Hotwire Hotel: General Help - Newbie

[Beanster]

Hi, I am a complete newbie looking to book hotel in NYC (Chelsea) for 4 nights in December (5-9 4-9)

 

To get best value from hotwire or priceline, should I book close to the date or now, or other?

 

Your guidance is apprecaited

 

Cheers

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

There is no 'best time'... sometimes the best deals are had very early before the stay, other times closer to check-in.

 

Once your plans are firm you should start bidding, making sure you don't overbid, and gradually over time increase your maximum bid as you get closer to your arrival date (and you can also book a back-up hotel using our sister site RefundableRates.com)

Is Chelsea the only zone you're willing to accept for this trip?  What is your desired star rating and budget? (per nite before taxes/fees)

 

2 hours ago, Beanster said:

4 nights in December (4-9)

This would actually be 5 nites... are the dates wrong or is this actually a 5 nite stay?

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[Beanster]

Hi thanks for the repl. Thanks for pointing out, yes wrong dates, 5-9 Dec (4 nights). Chelsea is a preference, a friend has told us it is a great safe cruise place to stay. But always open to other suggestions. I guess around 200-250 PN 4-5 rating?

[AaronJB]

Traditionally (things can change if there are broader changes in the economy or other issues/factors), one of the worst times of the year (from a hotel cost standpoint) to come to NYC is around the very last few days of November until around 12/15. That is prime time for people to come to NYC for shopping and holiday festivities. If you can find a reasonable or very reasonable price now considering the kind of rates that are sometimes seen during this period, I would lock it in now.

$200 is going to be a little difficult at the 4* level in a lot of zones, but there are some options, including a 4* in Rockefeller Center on HOTWIRE for $185 w/Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Spa, Pet Friendly. This would be a possible match for the Shoreham.  Otherwise, a lot of HOTWIRE options are in the mid-$200's or pushing over $300. 

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

 

[thereuare]

Are you dates firm, as you could likely save a bit if you're able to delay your trip a week or two (the later the better)... as well, including weekend dates can often bring down the price as well, since midweek has both tourists and business travelers, whereas weekend is mostly just tourists.

 

Are your dates flexible or are you already committed to Dec 5-9?

 

Also, as far as Chelsea goes, some of the hotels can be up to a 10 minute walk to the subway, but it's a 'happening' area with lots of bars, cafes, boutiques, restaurants, stores, etc, so it is quite desirable, but there are also plenty of other areas that have their own merits, may be considered more centrally located, and possibly offer a better value.

 

Let us know your thoughts in regards to dates and location and we'll take it from there.

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[Beanster]

Hi Guys thanks again. The dates are set in stone. Flexible on location but desirable location. 

what might the south Central Park 4* down from $812 to $245 be? Thanks 

[thereuare]

When seeking HOTWIRE or PRICELINE EXPRESS help please include the amenities associated with the property as it makes it easier for us to locate the same hotel among the offers when we replicate your search.

 

Does the 4* CPS above have:

Fitness

Restaurant

Business

Hi-Speed Internet

... if this is what you're seeing the Park Lane would be my best guess for this one.

 

Is this one of interest?  If not, is $250 your firm maximum budget?

 

Please remember to return to BetterBidding and use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPSandHOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.