Priceline Hotel: Bidding Strategy - NYC 4* - 7/10 - 7/14

[chronic_ker]

Need help with bidding strategy for a 4* in MTW/MTE

First Time traveller to NYC.

Dates: 7/10 - 7/14

Travellers: 2 Adults and 2 Children

Willing to spend max.:$185(not sure if this is reasonable for summer in NYC)

Failed bids from $150-$185 (tried with MTW/MTE and UES/UWS as rebids)

The rates on Priceline with the the 4* for Midtown vary between $250-$320.

I have looked at other posts and the only one close to the above dates was someone getting the Grand Hyatt for the week before at $175. I also read some other posts that said $175 might be a little high and that summer rates should be cheaper but I havent been able to find anything.

Should I wait till the dates get a little closer and book a backup for now?

I would appreciate any help with the strategy and rates.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Please follow-up your previous Los Angeles thread (from 2004 :) ) with whatever you did for that stay... we'll then comment on the above.

[thereuare]

Are you sure you're comfortable (using Pricline and) bidding for only one room?

Priceline only guarantees double occupancy and you'll be looking for quad occupancy... which isn't such an easy thing to come by in NYC where rooms are notoriously small and there is a greater percentage of one bedded rooms than elsewhere in the country (such as Orlando which are a bit more family oriented)

[chronic_ker]

If I will be traveling with the family (2 kids), I probably shouldnt use Priceline. But looking at other sites, the cheapest rates I am getting are at a minimum $250/night for a 3* in Midtown.

The more I think about it and the more I talk to others who have used Priceline in general (not necessarily for NYC), the more I am being discouraged from using it on this trip.

Looks like I should suck it up and pay. Any other advice?

[thereuare]

You could book a 1BR suite at the Beekman Tower for $188/nite. This hotel will only show if you search for two adults using the previous link (not quad occupancy), but nobody i know has had a problem yet since there is one bed in the bedroom and a pullout sofa in the living room.

If your kids are fine sleeping on a pullout i think that may be your best option and the reviews are good.

[chronic_ker]

Went ahead and booked the Beekman Tower for 4 nights at $188/night. Sounds like a safe bet.

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

[thereuare]

Glad we could help.

Enjoy your stay in NYC.

PS- i also highly recommend Ess-A-Bagel for breakfast one morning (or two :) )... one of the best bagels in Manhattan and it makes for an inexpensive breakfast near your hotel (51st St and Thrid Ave)