Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* New York City (Midtown East) One UN New York

[Davedigger]

Usually I don't have a problem with purchasing from Hotwire or bidding on Priceline, because the worst case scenario will net you 1 queen bed in the room.

However, since this is a trip to NYC and all 4 women are set on having their own beds (we'll book 2 rooms), I am petrified of landing us rooms with 1 double in each. I think if we managed to get king beds in each room it would be ok.

Is there any strategy to get what we need, or will I need to go the rack rate route?

Assistance is appreciated.

Audrey

[iamjwk]

You should look at PRICELINE EXPRESS deals. Some of them have the option to choose beds. A little more expensive than normal PL bidding, but it will assure you get the beds you want.

[Davedigger]

Ah yes! The express deals had slipped my mind.

Thanks! I'll check into it.

A.

[thereuare]

Searching HOTWIRE for 2adults/2children would also be an option... but the second 'bed' could be a rollaway brought into the room, pullout sofabed, etc.

What are the dates of your stay and maximum budget (per room/per nite before taxes/fees?)

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

[Davedigger]

Hi!

Our dates are Dec. 19th to 22nd with no flexibility. Our max per room is $200/night all in, so that transalates to about $160/night base rate. It's low, but rates seem to have fallen recently.

Pretty much anywhere in Manhattan (other than N. of CP) is fine, 3 1/2 stars or greater. Too much to ask? Possibly, but I have to at least try.

The rollaway/pull out could work!

I couldn't find a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal to match the criteria.

Thanks for your help.

A.

Edit: There is only a 3* in DT for $167/night (a touch above budget, but doable). Any ideas which hotel it might be?

[AaronJB]

Please provide the amenities showing with the listing and we would be happy to take a look and try to ID.

In terms of staying in the downtown area, if you are going to spend much of your time in Midtown would you be interested in raising your budget a tad to get a Midtown property to save on the time and money (in potentially chilly December) for traveling from downtown to midtown?

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

[Davedigger]

Wow. Things change on a dime with those NYC hotels.

Currently there are:

3* MTC hotel available for $156.

Amenities - Free Internet

Fitness Center

Pool

Restaurant

TripAdvisor rating - 3.5/5

3* DT hotel available for $157.

Amenities - Internet

Fitness Center

Business Center

TripAdvisor rating - Not noted

All others are above budget.

While I would gladly pay extra for a more central location, the other 3 have put a hard and fast stop on $200/night/room. I think because they've never been to NYC before, they don't get it.

Thanks again for your help.

A.

[AaronJB]

For both listings:

I think there may be more amenities than you have posted above. If you search for your date/s via BiddingHelper.com and then click "Hotwire Easy View", do you see additional amenities beyond the amenities listed above? If so, please provide the full list and we would be happy to take a look and try to ID..

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

[Davedigger]

On BiddingHelper I find:

3* MTC $160

Amenities:

•Free Internet•Fitness Center•Pool(s)•Restaurant(s)•Internet access•Accessible for the blind•Accessible for the deaf•Accessible path of travel•In-room accessibility•Accessible bathroom•Handicapped parking•Roll-in shower

3* DT $163

Amenities:

•Fitness Center•Business Center•Internet access

[thereuare]

Best guess for the 3* would be the Holiday Inn Midtown 57th St and for the Downtown property my guess would be the Holiday Inn New York City - Manhattan East.

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 or if we can be of further help.

[Davedigger]

Just to update y'all, we decided to roll the dice on one room, but ensure the other had 2 beds. The 2 that insisted on a bed of their own will pay the amount that's over budget.

Strategy on Hotwire:

2 rooms, 6 adults

3 1/2 star MTE

Booked at $183 CA (~ $172 US) = $1420.00 CA for the 3 nights ($220 over budget)

Hotel = ONE UN New York

Cautiously optimistic - If we end up in the renovated west tower, I'm a rock star. If not, I'll be hung out to dry...

As an FYI, my back-up plan was The Court - St. Giles at the Tripadvisor rate (booked last week when prices were a touch lower). A 700 sq. ft. executive suite - King bedroom with a separate living room with Queen pull-out sofa. Pretty much exactly on budget @ $1200 CA. The downside was 1 bathroom for 4 women lol!

Thoughts? Advice for next time?

Thanks for all your input!

Audrey

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Thank you for sharing your win with the board.

Can you please add a reply to this thread with the amenities shown before your purchase... you can still view this information by going to HOTWIRE and clicking the MY ACCOUNT link near the top right of their home page.

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

Enjoy your stay.

[Davedigger]

The amenities are as follows:

3.5-star Hotel in Midtown East

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Indoor pool(s)

<amenity names only please... not descriptions> Fitness Center

Guests have access to exercise equipment; an additional charge may apply. Pool(s)

Property offers at least one pool area; hours and dates of operation may be seasonal. Restaurant(s)

Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary. Business Center

Guests have access to business equipment and services; an additional charge may apply. Internet access

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

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one tennis court; an extra charge typically applies.

[thereuare]

THANKS for the follow-up!

You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

Have a great trip.