Priceline Hotel: Jersey City or NYC Hotels - 11/6/06 - 11/13/06

[pol2006]

Hi Everybody,

I can't find a reasonable price for a 3* hotel in Jersey City or NYC (11/6/06 - 11/13/06). Prices are not lower than $190 for a 3*. I used to pay between $90 and $130 for 3* Jersey City hotels in the past. I started this search back in February and prices have been rising since then.

Please help!

Thanks,

Pol

[GM Mike]

Are you bidding for this on priceline? Hotwire? If so, what is your bidding history, including zones? If not, are you open to using one of those services? Or even EasyClickTravel? What's your actual budget?

[pol2006]

Hi GM Mike,

Thanks for your quick answer.

I've never tried priceline, I'm a hotwire user. Still, it's my understanding that priceline will not offer a significant lower price than hotwire / Expedia.

I used to rent Candlewood or Hyatt in Jersey City for $100-$120. The prices for these hotels since February are between $170-$300. I got the Hyatt using hotwire many times for $120-$130 but it's $285 now (assuming that they are offering the same hotel). Can't find Candlewood for less than $170......

Never used EasyClickTravel, should I try it?

I don't have a limited budget but it doesn't make sense to pay double of what I used to pay in 2005 and 2004.

I used NYC hotels twice but they are more expensive and not a lot more convenient. I was extremely happy with Candlewood and Hyatt but if there is no reasonable choice in Jersey City, I would go to NYC (all midtown and theater district)

Thanks for your help!

Pol

[dahammer]

I would book a cancellable backup and monitor rates, its possible that the hotels have not released any inventory to Hotwire or Priceline for your dates of travel.

I don't have a limited budget but it doesn't make sense to pay double of what I used to pay in 2005 and 2004

It's unbelievable, but you're correct, rates have doubled since 2004 in this area because customers are willing to pay these high rates and the hotels are happy to oblige! Several NYC hotels have closed and converted to condos further constricting the supply of rooms.

To get a bidding strategy, you need to indicate your maximum bid per night, also, are you willing to split your bid?

[pol2006]

I can't split because I must have the 7 consecutive days at the same hotel and I can't take the risk....

How can I book a cancellable backup?

Not sure how much should be my max bid because I need the hotel and I would finally pay any reasonable price. Given that I still have some, should I try a very low first bid (i.e. $120).

Again, thanks for your help!

Pol

[GM Mike]

First of all, since you have a lot of time, I'd start at a much lower number than that and work your way up. You can bid every day, after all.

Before you do any bidding, you should read the INTRO TO PRICELINE and PRICELINE FAQS to decide if the service is right for you.

Next, you should book a refundable or cancellable reservation somewhere. Since you say you have to stay no matter what, just find the cheapest place you can right now (that would be an acceptable hotel to you) and book something you can cancel without a penalty. This will be your backup plan in case you don't win on priceline.

Then, post here and let us know that you're ready to bid. Only do this when your dates are absolutely firm and you're ready to go. Post your final dates, maximum bid (which, in your case, is probably something close to your backup reservation price), and the zones/* quality levels acceptable to you. We will develop a strategy for you, probably something quite lower than your maximum bid since, again, you've got a lot of time to keep trying.

You can go on priceline's bidding section to get a list of the zones in each area. If NYC is also acceptable to you, list the zones there that work. You may be very surprised at how low of a bid priceline might accept.

EasyClickTravel offers "Off the Record" deals that are like hotwire -- you don't know the identity of the hotel until you book. There is a tool here that can tell you the identity of many of the hotels before you book, tho. And also, MOST EasyClickTravel reservations are cancellable! Just make sure you check the terms before you book. If you find a good deal there and it's refundable, that could even be your backup reservation.

If you do decide to use priceline, make sure you also keep in mind the rates available on hotwire and easyclicktravel to make sure you don't overbid at any point.

Please post back when you've decided what you'd like to do or have questions.