Fritzner Posted July 3, 2013 Report Posted July 3, 2013 Hello fellow travellers.Me and my girlfriend have bought plane tickets for a trip to the US in november this year.We are planing on staying in NYC for around 10 days then fly to LA and stay in that area for 20 days or so.Anyway we are looking for a hotel to stay at between wednesday the 20th and friday the 22th, 2 nights.I have been looking through this website and priceline/hotwire (using your links!) and was hoping that you guys would help me with a bidding strategy.We would like to stay at 4*+ hotels on Manhattan, anywhere below upper east and west, so i am guessing our zones would be:CPS, Chelsea Area, Downtown financial, ESB, Hell's Kitchen, LES, MSG, ME, MW, SoHo, TS (Non of us have been to NYC before so any suggestions on areas to stay in or to avoid staying in are warmly welcome)Our budget is not limited to any specific amount, but obviously we don't want to overpay for anything. What would be a realistic amount to pay?Lastly, thank you for a great website, we will use this stay as a trial run and if anything good comes up use it for more stays during our visit. We will continue to use your links for search/booking :)/Sören
thereuare Posted July 3, 2013 Report Posted July 3, 2013 Welcome to BetterBidding!To clarify... you'll be in NYC for about 10 days starting November 20th, but are only looking to bid for the first two nites... do you already have other plans for Nov 22-30? Will you be looking for other accommodations after the first 2 nites, already have plans for the remaining nites, or will be outside of NYC for the other nites?If you'll be in NYC for the entire 10 days, i'm thinking why split the trip for the first 2 nites?Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 3, 2013 Author Report Posted July 3, 2013 I understand the confusion, let me clarify: We were thinking of testing out PRICELINE for a two nights deal to see what we could get out of it, since we are from Sweden and have never heard of the service before I stumbled onto your site. If all goes well and when we know the price point we might want to book again for some more nights. I understand that the prices vary, but i figured that this way we can get an idea of PRICELINE without booking up our entire stay in NYC and ending up with a "bad" deal.
thereuare Posted July 4, 2013 Report Posted July 4, 2013 For the most part the average visitor wants to stay in midtown as it serves as a good launching pad to get elsewhere in the city. 'Downtown' is at the southern end of Manhattan and is not as centrally located, but do-able for the right price if midtown is too expensive (or Downtown is extra inexpensive)At current rates for a centrally located 4* midtown property you're likely looking in the $200-$220 area... i don't think a 3.5* saves you much below this price, but if you wanted to venture further down the star rating system you may be looking at about $40/nite cheaper.One of the better values may be what appears to be the Affinia Shelburne for $237/nite.Based upon the above let us know your thoughts, if we're in the right ballpark with your budget expectations, and we'll take it from there.ONE MORE NOTE: is that weekend dates in NYC are usually a little cheaper than midweek dates... if you decided to purchase the first 5 nites of your stay (11/20-11/25) you're probably looking a little less on a per nite basis, about $175-$195 for a 4* hotel (or what i'm guessing to be the Affinia Shelburne for $204/nite)SECOND ADDITIONAL NOTE: if you do decide to test the waters with one purchase, and you're pleased with the results, there is no assurance that you'll be able to get the same hotel (or price) for the additional nites of your trip.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 4, 2013 Author Report Posted July 4, 2013 Thank you for your thorough reply!Midtown sounds like a good choice, let's go with that for now - And i think we are going to stay in the 4*+ range. Since you don't think we can save much by going down a bit.Looking up the Affinia Shelbourne on the dates on hotels.com i can find it for $289/night for 2 nights and $232/night for 5 nights, like you recommended. How do you find it for $237/night? I thought you couldn't see prices/hotels before you are done bidding, or is this based on other users bidding? Or are you using hotwire?Let's try going with a 5 night stay, see how we do :)/Sören
thereuare Posted July 4, 2013 Report Posted July 4, 2013 It's on HOTWIRE and i'm basing my guess on the amenities shown to be associated with the property.Let us know if you'd like to try and target that specific property (via HOTWIRE) or try bidding on PRICELINE for any 4* hotel in the zones you choose (PRICELINE may be a little cheaper... but may or may not be as highly reviewed as as the HOTWIRE property). Also, if you decide to try PRICELINE bidding, let us know if you want to stick with trying for the 2 nite stay or go for the longer 5 nite stay, as well as the maximum bid you'd like to use.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 4, 2013 Author Report Posted July 4, 2013 Im curious to see what comes up on PRICELINE, so lets try that. 5 nights with your recommended zones, 4*+, max bid lets say $190 since affinia (or what looks like it) is at $204Seems reasonable, what strategy should i use?I'll be sure to use your PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links for the bidding :)
thereuare Posted July 4, 2013 Report Posted July 4, 2013 Assuming all of the following zones are acceptable: MTE, MTW, TS, CPS and ESB i would start as follows...When bidding 4* in NYC you have TWO 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 4* MTE and MTW...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and MTW...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and ESB...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and MTE...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* ESB and MTW...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and MTE...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and MTW...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and TS...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and ESB...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and CPS...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB and MTE..Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $168, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB and MTW..Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $168, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB and CPS..Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $168, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and TS and ESB...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $173, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and TS and CPS...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $173, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and ESB and MTE and MTW...Bid $178, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $183, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and ESB and MTE and TS...Bid $178, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $183, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and ESB and MTE and MTW and TS...Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $188, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $190Any questions feel free to ask.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 5, 2013 Author Report Posted July 5, 2013 Thank you thereuare!I will try your tactic and be sure to post my winning if any. Out of curiosity, if we were to go for downtown area as well, what do you think the price pr night would be for 5 nights?
thereuare Posted July 5, 2013 Report Posted July 5, 2013 Please follow-up this thread with whatever happens with the bidding and what you decide to do for this stay... even if not successful with the bidding or you don't use PRICELINE / HOTWIRE, decide to book direct, cancel the trip, etc.Downtown would likely be someplace in the $160 area.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 7, 2013 Author Report Posted July 7, 2013 Hey again!We've now considered our options a bit, and for a price around $160US for a 4*+ hotel, downtown sounds attractive as well!Could someone recommend us a bidding strategy for downtown as well up to $165 for the areas mentioned above and downtown with 4*+ hotels.Thank you for your help!!
thereuare Posted July 7, 2013 Report Posted July 7, 2013 Please click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links, then reply to this thread and we'll update the previous strategy above.Thanks. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 7, 2013 Author Report Posted July 7, 2013 Done :) I use your links for every search I perform on both websites!
thereuare Posted July 7, 2013 Report Posted July 7, 2013 You can simply add Downtown to the first 'block' of each of the previous bidding segments, as follows:Select 4* MTE and MTW and Downtown...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and MTW and Downtown...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and ESB...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and MTE...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* ESB and MTW and Downtown...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and MTE...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and MTW...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $153, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and TS and Downtown...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and ESB...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and CPS...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB and MTE and Downtown...Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $168, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB and MTW..Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $168, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* TS and ESB and CPS..Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $168, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and TS and ESB and Downtown...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $173, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* MTE and MTW and TS and CPS...Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $173, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and ESB and MTE and MTW and Downtown...Bid $178, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $183, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and ESB and MTE and TS...Bid $178, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $183, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...Select 4* CPS and ESB and MTE and MTW and TS and Downtown...Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $188, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $190Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Fritzner Posted July 10, 2013 Author Report Posted July 10, 2013 Hello everyone :)I have now been trying to bid for a few days, and don't know Iif I am doing something wrong, but the Priceline website is horribly slow at showing at processing my bids and I keep getting this "we are still working on your request" web page. And then rejected. Am I doing something wrong or should I keep at it? Thanks guys :)
AaronJB Posted July 10, 2013 Report Posted July 10, 2013 You're not doing anything wrong. Sometimes it takes longer than expected for PRICELINE to get a response and you get the "We Are Still Working On Your Request" message. Sorry to hear that your bids have not yet been accepted - have you bid up to $190?Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Fritzner Posted July 11, 2013 Author Report Posted July 11, 2013 I have been bidding on the downtown area as well, and stopped at $165 pr night. Do you think i am close or is it better to go for what looks like the "Affinia"?Or possibly this deal that i found on HOTWIRE:Empire State Building 4* hotelRetail 372/nightHotwire 200/nightAmenities:Pet Friendly90% hotwire customer satisfactionThis one looks like the Affinia as well to me, what do you think?Thank you for all your help, it is greatly appreciated, and don't worry I am clicking your links like there is no tomorrow ;)
nonotnowjim Posted July 11, 2013 Report Posted July 11, 2013 I am having similar troubles with PRICELINE. Styaing in NYC Manhattan between Tues 19th and Sat 23rd Nov - So far bid US$200 for 4 star in CPS, TS, MTW and MTW - all rejected. Any ideas on how to proceed?. Dont really want to pay more than US$200 (not taking into account taxes)
thereuare Posted July 11, 2013 Report Posted July 11, 2013 nonotnowjim,Feel free to read, follow, and post in this thread, but for specific help and circumstances related to your own trip please start a NEW TOPIC. This is especially true for your particular stay (vs. the OP's) since your dates are different and i believe there is likely a pretty big change in demand between the first two nites of your stay and the last two nites of your stay, which may make the strategy/approach for your trip different then the OP's.Fritzner,Nobody can say if rates will come down, or continue higher, between now and your stay, but at the moment $200/nite fora 4* hotel in the ESB zone seems like a good deal relative to the other offers for your dates.I'll add that i'm not a huge fan of the zone, but on HOTWIRE in the CPW zone there is a 3.5* for $182/nite (Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Wheelchair Accessible) which i'm guessing to be the Hotel Excelsior, should budget be a concern and you're interested in this offer.You could also continue the bidding strategy above up to your limit before taking one of the HOTWIRE offers above.Let us know what you decide and how it goes or if we can be of further help. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
nonotnowjim Posted July 11, 2013 Report Posted July 11, 2013 Thanks for the advice - will start new thread now. Thanks again NNNJ
Fritzner Posted July 14, 2013 Author Report Posted July 14, 2013 Just a quick update on the situation:I kept on bidding a bit and won the doubletree by Hilton financial district for $180USD/night, even though a bit more than I thought it would be in that area I am quite happy with the win.Price on hotels.com for the cheapest room there, same nights was $330USD excluding taxes, so 150$ saved a night. Thanks to you guys!I will post this in a separate thread as well :)
Fritzner Posted July 14, 2013 Author Report Posted July 14, 2013 Thanks to the continued help of the great people on this forum I was able to get the Doubletree by Hilton - Financial District for 180 pr night ex taxes. Same nights there on Hotels.com would have cost me $330USD pr night for the cheapest room. Even though it was a bit more than I would have liked to payed, it still seems like a good deal for the time of year. I secured it using your PRICELINE links and your guidance! And I will recommend other people to do the same :)
AaronJB Posted July 14, 2013 Report Posted July 14, 2013 Congrats on your success. :)Nice deal for what is traditionally a VERY busy period of time. Doubletree Cookies at check-in are always a nice bonus as well.Thank you for sharing your win and using the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.Enjoy your stay and thank you for letting others know about Betterbidding, it's greatly appreciated.
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