Priceline Hotel: NYC in October 2013

[cwinko]

Hi, I'm looking for a hotel October 16-24 for my gf and me. I'm looking for a nice hotel around 4 star or higher for not more than 300$ per night. I'd like to stay somewhere central in NYC around Time Square and Central Park.

I've never been to NYC. So can you give me some hints? Wait a few months or book now ?! Stay in MTE or somewhere else? Use Priceline or Hotwire?!

[AaronJB]

This is traditionally one of the busier periods of the year (from Fall to around 12/15) unfortunately, although you should have no issue getting a 4* within your desired budget. It becomes whether or not to go HOTWIRE or PRICELINE - HOTWIRE is generally moderately more expensive than PRICELINE, but you have a chance at guessing which hotel is showing based on the information available vs PRICELINE, which is generally more of a roll of the dice (choose star rating, area and then be willing to stay at ANY hotel at that star rating in that area - there is no way to increase the odds of a particular property or avoid a particular property.) While you do not have to book tomorrow, if this October is similar to traditional Octobers in NYC I would not suggest waiting until last minute. 4*'s on HOTWIRE range from around $215 (potential Roosevelt) to $289 (potential Doubletree Suites TS)

It's a tad over your budget, but there is a 4* in the ESB zone on HOTWIRE showing a 4.5/5 tripadvisor rating on the detail page. While this listing has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board (and with only one amenity - pet friendly - showing, it would be difficult to narrow down what it is) that listing does at least get very strong reviews. Personally, I like the MTE area and the ESB area just to the South. I don't care for TS - too expensive and hectic. MTE and ESB are convenient and offer a nice array of restaurants and other sights.

Let us know your thoughts and we'd be happy to offer further suggestions.

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

[cwinko]

Thx for your kind answer.

I just registered for priceline and want to go for some bids.

Depending on your advice I'm going for a 4* in MTE / ESB.

So where should i start aiming for a good price?

Is it possible to "snipe" a certain hotel by starting at a special price?

[AaronJB]

There is no way to bid to increase the odds of a particular property or avoid a particular property. Bidding more to try and get a particular property risks overbidding for the property you would have gotten had you bid less. Both HOTWIRE and PRICELINE require flexibility - HOTWIRE somewhat less so but it is also generally moderately more expensive than PRICELINE. You have a fair amount of time so you can try at lower levels first, but given the traditional prices that are generally seen in October, I wouldn't wait until last minute.

For a 4* in MTE/ESB I would start at $125 and work higher by $5's using re-bidding.

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.