Priceline Hotel: Complete Newbie Seeking Advice - NYC April 4 to 11, 2005

[tssearnslaw]

Hello,

All this bidding business is all new to me. We are a couple with 5-year old son. I have read that others with more (up to three) kids have used same room so I'm willing it risk it. We are looking at NYC - not sure of area as this will be our first trip there - but would like 3 stars. Just want something centrally located and clean. Our dates are 4 to 10 April 2015. I would really appreciate some advice on a bidding strategy - location, price etc.

Thanks in advance. Naturally, will start bidding using links from better bidding.com :)

mep

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

 

While 3 in one room via bidding is fine, two beds is not guaranteed (this is especially true in NYC, where bidding will likely result in 1 bed.) Is that acceptable? If not, HOTWIRE and PRICELINE EXPRESS may provide some alternatives for your dates.

 

To get started, what would be your desired budget per night?

 

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

[tssearnslaw]

Yes, one bed is fine. Ideally, we wouldn't want to spend more than $200 a night, incl taxes. Is that a reasonable budget? Have not been to NYC before and in fact only recently moved to the US from Aus.

Thanks for any advice offered.

[Romelle]

If you post more about your plans - what you are planning to do in NYC, will you be using public transportation,  are you willing to walk a bit to it,  etc.  you will get more specific advice.  

 

If all your interests are located in a small area, you might want to be very near that.  But if they are scattered about the city, more areas (zones) could be considered.

 

Is "Aus." Australia or Austria?

 

If you look at Hot.wire and PRICELINE EXPRESS rates, you can get at least a general idea as to what rates might be achievable in the various areas.  With Price.line bidding you may be able to do a little bit better.

 

You are wise to start your planning well in advance.

 

Romelle

 

PS - I'm always recommending guide books too.  You can start with your local library and take home an armload.  Then consider purchasing the one(s) you prefer.  I like the Lonely Planet series for their maps and detailed directions, but there are lots of other good ones.

[thereuare]

Your $200 all-in budget is in the right ballpark, but depending upon the zones you select ultimately may take just a little more, based upon rates i'm currently seeing for your dates.

Generally the following are all typically considered centrally located:

MTW, TS, MSG, ESB

The following also may (or may not) work for your plans:

CPS - well located but has the Hudson Hotel which has notoriously small rooms, i would not recommend including this zone if you're taking the risk of triple occupancy

Chelsea - some hotels can be up to a 10 minute walk to the subway, but this is a 'hot' area right now with lots of cafes, boutiques, clubs, restaurants, etc. so still considered to be quire desirable

MTE - some hotels can be up to a 10-15 minute walk to the subway

Lower East Side - not the most centrally located zone, but do-able for the right price, and may have the best chance at getting something within your budget

Let us know your thoughts on zones and how you'd like to proceed and we will take it from there.

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