14americandreams Posted August 8, 2015 Report Posted August 8, 2015 Hello,I have tried to bid for a room in NYC for the period 18 August - 24 August unsuccessfully so far. Have started with the areas Upper East, then Central Park South, then Mid Town West, then Times Square, then Mid Town East, then Hells Kitchen, then Empire State Building, then Downtown Wall Street. And lowering from 4, to 3.5 to 3 stars.Greedily enough, I have started with a price of 100 USD b/f taxes.Quite logically, it did not work.Am planning to start again in two hours, using the same path, and increasing by 5 USD.Is there something am missing in the strategy, but for the fact that very likely, it will take me 7 to 10 extra new attempts (with increases in prices) before I get a positive answer ?Thanks and congratulations for your website, which is very interesting.
AaronJB Posted August 9, 2015 Report Posted August 9, 2015 Welcome to Betterbidding. :)Please confirm your desired max budget per night for this stay. I think you're likely looking at closer to the $165-185 mark for a 4* in Midtown, although it's worth starting lower and working up to that neighborhood. Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.
14americandreams Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Posted August 9, 2015 I had in mind 135/150 usd as the max amount b/f taxes. I think a 3.5 stars would be good enough, am sure 3 would be too, but I have noted in previous comments that you make the point that randomly, one cannot exclude to get a so so 3 stars hotel and that the difference in price vs the 3.5 isn't compelling enough to take the risk. Unless I misinterpreted your comments...I have now tried at 110 usd to no avail. I still have 10 good days to try again so I was considering looking at it in a couple of days or so.... Many thanks.
AaronJB Posted August 9, 2015 Report Posted August 9, 2015 I'd try up to $150 at the 4* level. While I think it will probably take a moderately higher bid than that, it's worth a try. A 3.5* can likely be had around the $135-150 +/- level. HOTWIRE has a 3.5* in the Times Square/Theater District w/Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible for $167. This would likely be the Row. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.
14americandreams Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Posted August 9, 2015 Thanks for your advice. I have now been rejected at 120 USD. I will try again in 24 hours or so. Best regards.
yellowdog Posted August 9, 2015 Report Posted August 9, 2015 I will try again in 24 hours or so.PRICELINE recently changed the lockout period. You can now bid every two hours. Good luck with your next round of bidding! Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Thank you for keeping us updated. Please let us know if you have any questions. Yellowdog.
thereuare Posted August 9, 2015 Report Posted August 9, 2015 At current rates a 4* in midtown will likely run you $145-$165... maybe $10 less or so if you're willing to accept the Upper West Side (the Empire Hotel is frequently won in this zone) If you want to keep it under $145/nite you can likely get a 3.5* in the LES zone. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. If you let us know the maximum bid you're willing to make at this time, and the star rating/zones you'd like to try for, we can suggest a bidding strategy for you to follow. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Posted August 11, 2015 Thanks for your answers. I have just tried again at 120usd to no avail.To answer to your question, my objective would be to:- get a 3.5 stars- in the upper east, central park south, midtown east, times square, midtown east, hells kitchen, empire state areasAnd 130/135 usd would be great.If it is too low to get those areas, i could add downtown financial district, queensborough bridge.I had not thought about adding lower east side yet, nor upper west (i was a bit worried to be too north in upper west vs what i am looking for)I will wait for your answers before trying again.Many thanks
thereuare Posted August 11, 2015 Report Posted August 11, 2015 I have just tried again at 120usd to no avail.At what star rating(s)? To answer to your question, my objective would be to: - get a 3.5 stars - in the upper east, central park south, midtown east, times square, midtown east, hells kitchen, empire state areasIs there a reason you have not included MSG and/or Chelsea? And 130/135 usd would be great.But you have only thus far bid up to $120? Are you willing to bid up to $135/nite at this time? What about the previously stated $150 maximum bid price you previously stated above? You could likely get the 4* Wyndham New Yorker in the MSG zone for less than $150/nite, should this be of interest. I had not thought about adding lower east side yet, nor upper west (i was a bit worried to be too north in upper west vs what i am looking for)The UWS goes only slightly further north than the UES... typically if one is acceptable the other is likely acceptable as well (as you're looking at a subway ride either way and the potential additional stop or two is not the issue when riding the subway, it's more so the wait between trains and/or transfer waiting time). I will add that HOTWIRE also has what appears to be the 3.5* Paramount Hotel Times Square New York in the Times Square zone for $137/nite (this is 3 star rated by PRICELINE), should this be of any interest. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Based upon the above let us know your thoughts as to how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Posted August 11, 2015 Thanks so much for all your comments. To answer the various questions:- last time i bid was for 3.5 stars and above, at 120 usd- there was no reason for me not to include msg and chelsea, thanks for the suggestion- well noted for the comment on uws, thanks- i had in mind a max price of 150 usd for 4 stars and 130/135 usd for 3.5 stars, but as am very ok with a 3.5 usd, that is why i have indicated 130/135 usd as what i would like to achieve tops.I hope i have answered all questions. Many thanks
thereuare Posted August 11, 2015 Report Posted August 11, 2015 How it is that you want to proceed: 4* up to $150 while including MSG and/or Chelsea 3.5* up to $135 (for which zones??) Let us know how you'd like to proceed, as well as confirming the zone(s) and maximum bid, and we will suggest a strategy for you to follow. Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Posted August 11, 2015 I would like to bid for 3.5* up to 135usd for the following zones, by order of preference:upper east, central park south, midtown east, times square, midtown east, hells kitchen, empire state, uws, msg and chelsea.Many thanks
thereuare Posted August 11, 2015 Report Posted August 11, 2015 Few comments about your zone choices above: CPS - has the Hudson Hotel, which while well located, has notoriously small rooms (even by NYC standards) HK - zone goes pretty far west which is not the most convenient for the average visitor Please confirm that you want to include these two zones and we will suggest a strategy for you to follow. Also, i assume that you're not willing to pay more to stay in your first choice of zone vs. your second choice of zone vs. your third choice of one, etc, etc... and the least expensive of any of your acceptable zones is the objective? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Please confirm the information above and we will advise accordingly. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Posted August 11, 2015 ThanksLet's remove cps and hk from the list of zones then. And yes, indeed, the least expensive of my acceptable zones is the objective.I forgot to mention that I usually bid during US night hours because am based in Europe, not that I know that it makes a difference, but I thought I would mention. Am now likely to bid only in 10 hours from now. Many thanks
thereuare Posted August 11, 2015 Report Posted August 11, 2015 It doesn't matter what time of day (or nite) you bid... but please remember to start your bids with the PRICELINE links on the board. When bidding 3.5* in NYC you have ONE re-bid zone. 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 3.5* UES, MTE, MSG, MTW... Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, UWS, TS, Chelsea... Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* UES, MTE, TS, Chelsea... Bid $108, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, UWS, MSG, MTW... Bid $108, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, UWS, TS, MTE... Bid $113, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* UES, MTW, MSG, Chelsea... Bid $113, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* UES, UWS, MSG, MTE... Bid $118, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* ESB, MTW, TS, Chelsea... Bid $118, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* UES, MTE, TS, MTW, ESB, UWS, MSG... Bid $123, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* UES, MTE, TS, MTW, ESB, UWS, Chelsea... Bid $123, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, UES, MTE, TS, MTE, ESB... Bid $128, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* MSG, Chelsea, UES, MTE, TS, MTW, UWS... Bid $128, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE... Select 3.5* UES, MTE, TS, MTW, ESB, UWS, MSG, Chelsea... Bid $133, if rejected add re-bid zone... Bid $135 Any questions feel free to ask. (especially confirming your re-bid zone if you're unsure or new to the subject) Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate 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
14americandreams Posted August 12, 2015 Author Report Posted August 12, 2015 I thought I had understood the bidding process but am unsure now, so I would indeed be grateful to get confirmation on how I should proceed:When you write:Select 3.5* UES, MTE, MSG, MTE...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...> I should select 3.5* and first bid for UES at 100 usd, then if rejected, add MTE and re-bid at 100 usd etc..or I should bid for the 4 areas (you mention twice MTE maybe you meant Midtown West instead of a second MTE ?) in one lot ?If it fails for the four areas, you then write:Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...> I thought I could not increase the bid price without adding a new area ? So how can I increase from 100 to 105 while keeping the same 4 areas ? Maybe by waiting for two hours ?If the 105 usd does not work, you then write I should close and reopen and bid for four new areas. Select 3.5* ESB, UWS, TS, Chelsea...>> So I understand I can start a full new process for four different areas ?If I can understand those steps, I can then unfold the whole strategy that you advise. many thanks.
thereuare Posted August 12, 2015 Report Posted August 12, 2015 Sorry about listing MTE twice, it was a typo, one should have been MTW... i have edited by previous post/strategy above to reflect the MTW zone. For your other questions: 1) you want to bid all 4 zones in the same bid, so you're telling PRICELINE that you're willing to pay $100 in any of the four zones. If that bid is rejected, you then want to add your re-bid zone (confirm your re-bid zone with board, or ask questions, if you're unsure) and bid $105. 2) when you get to the $108 bids, you're bidding are a unique combination of zones that have not yet been bid, so this is not treated as a duplicate bid by PRICELINE Does that clarify it for you? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 12, 2015 Author Report Posted August 12, 2015 Thanks a lot. I am progressing...I just have a last doubt about what a re-bid zone is, for instance, the one that will allow me to increase from 100 usd to 105 usd:Is it the 4 next zones ESB, UWS, TS and Chelsea = re-bid zone ?Thanks !
thereuare Posted August 12, 2015 Report Posted August 12, 2015 If you've read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and are still confused, start with the following: 1) Use the PRICELINE search box on the upper right of this page, enter your city and dates, and click "GO". 2) List each zone that is offered in this region. 3) Next to each zone list the highest star rating offered in the zone. The way to determine the highest star rating offered in the zone is by selecting the first zone i the list, then scrolling down to see the highest star rating selectable (ie- not greyed out). NEXT UNcheck the selected zone, place a checkmark in the next zone, and repeat the process for each zone in the region. Each time you take note of the highest star rating in the zone, make sure that only ONE zone is selected above. 4) post your findings and we'll take it from there If you don't follow the above just post back and we'll break it down further. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 12, 2015 Author Report Posted August 12, 2015 Thanks. Here is what I get in NYC for the period 18-24 August:5* : TS, MTE, Downtown Wall Street, East Village, ESB, Soho, Union Square, UES, UWS4*: MTW, Chelsea, West Village, Brooklyn, Kennedy Airport, Long Island3*: Chinatown, Harlem, Bronx, La Guardia0 hotels: Washington HeightsMany thanks
thereuare Posted August 12, 2015 Report Posted August 12, 2015 No, you're on the 'retail' side of PRICELINE... you want to be on the bidding/NYOP side of PRICELINE. 1) Use the PRICELINE search box on the upper right of this page, enter your city and dates, and click "GO".This search box should take you directly to the bidding side of PRICELINE and this is the page you want to be on. List each zone that is on this page and the highest star rating available in each zone, as per:The way to determine the highest star rating offered in the zone is by selecting the first zone i the list, then scrolling down to see the highest star rating selectable (ie- not greyed out). NEXT UNcheck the selected zone, place a checkmark in the next zone, and repeat the process for each zone in the region. Each time you take note of the highest star rating in the zone, make sure that only ONE zone is selected above. Let us know what you find and we'll take it from there (or provide further direction if you're still not on the right page) Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 12, 2015 Author Report Posted August 12, 2015 OK hopefully I did it right this time:5* CPS, Downtown, ESB, MTE, Soho, TS, UES4.5* Chelsea, LES, MTW4 * Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenwich, HK, LIC, MSG, Quensborough Bridge, Union Square, UWS3.5* Harlem3 none2.5 none2 Coney IslandThanks
thereuare Posted August 13, 2015 Report Posted August 13, 2015 So using the information above, if you were to bid (for example) at the 4* level for a hotel in the MTE and Coney Island zones and were successful, do you see how the win would have to be in the MTE zone? (since Coney Island does not have any hotels that are rated 4* or higher) Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
14americandreams Posted August 13, 2015 Author Report Posted August 13, 2015 Ok ! Got it ! So my re-bid area is coney island ! Will keep you posted with results.
thereuare Posted August 13, 2015 Report Posted August 13, 2015 Correct... but always double check your re-bid zone(s) just before bidding to make sure that nothing has changed since you last checked (as new hotels can be added or upgrades/downgrades can occur at any time) Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. 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
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