Canucktraveller Posted October 8, 2013 Report Posted October 8, 2013 Hi,I'm looking for a hotel in NYC Checkin Oct 12, Checkout Oct 14. Not sure the best bidding strategy. I'd hope to get 3* or above, but I've seen Hudson (for eg) mentioned on here in CPS zone that has VERY small rooms and I'd prefer to avoid that. :SI've read the re-bid strategy thread over and over, but have yet to understand what you mean with advice for others when it says 'bid $x (higher) and add re-bid zone'. From what I can tell in NYC, ALL the zones have up to high *-rated zones?Ideally looking at:Chelsea, MSG, MTW/TS/CPS/HK/MTE, ESB. If I had to go to LES that would be ok, or even UWS (but not too far up!).All of these have 4* and up ratings so not sure how to go about adding a re-bid zone. Even areas I'm not interested in have up to 4* and 5* ratings. Sorry if I'm being really stunned! Also - not sure if I'm way too late!
Canucktraveller Posted October 8, 2013 Author Report Posted October 8, 2013 Oh, I didn't check areas outside Manhattan, but there's Brooklyn (also up to 4*), but also Morningside and Long Island, both of which go up to 3.5* - so they are the 2 zones I would use for adding the zones while bidding 4* and up? But then I'm screewed when I go down to 3.5* and 3*? Just trying to wrap my head around it...THANKS for whatever help you can offer!!
Canucktraveller Posted October 8, 2013 Author Report Posted October 8, 2013 Just realized I didn't include budget - sorry. Ideally looking for something around the $200 mark. Looks like someone on here managed to get that price for a 4* today or recently.
Canucktraveller Posted October 8, 2013 Author Report Posted October 8, 2013 Sorry for adding yet ANOTHER reply but just wanted to say - YES am using your link!
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 **USING YOUR link to PRICELINE ON HERE**Would like to get under $200 for Manhattan THIS weekend Oct 12-14th (2 nights). Ideally looking at these zones:Chelsea, MSG, MTW/TS/CPS/HK/MTE, ESB. If I had to go to LES that would be ok, or even UWS (but not too far up!).Based on your strategies suggested for other people, below is what I tried tonight. I welcome any critique as I'm learning. All are based on 4* because the other areas go up to 3.5* so there would be no 're-bid zone' from what I can tell.Note: X = rejection.Selected 4* Chelsea:Bid $125, X, add re-bid zoneBid $130, X, add re-bid zoneBid $135, X closed browser, cleared cache, and used your link to reopenSelected 4* MSG:Bid $125, X, add re-bid zoneBid $130, X, add re-bid zoneBid $135, X closed browser, cleared cache, and used your link to reopenSelected 4* ESB:Bid $125, X, add re-bid zoneBid $130, X, add re-bid zoneBid $135, X closed browser, cleared cache, and used your link to reopenSelected 4* MTW & TS:Bid $125, X, add re-bid zoneBid $130, X, add re-bid zoneBid $135, X closed browser, cleared cache, and used your link to reopenSelected 4* CPS:Bid $125, X, add re-bid zoneBid $130, X, add re-bid zoneBid $135, X THEN TRIED MORE ZONESAdded CHELSEA, $140, XAdded MSG, $140, XAdded ESB, $140, XAdded MTW/TS, $140, XSelected 4* MTEBid $125, X, add re-bid zoneBid $130, X, add re-bid zoneBid $135, X closed browser, cleared cashe, and used your link to reopenNow, even though I've closed and cleared the cache, its not allowing me to increase bids for any of the same areas/star ratings.I've tried:Selected 4* ChelseaBid $138, (with PLANS to add rebid zones and increase to $143, $148 and pretty much repeat the above), BUT...It denies me saying I've already bid for there and to add another zone or star rating. I also tried adding MSG again with the rest the same and got the same denial message.Guess I'm done and out of luck for 24 hours unless I use by boyfriend's info? (which I'm likely to do when I get home - just don't want to shoot myself in the foot).Anyway - your critique is appreciated, hopefully I've been clear. I saw some people getting under $200 for 4* levels in this area so thought I'd start under. Was also following a thread looking for November help for a 4* and my prices were a little higher.Is it clear why I can't bid anymore?Side note: I guess there is no way to determine whether a hotel might have parking included (pretty unlikely in NYC I would imagine)?Again - THANKS for all you do! :) My b/f is going to try now since I've seen more Oct 12-14th postings on here since I posted earlier! Uh oh! :o
thereuare Posted October 9, 2013 Report Posted October 9, 2013 You're bidding much too low for a 4* hotel in these zones for these dates... especially when you only have 3 days to go before arrival.This Saturday nite is very expensive and although i know it's not ideal on a 2 nite stay, is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option? I think you can get a 4* hotel in the MTW zone for Sunday nite at $125/nite or less... but Saturday you're looking at a 3.5* Downtown for $250/nite (or closer to $300/nite for something closer to midtown) and this will give you an average rate within your $200/nite budget.If you aren't willing to change hotels, at current rates i think you'll need to consider Downtown for your entire stay to get something closer to $200-$220... or $250-$270 for something closer to midtown.Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.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
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 Oh darn! I had all these replies cleaned up nicely in my new 'summary' thread in this forum. Oh well.I really don't want to be all the way downtown/financial district. :( Darn. I really didn't know what was reasonable, just wanted to start low and was looking at other recommendations, but they may have been weekdays (didn't consider that). I did try to bid similar to the strategy I used above in the diff areas, but between 138-148 and even up to 158/163 for some but no luck. Even tried going to 3.5* for some. I'll try again today the 3.5* strategy again, starting with those areas.Although it sounds complicated, I don't mind splitting the nights, but I would prefer to split them within the same areas mentioned. What about even LES - still a no-go? Q: If I do start splitting the bid - think I should start with the Sunday night first and follow a similar strategy as above? And then worry about Sat after? Or better to secure Sat first, using similar strategy, but much higher bids and then look at Sun?...Also: any experience with parking in/around these hotels that you know of?
thereuare Posted October 9, 2013 Report Posted October 9, 2013 MY ADVICE:1) STOP BIDDING until you have a better laid out strategy than what you have done above, as you received duplicate bidding messages later in your bidding, so you're obviously not using an optimal strategy and getting the most bids you possibly can with your current approach2) 'regular' rates for 4* hotels for your dates start at $300 and go up from there. Don't bother bidding in $1-$2 increments, especially when you only have 2-3 days to get this stay settled. If you end up getting a $300/nite hotel room at a big discount, does it really make a difference if you get it for $150, $152 or $154/nite? Don't lose sight of the forest for the trees (or however that saying goes)... keep the big picture in mind. 3) yes, you can try for something other than the Downtown zone for the first nite, but for a 4* hotel on this nite in the zones you have previously bid i think you're likely looking at $280/nite, which paired with the $125/nite for the MTW hotel for the second nite puts you over your target $200 budget. Also, that 4* MTW for $125/nite is no longer offered.. but there is a 4* MSG at $141/nite, a 4* MTW at $150/nite, and a 4* MTE at $164/nite... SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID still appears to be beneficial for this stay, but pairing these prices with the ~$280 it will take for the first nite will now further put you over $200/nite average.Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.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
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 Thanks for the response!1. I had no choice to stop bidding - they closed me out. ;) I just wanted to get started last night. I thought my strategy echoed ones on here laid out for people so went with what seemed to line up the best. I didn't get the duplicate bidding message until after ALL of those bids were in.2. I bid in $5 increments, not $1-2 increments - just started going with some uneven #'s to change things up. So I think we're on the same page here - just that my bids were too low. :S3. I don't want to bid DT; I am willing to split bids, but ONLY in the same zones I already mentioned. 4. Am also willing to go 3.5* in same zones (except CPS since its been stated the small rooms in one of their 3.5* options).Does this help? I'm going to try bidding for 3.5* a little higher for the 2 nights first, and look forard to whatever strategy you recommend re: splitting.Would priceline take the average price for the two nights and maybe accept my bid - is that how it works? Or does it go with the more expensive night and lump them all together?
thereuare Posted October 9, 2013 Report Posted October 9, 2013 1. I had no choice to stop bidding - they closed me out. ;) I just wanted to get started last night. I thought my strategy echoed ones on here laid out for people so went with what seemed to line up the best. I didn't get the duplicate bidding message until after ALL of those bids were in.You can do better.3. I don't want to bid DT; I am willing to split bids, but ONLY in the same zones I already mentioned.That's fine... but at the moment it appears to take you over your $200/nite budget, so it's a trade-off between staying Downtown vs. staying within your budget.4. Am also willing to go 3.5* in same zones (except CPS since its been stated the small rooms in one of their 3.5* options).Does this help? I'm going to try bidding for 3.5* a little higher for the 2 nights first, and look forard to whatever strategy you recommend re: splitting.What is your maximum bid at the 3.5* level for the full 2 nite stay? Would priceline take the average price for the two nights and maybe accept my bid - is that how it works? Or does it go with the more expensive night and lump them all together?Depends upon the hotel... sometimes the rate is averages, sometimes it take the higher minimum bid for each individual nite. PRICELINE has gotten much better at averaging the rates, but historically HOTWIRE has a better track record of doing so.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
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 Trying to figure out what was wrong with my bidding strategy and think I may have figured it ou. Its secondary to my strategy, but you can let me know your thoughts later in a non-urgent manner.I think its because in my last bid, I started adding all the diff zones in. So then when I closed and reopened to try again, I didn't have any 'new' zone-combinations to try. Lightbulb! (I think).
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 What is your maximum bid at the 3.5* level for the full 2 nite stay? *Same budget. I was only going with 4* because it was the only way to have the re-bid zones. :S
thereuare Posted October 9, 2013 Report Posted October 9, 2013 So a 3.5* in Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, HK, MTE, ESB with a maximum bid of $200... is this correct?If so you can try as follows:Select 3.5* Chelsea, MTE...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* MTW, MSG...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* HK, TS...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, MTW...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* TS, HK, MTE...Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, Chelsea, MSG...Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* TS, MSG, MTW...Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, HK, MTE...Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, MSG, MTW...Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTE...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* MTW, TS, HK...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, MTW, TS...Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS...Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, HK, MTE, ESB...Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, HK, MTW, TS...Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTE, ESB...Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, HK, MTE, TS...Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, ESB...Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, HK...Bid $180, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, MTE...Bid $180, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, ESB...Bid $180, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* HK, MTE, Chelsea, MSG, MTW...Bid $185, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* HK, MTE, Chelsea, MSG, TS...Bid $185, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* HK, MTE, Chelsea, MSG, ESB...Bid $185, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, HK, MTE...Bid $190, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, HK, ESB...Bid $190, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* MTE, ESB, Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS...Bid $195, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* MTE, ESB, Chelsea, MSG, MTW, HK...Bid $195, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Chelsea, MSG, MTW, TS, HK, MTE, ESB...Bid $200Any questions feel free to ask.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.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
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 Thank-you! Will try and let you know! Will use your PRICELINE links on here!
AaronJB Posted October 9, 2013 Report Posted October 9, 2013 Thank you for keeping us updated and please let us know if you have additional questions.Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Canucktraveller Posted October 9, 2013 Author Report Posted October 9, 2013 Well I did all 30 of those bids but nothing took. Final one I did at $201 instead of $200, just incase.I'm getting tired of re-inputting all of the info over and over again (billing address screen), but may try the same strategy again going higher, or go with Hotwire.Hotwire was showing a 3.5* ESB hotel for $233 which looked to be the King & Grove, but its not there anymore. :S Now the best option seems to be MSG 3.5* for $266 (which could be Yotel?).So gotta figure out if its worth battling it out for the $65 difference per night ($130 total). I think so...I would think/hope bidding should land us a better deal eventually...but maybe not.If you have any input - its welcomed!
AaronJB Posted October 9, 2013 Report Posted October 9, 2013 Any PRICELINE Express deals - then you could try using the FALL5 coupon code?Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Canucktraveller Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Posted October 10, 2013 Thanks Aaron. The Express Deals don't appear to be too hot for this weekend right now - probably missed my window with being so impulsive! :)Thanks for the suggestion though!
Canucktraveller Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Posted October 10, 2013 Q: I'd be ok with UWS, Empire Hotel only, which is 4* (the 3.5* Excelsior is too far up), so I could bid for that one and add a zone at a time on up, correct? And I saw on here somewhere that someone got that last weekend (I believe) for $190. Make sense?
Canucktraveller Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Posted October 10, 2013 Hi,I'm just wondering if you've noticed a pattern of hotel prices on hotwire going up the more those dates are selected to look at? I'm hopefully just crazy, but I've been casually checking it for a couple of days while doing Priceline bids, and even just today, it seemed to go up $20-$30 every couple of hours that I looked. I recall this happening in the past. Just wondering if its a strong pattern or not. Maybe tomorrow morning it'll go back to what it was earlier today.I've been using your priceline and HOTWIRE links like crazy the past couple of days!! :)AJ
thereuare Posted October 10, 2013 Report Posted October 10, 2013 Please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread.I'm just wondering if you've noticed a pattern of hotel prices on hotwire going up the more those dates are selected to look at?Prices do no fluctuate based upon the number of times you search. HOTWIRE only makes $0.00 if you buy a hotel room... they want you to find a good deal. Unfortunately you have come across very busy/difficult dates (well, at least one of your dates)I'm getting tired of re-inputting all of the info over and over again (billing address screen)...Can't you log-in and then not need to re-enter the information each time?And I saw on here somewhere that someone got that last weekend (I believe) for $190. Make sense?It would be great if it worked out... but i'm doubtful it would. Rates are date specific and can vary greatly from one day to the next, and rates for your Saturday nite are substantially higher than other nearby dates, so what somebody received a week earlier is not necessarily relevant to your own stay.If you want to see just how different rates can be, search HOTWIRE and PRICELINE EXPRESS for the nite for just the nite of 10/12 and then again for just the nite of 10/13... pretty substantial difference, huh? That is where the idea above of SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID came into play.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.Keep us updated on your progress and let us know how we can continue to be of assistance. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Canucktraveller Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Posted October 10, 2013 Thanks! Didn't know if you wanted the Hotwire related post over there, since it was more 'general' questions - sorry!Thought it wouldn't work with the extra bids if I logged in so entered the info every time. Oops! I did check out the splitting the two nights to see what the offerings were - on both Priceline and Hotwire, just to get an idea.I haven't given up on driving there for this weekend quite yet. I found your BiddingHelper.com link on other threads very helpful. Do you still get some sort of credit if we book via that?Anyway, now I'm on to HOTWIRE for a moment. Let me know if you prefer I start a new thread in Hotwire NY, but looking to identify 3.5* MSG-HK with these amenities:Madison Square Garden - Hell's Kitchen •Free Internet•Boutique Hotel•Smoke Free Rooms•Fitness Center•Restaurant(s)•Business Center•Internet access•Accessible for the blind•Accessible path of travel•In-room accessibility•Wheelchair accessible•Accessible bathroom•Handicapped parking•Roll-in showerLooks like it might be Yotel or TRYP (I would prefer TRYP, but am leaning toward it being Yotel). But both of them show no availability on their own websites....any ideas? Or is their website availability irrelavent?
Canucktraveller Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Posted October 10, 2013 Meant to add, that one is currently listed at $243 on the 'Easy View' side.
thereuare Posted October 10, 2013 Report Posted October 10, 2013 You can keep all posts for this stay, including HOTWIRE inquiries, in this thread... if that is the service you ultimately use, the entire thread will automatically be moved to that section of the board when you use the EDIT TO REPORT WIN button on the lower right corner of this page.Best guess for the 3.5* MSG HOTWIRE hotel above would be the Yotel Times Square.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
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