Marathongirl Posted March 7, 2014 Report Posted March 7, 2014 Hi,This is an amazing site you have going on here, thank you so much for this. I read through some of your help pages. I've never used Priceline before but a lot of my friends always tell me I should try and can usually get a great deal on hotels. I'm going to NYC to run the marathon in November and was able to book the first half of the trip for free using points, but need to book 4 more nights after that (November 3-7, 2014). As it's the marathon, prices are super high! I'm unsure what I should start with for a bid on Priceline... I'm hoping to get a 4* in Times Square Theatre District. I took a look on Hotwire and it appears I can get something for $233CAD/night, but I'm wondering if I could get something for less on Priceline? Under $200CAD/night possible? Am I too early to bid? Please advise? Any help or bidding tips would be most appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your time!
thereuare Posted March 7, 2014 Report Posted March 7, 2014 Welcome to BetterBidding! (and thanks for the compliments on the site :) ) Please change the drop down menu on the top right of HOT.WIRE's page to United States and the currency dropdown to US Dollars. Then continue to search HOT.WIRE and post to the board in US Dollars so that rates are consistent and not subject to interpretation due to future currency fluctuation. Once you're ready to purchase stay on the US version of their site and simply change the drop down menu to whatever currency you'd like to use and complete your purchase. Is Times Square the only zone you're willing to accept? Including more zones gives more hotels the opportunity to accept your bid which should translate into the lowest price; as well, Times Square is often one of the most expensive zones (and in your case it's a double whammy as you're coming during one of the most expensive times). Is the Times Square hotel at $233CAD above 4* rated, as the 4* hotel i'm seeing in this zone when searching for your dates is $400... the 3.5* is closer to the rate you're quoting. PRICELINE is usually a little cheaper than HOTWIRE, but you can't always make an apples-to-apples comparison, as the two may not apply to the same star rating to the same hotel (often they are the same, but when they are different, HOTWIRE usually gives a half star rating higher). So, assuming you're seeing a 4* hotel on HOTWIRE for $233/nite, it's possible that you are not accepted on PRICELINE even when bidding up to this same amount, since the 4* hotel on HOTWIRE may actually be a 3.5* rated hotel on PRICELINE. Let us know the information above regarding if you're willing to accept other zones, as well as what your expectations is for maximum bid for this leg of your trip at this point in time, and we'll take it from there. 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
Marathongirl Posted March 7, 2014 Author Report Posted March 7, 2014 Hi thanks for the quick reply! I did as you suggested (change to USD)... and for Nov 3-7, 2014, there is a 4* hotel in the Times Square Theatre Disctrict on Hotwire showing up for $208USD/night. I would like to stay in that area if at all possible. Other zones I may be open to is Empire State Bldg area, Midtown East... I was just wondering that if there is a 4* hotel in the Times Square Theatre District on Hotwire for $208USD/night, how much lower could I go on Priceline? Or would you recommend I just book the Hotwire one? Ideally, paying less would be best since it is such an expensive time of year to come, but I guess that's part of the deal when going to run the NYC marathon! Everything is so expensive at that time.. Thanks again.
thereuare Posted March 8, 2014 Report Posted March 8, 2014 Or would you recommend I just book the Hotwire one?PRICELINE is usually a little cheaper than HOTWIRE, but HOTWIRE gives you the ability to know the amenities offered by the hotel (if you're looking for any specific amenities to be offered, and you can also use this information to try to take a guess as to the property offered)... so it comes down to if you want a little less expensive price (PRICELINE) vs. knowing a little more about the property before your purchase (HOTWIRE) I was just wondering that if there is a 4* hotel in the Times Square Theatre District on Hotwire for $208USD/night, how much lower could I go on Priceline?The two services don't always rate hotels the same, so the 4* hotel you're currently seeing on HOTWIRE may be 3.5* rated by PRICELINE (or it could be 4* rated... the two services are often the same, but when there is a difference, HOTWIRE is usually a half star higher/more generous in their rating) If you want to first try bidding on PRICELINE for a 4* hotel in the TS zone, what would be your maximum bid given the HOTWIRE offer? 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
Marathongirl Posted March 8, 2014 Author Report Posted March 8, 2014 Given the hotwire offer, I wouldn't mind trying a $180USD/night max bid? Might be a tall order but worth a try and I suppose I do have some time to play with. I got guaranteed entry into the marathon so I was hoping to lock down a good hotel for a good rate before they do the lottery and everyone finds out if they get into the marathon or not, which I assume is when there will be an influx of bookings. Regarding the star rating difference, I'm not too picky. 3.5* sounds like it could be fine too and we don't have any specific requirements for amenities. Just want a nicer place therefore the 3.5/4* rating preference. Thanks!
thereuare Posted March 8, 2014 Report Posted March 8, 2014 Did you want to try for a 4* first up to your maximum bid, then if rejected try for a 3.5*... or is the goal the least expensive 3.5* or better for this trip? Please confirm and we'll advise accordingly. 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
Marathongirl Posted March 8, 2014 Author Report Posted March 8, 2014 Perhaps try for a 4* up to my maximum bid, then if rejected, try for a 3.5*? Is that reasonable? Thanks again for your time!
thereuare Posted March 8, 2014 Report Posted March 8, 2014 That's reasonable, although i'll re-iterate my thoughts that you should consider other nearby zones besides Times Square, as: 1) it's typically not absolutely necessary to stay directly in Times Square 2) you'll likely be spending more time outside of this area than you think 3) other zones are nearby and usually (not always) less expensive (so i recommend to include TS in your bidding, but not restrict it to only TS, if budget is at all a factor) However, ultimately it's your trip and you know your needs better than we do, so if you want to try for only Times Square, i would try the following: When bidding 4* in NYC you have TWO re-bid zones... no re-bid zones at the 3.5* level. 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* Times Square... Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $180 If the above is rejected close your browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* Times Square... Bid $165 I would repeat the above every 24 hours, repeating the 4* Times Square strategy each time, and increasing the 3.5* strategy by $5 each time (so if the above is rejected you would repeat the 4* strategy and then try 3.5* at $170... 24 hours later repeat the 4* strategy and then 3.5* at $175, etc, etc) Any questions feel free to ask. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Good luck... keep us updated on your progress 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
Marathongirl Posted March 8, 2014 Author Report Posted March 8, 2014 Oh sorry, I should have clarified... I am open to other zones, mainly as central and close to more subway access as possible... I am fine with the Empire State Building and Midtown East zones too if that will mean I could have a better shot at a nice hotel for a lower price. Does that help? How do I modify the above strategy you sent? (which looks good btw) but I agree that I would rather not limit myself to just one zone so I can hopefully get a better deal. Thanks!!
thereuare Posted March 8, 2014 Report Posted March 8, 2014 Generally speaking at the 4* level the following zones are considered to be well located with good subway access: MTW, TS, MSG, ESB The following are also often bid but some caveats you should be aware of: MTE - most are well located but a few can be up to a 10-15 minute walk to the subway CPS - well located but has notoriously small rooms (even by NYC standards) Chelsea - can be a 10+ minute walk to the subway, but a 'hot' area right now with lots of bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs, etc. Let us know your thoughts on these zones and we'll take it from there. 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
Marathongirl Posted March 8, 2014 Author Report Posted March 8, 2014 Hi, thanks again for all the detailed information.I've stayed in the ESB and MTE area before and really liked it there but yes, I think MTE could potentially get a bit farther from the subway.... and then I have only since stayed in the Upper East Side with a friend who lived there. I took a look a closer look at the zones on the Priceline maps and with the information you provided, I think I am good with the following zones:MTW, TS, MSG, and ESB. 4* would be nice but if that doesn't work for my budget, then 3.5* will be fine too. Thanks again! You are most helpful. I'm excited to try bidding and see what I can book!
thereuare Posted March 9, 2014 Report Posted March 9, 2014 Using your TWO re-bid zones at the 4* level (see Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to confirm with the board if you're unsure) you can try the following: Select 4* MTW... Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* TS... Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MSG... Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* ESB... Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MTW and TS... Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $153, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MSG and ESB... Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $153, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MTW and MSG... Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $163, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* TS and ESB... Bid $158, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $163, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MTW and ESB... Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $168, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* TS and MSG... Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $168, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MTW, TS, MSG... Bid $173, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $178, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MTW, TS, ESB... Bid $173, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $178, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 4* MTW, TS, MSG, ESB... Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $183, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $185 if the above is rejected i would take the 4* MSG HOTWIRE offer: Free Internet Smoke Free Fitness Restaurant Business Hi-Speed Internet Golf Blind Accessible Deaf Accessible Travel Accessible Room Accessible Bathroom Accessible Roll-in Shower ... which i'm guessing to be the Wyndham New Yorker. Of course you can stop bidding at $180 if that is your current limit (and/or not take the HOTWIRE offer) but i went up to $185 in case you wanted to get this 'done' and would then want to take the HOTWIRE offer) Any 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
Marathongirl Posted March 9, 2014 Author Report Posted March 9, 2014 Thanks so much for the detailed bidding strategy! I used all the links from your forum and although it took a long time, I finally got the 4* in MSG (Wyndham New Yorker) for $175USD/night. Which is $10 less per night than if I booked off Hotwire. Over 4 nights, that's $40 I can spend on a good meal! =) Now I just need to worry about training for that marathon. Thanks again for all the assistance, much appreciated!!
thereuare Posted March 10, 2014 Report Posted March 10, 2014 Congratulations on your success! Glad to see you received a very nice deal for this very busy time in NYC. The NYC Marathon is a great event and while tough, i'm sure you will have a great experience (my wife has run it twice), and i'm moved even just standing on the sidelines watching all the runners. Thank you for sharing your win with the board. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Enjoy your stay and good luck with your training. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Recommended Posts
Register now, we have a huge community of travel enthusiasts to answer any questions you might have.
Sign In Now