hyatt is showing for $196 on HOTWIRE. I'd start at $140 and move higher by $5's - I'd guess that (based upon rates I'm seeing at this point) a bid of $165-185 is likely going to be required for a 4* win for these dates. Please let us know if you have any questions before bidding.

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

[Rowy85]

No luck unfortunately. Tried all different combinations up to $185 for TS, MTE and MTW. Do you think I should just wait and try closer to the time?

[AaronJB]

I'm rather surprised that you have not had an accepted bid. With HOTWIRE 4*'s at just above these prices ($187-210) I wouldn't go any higher for the time being, or would consider HOTWIRE options. What I'm guessing may be the Shoreham is showing at $187.

Let us know if any HOTWIRE listings are of interest. I don't know if any events are going on on these date/s, but at least traditionally, this is a somewhat slower time due to high temps. I would not wait until the last minute, but I think you do have some time if you wanted to wait and see if inventory changes over the next few weeks.

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

[Rowy85]

Thanks Aaron. Might give it another try in a few weeks and keep you update and I always use the links provided :-). I love your site, have booked all my accommodation for our 3 week stay in the US using your tips and got some good deals (have posted in appropriate forums my wins!) but not having any luck with NY yet!!

[AaronJB]

NYC is probably the toughest city in the US to get a reasonable (in comparison to how NYC usually is) deal and it unfortunately often takes some persistence over time. In your favor is the fact that this is (at least usually) a pretty slow period. Please let us know if you have any questions and keep us updated.

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