Priceline Hotel: 4* Manhattan bidding strategy

[whobbler]

Hi,

Brand new to all this, have been reading up on rebidding, and what kind of prices to expect.

Looking for 4* 1/30-2/2 in Midtown, Empire state, etc, that general area, and I'd love to spend less than $100, although a little higher is ok. Looking at winning bids for these dates last year it seems possible.

How should I go about bidding? (I tried once at $80 for Midtown West, and it didn't work, also the 2 non 4* zones were then grayed out making it impossible to use the free rebid strategy..)

I'm guessing the best prices are closer to the date, but the sooner I can lock it in the better.

Hugely thankful for your help!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links, then reply to this thread and we'll have a look at your post above.

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

Thanks.

[whobbler]

Done! :)

[thereuare]

Looking at winning bids for these dates last year it seems possible.

This is an excellent example of how rates are date specific... the Superbowl is taking place in this region on Sunday Feb 2 and hotel rates are expensive that a 4* hotel at or near $100 doesn't seem realistic.

Assuming you are not coming to town for the SuperBowl, are your plans flexible that you're able to change dates? If not, using our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com what is the best rate you're able to find at an acceptable hotel for these dates? (to start try searching within '3 miles of Times Square New York')

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

[whobbler]

Not really flexible, however I could do sunday 2/2-2/4 instead, maybe the inflated prices will be gone for those days, or how long before/after does it typically affect prices?

[thereuare]

The later dates will maybe help a little, but you will still likely need to lower your star rating and/or increase your budget... is it worth cutting your trip one day short?

Are you looking to increase your budget in order to get a 4* hotel OR are you looking to lower your star rating to stay as close to the $100 mark as possible?

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

[whobbler]

Price is a bigger factor so a 3,5* or 3* is maybe more realistic.

I'm in NYC 1/30-2/4 and am looking to stay at a hotel 2-3 nights, which nights is irrelevant.

[thereuare]

HOTWIRE does have what appears to be the 2.5* Astor on the Park for just $51/nite for 1/30-2/3. While this is a 'bare bones' hotel i mention it only because the price is really cheap, should this be of any interest. (may be available for long dates too, i didn't check other combinations)

For 2/2-2/4 there is a 3.5* TS property for $112/nite which i'm guessing to be a new amenity set for the Paramount Hotel Times Square New York.

Are either of the above of interest?

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

[whobbler]

Hmm.

Given that I have time on my side I'd like to try and get a good deal on priceline.

My new goal is to get a 3.5* in the same area as mentioned before (TS, midtown, etc), around $100/night for 30/1, and then 2/2-2/4 (different hotels OK).

How would you go about this?

Thanks for your help!

[thereuare]

Given that I have time on my side...

You do have time before your stay, but that doesn't necessarily mean that waiting will give you a better deal. What if hotels book more rooms over the next few weeks then currently expected... rates would likely move higher and a 'deal' that is available today at $125/nite (just picking a number) may not be offered (or be priced higher) a few weeks from now. I just don't think you're being realistic in your expectations, as no hotel is likely willing to discount this much to $100 or less when they are expecting many guests to come in for the SuperBowl.

...in the same area as mentioned before (TS, midtown, etc)...

Please let us know the zones you are willing to accept, by PRICELINE name, and we will suggest a strategy for you to follow.

NOTE: the previously mentioned 3.5* HOTWIRE Time Square hotel at $112 is no longer available.

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

[whobbler]

All of manhattan is fine, Lower manhattan being the least desirable. Midtown being most desirable.

[thereuare]

Using the search box on the top right of this page, please enter 'New York City, NY' and the dates of your stay. On the ensuing page, please list the zones, as their names appear on that page, that you would like to bid.

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