Priceline Hotel: Newbie!! First time booking

[HumanUnit]

Hey everyone, I'm so excited to find this forum!

I hope this is a fairly simple question. I've been to NYC many times (lived there last summer) but I've never had to book a hotel before! My trip is in mid July and I'm just wondering if I should be looking to book a hotel now or if it's "safe" to wait a few more weeks? I've heard before that July's a busy tourist season in NYC (I can't imagine why, it's often really gross and hot!) so I worry that waiting too long might make it really expensive!

The other thing is if anyone has a general sense of how much I'd pay for a 3*-ish hotel in south Midtown or downtown that would be fantastic! (If this is something I can find myself by just poking around this site just ignore this, I'll stumble upon it myself I'm sure!)

Thanks to everyone in advance! Please feel free to ask me questions about NYC and I'd be happy to try and help. I lived in the Village in an NYU residence last year.

[thereuare]

What are the actual date(s) of your stay?

[HumanUnit]

July 16th to July 19th. Thanks!! :)

[thereuare]

As far as when to bid, see the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ

I won't give you the usual disclaimers of bidding the MTS/Downtown areas, but will point out that if budget is a concern you will likely find a better deal in the MTE/MTW zones (more competition amoung hotels usually relates to lower accepted bids).

What type of budget are you considering?

[HumanUnit]

Good to know, thank you, I'll check out those FAQs right away!

Regarding the budget - I'm fine with 3* and I guess ideally I'd love to pay around $120? Right now even the blah hotels on Expedia are like $150+++.

[thereuare]

Let us know when you are ready to bid and if you want to stick with the MTS and Downtown zones for your bidding.

Once you're ready to bid we'll take a closer look at rates for your dates and advise accordingly.

[HumanUnit]

OK, will do - thanks again!