Priceline Hotel: 2* Newark (Meadowlands-Rutherford) Homestead Suites

[Jasmine]

Hey everyone.

I've never stayed in the area before and from what I've read it seems like a cheaper alternative to Secaucus-North Bergen (which I have stayed in twice previously paying approx. $55/night). I have been unsuccessful in securing a room in Secaucus (I've been bidding for over a month now as high as $68 to no avail). I'm actually going to college basketball game at Continental Arena on the 10th so the Meadowlands-Rutherford area is probably more convenient (although I'll have a car so location isn't really an issue).

According to Sheraton's website, there are no rooms available on my required dates so I guess I am looking at getting a 2-2.5*. Where should I start the bidding at? Thanks to the high price of the Secaucus zone, can I use that to get some free rebids?

Thanks.

[thereuare]

I don't really think that the Meadlowlands/Rutherford area is cheaper than the Secaucus/North Bergen area... they both seem to be fairly comprable in price to me. The problem that i think you are experiencing is very high demand for these dates. There is almost nothing in NYC for this weekend and these areas of NJ are likely getting a lot of the overflow.

Let us know what your maximum bid is for this stay and we'll advise of your best options.

[dahammer]

Looks like the Extended Stay America is available on Hotwire for $62, this is the one in Rutherford, and is shown as a 2* with a Kitchenette and Laundry. That's the only listing for a hotel at any star level in Secaucus-Meadowlands for your dates of travel, so I would confirm that room inventory is tight.

This hotel is really close to the Continental arena.

[Jasmine]

Thanks for the suggestion. I really don't want to go over $65 so I guess if I can't get anything cheaper through PL the 2* on HW should be good. Just a question... HW seems to group both areas together (Secaucus & Rutherford) and there is an Extended Stay in each area. How do you know it's the one in Rutherford?

Extended StayAmerica Secaucus - Meadowlands

1 Meadowlands Pkwy.

Secaucus, NJ 07094

- cheapest room is $107

Extended StayAmerica Meadowlands - Rutherford

750 Edwin L. Ward, Sr. Memorial Hwy.

Rutherford, NJ 07070

- cheapest room is $94.50

[Jasmine]

Ok I know no whining is allowed so I'll just say hindsight is 20-20.

I tried a "cheap" bid of $55 for a 2* in Rutherford (had tried $55 for 3* and $56 for 2.5*) and wound up with the Homestead Studio Suites Meadowlands - East Rutherford. Given that I could have had the Extended Stay through hotwire for only $11 more after taxes that's probably what I would do now given the chance since it's a slightly nicer place in a better location. But hey - I'm happy I got someplace at all. :)

Your Offer Price: $55.00

Number of Rooms: 1

Number of Nights: 2

Subtotal: $110.00

Taxes & Service Fees:

$24.36

Total Charges: $134.36

[dahammer]

How do you know it's the one in Rutherford?

this is the one that has been reported to the board, the Secaucus property has not been reported.

[thereuare]

This is actually a pretty good rate for this weekend... inventory is tight!

This hotel is fairly new and it's possible to walk to the Meadowlands arena/stadium from here (but be very careful if you do as you need to walk along a highway, but there will be others doing the same)

Enjoy your stay.

[Jasmine]

Thanks for the info! So would you recommend walking rather than paying the $10 parking? I'm not as concerned about the cost as I am about the time it will take to exit after the game. Right afterwards I want to go over to Manhattan so losing 30 minutes to leave a parking lot would suck.

I forgot to mention earlier that as always, I went through SavingsBarn to place my bid.

Oh does anyone know if there are any public lockers still available in the city (preferably close to Central Park)? I was planning on going skating but don't want to lug my skates around with me all afternoon.

[thereuare]

If you do drive park near the exit and back in to the space. I don't know what venue you're going to (how busy it will be) so tough to say whether driving or walking is the right approach. It will still take you a bit of time walking from the arena/stadium to the hotel.

There are no public lockers in NYC that i know of, but you can try going into a hotel and tell the bellman that you're meeting some people (who are staying in the hotel) for lunch/dinner later that day and if they'd store your skates for you for a few hours. Just tip the bellman when you both drop-off and pick-up the skates and you shouldn't have a problem.

... and thanks for using the SavingsBarn.com links :)