Hotwire Hotel: 3* New York City (Madison Square Garden - Hell's Kitchen) Staybridge Suites Times Square - New York City

[bestenborstel]

Dear all,

this is my first post in your forum and I am total newbie. I read about hotwire and priceline.

I am inclined to give it a try with priceline.

Do I understand correctly, that when I bid via price line I choose the area and the rating and then I have to accept the offer if one is made?

Although I see that I won't know the name of the hotel before, what is so bad when I try to bid 130US Dollar for a 4* hotel in Madison Square Garden area?

I know I cold not be successful, but the clue is that I get maybe something for the price I asked and the stars are guaranteed, right?

I am looking for a hotel room for 2 person from 16th August to 20th August in the Madison Square Garden area because I would love to stay in Staybridge Suites Times Square. I know I cannot bid for a specific hotel, but if I choose a small area probability is more likely.

Nevertheless, all other areas in Manhatten would be okay as long as the room is clean (I hope I can expect this from 4*).

Since I have enough days left, I could try to bid every day for 130US Dollars.

Is there a flaw in my strategy, please? I mean I could just give it a try.

Thank you for your feedback.

BB

[bestenborstel]

Our budget would be between 130-200 US-Dollars (maybe including tax etc?).

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

You have the general concept down and most of the information correct, but we'll clarify a few points:

Do I understand correctly, that when I bid via price line I choose the area and the rating and then I have to accept the offer if one is made?

When you place your bid PRICELINE already has your credit card information, if they find a hotel to accept your bid price they will automatically purchase the room and then tel you the name of the hotel and you 'own' the reservation. (ie- there is no 'offer' made by the hotel... once you learn the name you are already committed to it)

Although I see that I won't know the name of the hotel before, what is so bad when I try to bid 130US Dollar for a 4* hotel in Madison Square Garden area?

I know I cold not be successful, but the clue is that I get maybe something for the price I asked and the stars are guaranteed, right?

Correct, the 'issue' is that star ratings are subjective, so you could get something that you may fee is 3.5* rated but PRICELINE considers to be 4* rated. However, using the information on the board and seeing the previous wins of others can help minimize this from happening, but you could always be the first to report a new hotel that you didn't expect or an upgrade/downgrade of a previously reported hotel.

I am looking for a hotel room for 2 person from 16th August to 20th August in the Madison Square Garden area because I would love to stay in Staybridge Suites Times Square. I know I cannot bid for a specific hotel, but if I choose a small area probability is more likely. Nevertheless, all other areas in Manhatten would be okay as long as the room is clean (I hope I can expect this from 4*).

Although you understand you can't bid on a specific hotel, i feel you may be setting yourself up for disappoints as the Staybridge Suites is not seen as a win that often in this zone. HOWEVER, if this is the hotel you're hoping for then there is a flaw in your approach as this property is currently 3* rated by PRICELINE, so if you're going to be bidding on PRICELINE at the 4* level, then this hotel is not a possible outcome since it doesn't meet the minimum star rating threshold that you have stipulated.

Rates are not high for your dates and you should be able to get a 4* hotel within your budget. If you wanted to have a little more control over the hotel you receive i am seeing what i believe to be the following properties on HOTWIRE:

St Giles The Court (ESB zone) for $148/nite

Doubletree NYC-Chelsea (MSG zone) for $181/nite

Flatiron Hotel (Chelsea) for $189/nite

Let us know your thoughts (or additional questions) 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.

[bestenborstel]

Dear thereuare,

Thank you for your feedback.

"When you place your bid PRICELINE already has your credit card information, if they find a hotel to accept your bid price they will automatically purchase the room and then tel you the name of the hotel and you 'own' the reservation. (ie- there is no 'offer' made by the hotel... once you learn the name you are already committed to it)"

Yes, sorry, I understood. It is not an offer it is an obligation.

"Correct, the 'issue' is that star ratings are subjective, so you could get something that you may fee is 3.5* rated but PRICELINE considers to be 4* rated. However, using the information on the board and seeing the previous wins of others can help minimize this from happening, but you could always be the first to report a new hotel that you didn't expect or an upgrade/downgrade of a previously reported hotel."

Exactly. Today, when I read more page on the board, I was under the impression hotwire and priceline cheat with the star rating. How can I be sure I get what I want? Is there a way to play a trick on them? Try to bid on something with a higher star rating for a low price?

"Although you understand you can't bid on a specific hotel, i feel you may be setting yourself up for disappoints as the Staybridge Suites is not seen as a win that often in this zone. HOWEVER, if this is the hotel you're hoping for then there is a flaw in your approach as this property is currently 3* rated by PRICELINE, so if you're going to be bidding on PRICELINE at the 4* level, then this hotel is not a possible outcome since it doesn't meet the minimum star rating threshold that you have stipulated."

Yes, your are right again. I noticed it yesterday. But if I will bid for 3*, this could be very risky. So I forget about this idea.

Okay, can you please help me what to do now? I am inclined to try priceline.

My frame conditions are:

16-20.8

4* (better four real stars)

Seriously: A clean room, without bed bugs! (St. Giles was reported to have them.)

Max. would be 200US Dollars, but I am happy to pay less. I just want good value for money, but I don't see how I can get this via a regular website.

Location: A subway station should be near by, apart from this I am flexible. Maybe on Manhatten and not north than Central park?

For a first guess, I would like to bid 150US Dollars for a 4.5* Hotel? How does this sound?

Somebody else told me to look out for

the Pod 39

Yotel

Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden

But not sure how good they are. Edit: The Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden does not look to bad. :-)

Thank you for your patience with me.

[bestenborstel]

Dear all,

I just found this on Hotwire for 16-20.8 for 2 person.

ID hotel

3-star Hotel in Madison Square Garden - Hell's Kitchen

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Free Breakfast

<amenity names only please... not descriptions>

Pet friendly

Pet friendly - terms apply

Smoke Free Rooms

Guest rooms at this hotel are always smoke-free.

High-Speed Internet Access

Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply.

Down from 240 for 171$. 3* Hotwire, 100% recommended by Hotwire customers, TripAdvisor: 4 out of 5

Maybe the Hampton Inn?

Thank you for your feedback. But is this hotel really worth the money and are the stars real?

And this maybe?

4-star Hotel in Central Park West

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Pet friendly

Boutique Hotel

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

The on the ave Hotel maybe? Tripadvisor 4.0 out of 5, 226 down to 181$

Thank you.

And could this be the Iroquois?

4-star Hotel in Midtown Central

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Pet friendly

Boutique Hotel

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

Down from 282 to 174US Dollars. But triadvisor rates it 3.5 out of 5 instead of 4.5

Shoreham would be probably more likely due to the tripadvisor rate, but the price is then too high.

Thank you.

BB

[thereuare]

Please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread.

Bed bugs do exist in NYC but i think the number of reports that you typically see in hotel reviews posted on the web are overblown (i saw the two reports you likely read, posted back-to-back so likely the same user or traveling in the same group, and that wouldn't deter me given the otherwise high marks the hotel gets), but when incidents do do occur, it is likely the higher rated hotels that will be quicker to take action (as well as take preventive actual by having regular inspections).

You can tell us how you'd like to proceed and if PRICELINE that is fine, but based upon your posts, i do think that HOTWIRE would be a better option for you as you seem to want to have a guess or some insight as to the hotel you may receive before your purchase, and this can only be done thru HOTWIRE.

With HOTWIRE you can see review ratings from previous guests and sometimes TA ratings which help add some 'comfort' to an opaque purchase, with PRICELINE you need to be willing to accept any hotel in the zone at the star rating (or higher) that you bid. The trade-off is that HOTWIRE usually costs a little more than PRICELINE, but in your situation i think it will help you be more comfortable with buying an 'opaque' hotel and perhaps down the road you'll feel more comfortable using PRICELINE.

Let's start with the examples and you can decide if these represent good value to your or if you prefer to use PRICELINE for a lower price (and perhaps a different hotel as with PL you'd only be able to select the minimum star rating, zone, and price). The following are based upon my best guess of the hotel currently offered thru HOTWIRE selected based upon your budget, reviews, and my own opinions of the hotel:

4* Flatiron Hotel $189/nite

3* Hampton Inn Manhattan - Madison Square Garden $168/nite

4* Affinia Shelburn $206/nite

Are either of these of interest or if you'd like to try PRICELINE let us know the zones you're willing to accept (by PRICELINE name) and we'll take it from there.

[bestenborstel]

Before I decide what to do next, I would like to clarify something.

1.Point

With HOTWIRE you can see review ratings from previous guests and sometimes TA ratings which help add some 'comfort' to an opaque purchase

I assume you mean the own Hotwire green thumb and the trip advisor rating?

At least I would rely more on TA.

PRICELINE you need to be willing to accept any hotel in the zone at the star rating (or higher) that you bid. The trade-off is that HOTWIRE usually costs a little more than PRICELINE, but in your situation i think it will help you be more comfortable with buying an 'opaque' hotel and perhaps down the road you'll feel more comfortable using PRICELINE.

Yes, I understand that I have to accept the hotel Priceline gives me for my chosen star rating.

But then it is simply, I would not try to bid on a 3* hotel. Maybe 4.5 or 4. And according to your statement, Priceline could reject my bid (fine) or accept (better :-)) But they won't give me a hotel for 2 or 3 stars when I have not chosen this. Correct, please?

And if I leave out the rebidding for a moment, I could bi every 24hs in the same zone and increase my bid, right?

The re-bidding and adding a second zone is to increase your chance to bit a second time in less than 24hs, right?

You asked me for possible Hotel options:

Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden (around 200, looks nice)

Four Points By Sheraton Midtown - Times Square (210 Dollar)

Distrikt Hotel New York City, An Ascend Collection Hotel (264 Dollar, Midtown West, Times Square, looks nice :-))

Eventi - a Kimpton Hotel (288Dollar)

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan / Times Square (279Dollar)

The Standard ( East Village), but probably out of my league.

Sorry, but I am not in favour for Affinia Shelburne and Flatiron Hotel. I would rather than choose the Hampton Inn.

How shall we proceed from here? My confusion is growing. Puh, NYC is a tough place.

[bestenborstel]

I am inclined to start on priceline for 150Dollar to bid for a room for two 16-20.8.2013, 4* Chelsea Area (4*) or Midtown East (4.5*).

Would this work?

Just to be sure: If bid is rejected, they won't force me to re-bid, I can wait for 24h and change completely? (Or increase the price after those 24h?)

(Or if there is a good deal on the Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden would also be okay).

Thank you!

BB

[bestenborstel]

Dear all,

can you help me to id this hotel, please? Sorry, I do not want to open another thread.

I think it is not on your list for Chelsea.

16-20.8

2 adults

Chelsea area hotel See more hot Rate hotels, 3*

215 down to 156.

Recommended: In 100% of Hotwire customer reviews.

TA 4.5/5

Free Breakfast

Pet friendly

Fitness Center

Laundry Facilities (self-service)

High-Speed Internet Access

And this one, please?

3-star Hotel in Madison Square Garden - Hell's Kitchen

Free Breakfast, Pet friendly, Smoke Free Rooms, High-Speed Internet Access

239$ down to 169$, also 100% recommendation

TA 4/5

I think this was already on the board, but the first one not.

Thank you very much.

[thereuare]

Best guess for the Chelsea property would be the Hampton Inn Manhattan Chelsea and for the MSG property my guess would be the Hampton Inn Manhattan - Madison Square Garden.

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

Let us know which you decide and how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[bestenborstel]

Dear thereuare, thank you. That would actually also my guesses. Not too far off actually what I want.

Do you have experience with both of them by any chance? Do you think one would be better than the other? Regarding the location, I would go for the Madison.

And last question: I saw reports that people hit for around ~130$ a 4* in the midtown east district. Do you think I would be better of to bid? :-) Is the hotwire good value for money?

Thank you :-)

[bestenborstel]

To follow up the discussion in the other thread my answer would be still 4* for Brooklyn.

There is

B, 4*

CPS, 5

Ca, 4.5*

Down, 5*

ESBA, 5*

HK, 4*

LIC, 3.5*

LES, 4*

MSG, 4*

Mid East, 5*

MW, 4.5*

MHH, 3.5*

Soho, 4.5*

TSTD, 5*

UES, 5*

UWS, 4*

I used your PRICELINE link and that is what came out after checking each box for the highest available star rating.

[thereuare]

LIC, 3.5*

MSG, 4*

Looking at just the two zones above for a moment... do you see how if you were bidding for a 4* hotel, and included both LIC and MSG in your bidding, that if you were successful, the hotel would have to be in the MSG zone? (since there are no hotels in the LIC zone that meet the minimum 4* threshold that you set for that bid)

I saw reports that people hit for around ~130$ a 4* in the midtown east district. Do you think I would be better of to bid? :-) Is the hotwire good value for money?

Rates are date specific so although somebody may have won a hotel for $130 for dates different then your own, a win for your dates may take more or less depending upon whether demand for hotel rooms is stronger/weaker for your dates vs. the other user's dates. PRICELINE is usually a little cheaper than HOTWIRE, but then you're subject to any hotel in the zone at the star rating (or higher) that you choose. Both of the Hampton Inn properties above retail for $200+ for your dates, so this would seem to be a pretty good deal. While PRICELINE may save you a few dollars, you may also get something that you may not like as much, so you may prefer to spend a little extra via HOTWIRE and have an increased chance at getting something that you think you will be happy with.

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

Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

[bestenborstel]

Looking at just the two zones above for a moment... do you see how if you were bidding for a 4* hotel, and included both LIC and MSG in your bidding, that if you were successful, the hotel would have to be in the MSG zone? (since there are no hotels in the LIC zone that meet the minimum 4* threshold that you set for that bid)

Dear thereuare,

sure. The reason is that in LIC is not a 4* hotel available, and PRICELINE rules tell me that if I ask for 4* I would get something with 4* and in that case this would be in MSG. LIC could be a potential free rebid zone. This is how far I understood it.

Rates are date specific so although somebody may have won a hotel for $130 for dates different then your own, a win for your dates may take more or less depending upon whether demand for hotel rooms is stronger/weaker for your dates vs. the other user's dates. PRICELINE is usually a little cheaper than HOTWIRE, but then you're subject to any hotel in the zone at the star rating (or higher) that you choose. Both of the Hampton Inn properties above retail for $200+ for your dates, so this would seem to be a pretty good deal. While PRICELINE may save you a few dollars, you may also get something that you may not like as much, so you may prefer to spend a little extra via HOTWIRE and have an increased chance at getting something that you think you will be happy with.

Yes, I am aware that rates are date depending but I got to know that my August weekend is rather in the low season comparing with the time of NY marathon or even Christmas.

I see you concern about hotwire and priceline. I know the risk for priceline that I have to accept any hotel, but maybe I could achieve a better deal with bidding even there is the uncertainty of not knowing the hotel totally without hints. Do you see my point by any chance? All I want to say is that maybe 180$ could get me into a 4.5* rather 170$ for 3*. Okay, I will go and think.

Allow me some more questions for the bidding:

I saw your strategy, sometimes your advise to close the browser. This is equivalent to a new bid, please?

I wish you a nice day.

[thereuare]

If you decide you want to go the PRICELINE route we will suggest a strategy to follow at that point in time.

However, usually when a user states that they won't be happy with various hotels that are very highly rated on TripAdvisor (ie- Affinia Shelburne) then HOTWIRE is often a better option so that they can have a guess as to what it is that they may receive before they make their purchase. There is no guarantee that you'll receive the hotel guessed, but this at least puts the odds in your favor that you'll be happy with the results. Sticking with the Shelburne example... this property is higher rated the both of the Hampton Inn properties and available for just a little more than the Hampton Inn offers, so this is an example of where you may be able to get a higher rated hotel for the same price (or not much more), but based upon your previous comments, you'd prefer the lower rated hotel (so for you, a higher rated property for the same amount of money does not necessarily mean a better deal).

Keep in mind that the current HOTWIRE offer(s) are available now... as HOTWIRE only shows one offer per star rating per zone, these could be the same offers you see up until the day you check-in, or they could be gone this afternoon, in one week, or at any time in the future.

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

[bestenborstel]

Dear Thereuare,

I checked out the Affinia Shelburne. 244$ via their own website with special offer (and cocktail). Hampton Inn and Affina have the same satisfaction of 87%, although in the ranking Affinia is in fact higher. If you have seen it, it is probably gone now? (I would not mind to have a better hotel for a little less, but the truth is I mixed up the hotel names, sorry. *big shame*)

Regarding the bidding option. I would like to go for it as well, but is there maybe an area for 4* hotels where maybe more better hotels than strange one are grouped? I think being disappointed for example might happen with some 3*. Bidding range would be up to max. 200$

Best,

BB

[Romelle]

The very last area on this board is Hotel Reviews. To see the New York City ones, first click into the top post there, and then select "N" for New York state.

These reviews have been submitted by members after they received hotels either from PRICELINE or HOTWIRE.

Another excellent source of hotel reviews is www.tripadvisor.com.

Romelle

[bestenborstel]

Dear Romelle,

I did not see those reviews yet. Thank you. I will read them. Tripadvisor.com was know.

Have a good day.

BB

@ Thereuare:

During your bidding strategy, I notice you advise to close the browser and often this is followed by another zone. Why does this count as a rebid, please?

What is please the purpose to close the browser?

Thank you.

BB

[thereuare]

I would start with the Priceline Hotel List and see if you are comfortable with all the 'known' 4* hotels MTW, TS, CPS, ESB, MSG, and/or Chelsea zones as these would be my recommended zones at the 4* level. MTE is now off the bidding at the 4* level since the One UN Plaza has been upgraded to the 4* level and a bit too far easy for easy subway access, imo.

Let us know which zones you're willing to accept and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[bestenborstel]

Dear thereuare,

sorry for my belated reply. I have not seen your post. I will do what you said and check out the hotels, but I need some time for this. For the moment I have decided to do this, but also observe HOTWIRE.

I have noticed this. Perhaps you are interested.

A 2* hotel with Amenities:

Pet friendly

See all amenities

Recommended:

In 100% of Hotwire customer reviews.

for 142$.

I think you once mentioned it could be the Shelbourne, but then it lost 2* on hotwire. Despite this, the TA rating is high, 4/5. Is this not strange or do I miss something, here, please?

Greetings.

BB

[AaronJB]

What zone is this 2* in? It would not be the Affinia Shelburne, which is a 4*.

Additionally, you are looking at 4*'s and now a 2* which are extremely different - what are you looking for in terms of hotel? I'd advise against 2*'s in NYC, which can vary significantly in terms of quality.

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

[bestenborstel]

Dear AaronJB.

Sorry, it is in Empire State Building area. I think that would work.

No, I am looking for 4*, I would say. I just found this offer by hotwire interesting. I remember that somebody here said the Shelbourne is only listed as pet friendly.

So I found this finding wired.

[thereuare]

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

Please click each of the links above, then reply to this thread and we'll continue the discussion for your NYC trip.

Please use the requested links for all your bidding, searches, and travel purchases.

Thanks.

[bestenborstel]

Dear thereuare, I used the HOTWIRE link.

Anyway, I was successful! Today I saw on HOTWIRE a suspicious offer for 3* and 170$.

Amenities

Free Breakfast

Free Internet

Pet friendly

Fitness Center

Business Center

Laundry Facilities (self-service)

High-Speed Internet Access

Accessible for the blind

Accessible for the deaf

Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility

Accessible bathroom

Handicapped parking Roll-in shower

We decided to book it and we got the Staybridge Suites - Times Square Manhattan for 170$. It is only 49$ cheaper than on conventional sites, but since this one hotel I wanted to try out I feel good. It is only slightly higher than a hotel we would have had as backup in the Downtown area. But note, the price on hotwire went up by 20$.

So, I say thank you for your patience with me and the introduction to HOTWIRE and PRICELINE.

But I will be back *g* with a hotel search for the Adirondacks.

A happy BB says thanks.

BB

PS: Yes, I booked the hotel via your HOTWIRE link.

PS2: Any recommendations for a hotel in the Adirondacks, please?

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to see you received one of the hotel you were originally hoping for and are pleased with the outcome.

Thank you for sharing your results and using the HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your purchase.

Enjoy your stay.