Priceline Hotel: Need help deciding on a NYC hotel!!

[Chrissy]

I am new here so I need some help. I am planning to go to NYC with my husband and 2 other couples Sat Nov11th-12th. I have never visited New York, so my first question is where should we stay to get the most out of a 1 night stay? Also which hotel? I don't understand all those different areas on priceline etc. I would like to spend $200 or under per room. (We need 3 rooms) If you have suggestions thank you in advance and please also tell me how and where to do the bidding.

Thanks again!

PS: Just a side note we will be celebrating my husband's 30th Bday.

[thereuare]

Few thoughts...

1) just about any midtown hotel should suit your needs well. See this thread: Priceline NYC Zone Descriptions

2) with Priceline and HOTWIRE you don't choose the specific hotel. See I've Never Used Priceline or Hotwire

3) not sure what star rating you're seeking, but there is a very good chance your budget will not be enough for these dates

Let us know more info after reading the above.

[Chrissy]

Thanks. From my reading I think we would want to be in Midtown East or West. Sound right? I would like to be in a 2 star or higher hotel. Is a 2 star ok in NYC??? I want something safe and clean, but doen't have to be fancy at all. Any other helpful tips? Do you think I can find something for 200.00? How much do you think I'd need in that area??

Thank you

[Chrissy]

A few thoughts to add:

I checked out Hotwire and right now they offer a best deal at $304 per night per room on Nov 11th for 3 rooms. Its listed as a 3.5 star hotel in midtown central. Anyone know what hotel this might be and if its a good deal or if I could bid lower with priceline?

[thereuare]

I think we would want to be in Midtown East or West. Sound right?

Nothing wrong with those areas, although i'd also include UM/CPS and possibly MTS as there is nothing wrong with those areas either... and it looks like you've already resorted to breaking your expected budget, no reason to pay more than you need to in those two areas if you could get something for less in the other two areas.

would like to be in a 2 star or higher hotel. Is a 2 star ok in NYC???

I'm not a "hotel snob", but in NYC i wouldn't purchase an opauqe 2 star property. As you can see there are very few reports of 2* properties in NYC, so may others apparently feel the same way.

Its listed as a 3.5 star hotel in midtown central. Anyone know what hotel this might be

There is more than one 3.5* property in the MTC zone. To help in identifying it, please go back to HOTWIRE and include the amenities that are associated with this property. Is $300 a price you're willing to spend?

[Chrissy]

Here is some of the listed info:

3.5-star hotel in Midtown Central

This distinctive establishment offers comfortable rooms, personal service and some upscale features

Amenities are:

Fitness Center

Business Center

Restaurant(s)

High Speed Internet Access

Area Details:

New York's cultural epicenter includes Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and MoMa, just north of Times Square. See area map C

My husband and I are willing to go to $300+/-, but before I bid I have to check with the other 2 couples. I just wanted to get some info together 1st.

The area this hotel is in as well as the other areas you are suggesting are they within walking distance to some attractions, bars, restaurants, stores etc??

Thanks alot!

[thereuare]

The 3.5* above is a match for the Hudson Hotel so that would be our best guess.

I'd feel comfortable recommending any of the midtown zones to anyone on the board. The thing about NYC is that it is compact and mass transit is readily and easily accessible. If you wanted to go someplace in another area, it's only a $2 subway or bus ride... or you can hop in a cab. Even if a cab ride would cost you each $3, it's still much better than spending an extra $50 per nite for a hotel room :)

Please talk to the other couples first to find out their maximum budget, we'll then be able to advise further on a strategy to follow.

If you do book the above, please use this HOTWIRE link to begin your purchase.

[Chrissy]

OK everyone is ok with spending up to the $300- $320.00 range. So what do i do now??????

[thereuare]

You can either take the HOTWIRE offer (please use previous link if you do) or you can try to beat that amount on Priceline.

If you'd like to try Priceline let us know which zones you're willing to accept, and the minimum star level you're willing to accept, and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

[Chrissy]

I started playing with dates a little today and noticed that in January the rates drop BIG. Why is that?? Why is NY soo popular this time of the year? Is it Xmas shopping?? I may be postponing my trip based on the rate difference.

[thereuare]

Holiday season... as well as the fact that it gets colder as you head deeper into winter.

[Chrissy]

Sorry when I went back to the group some people had circumstances come up and we decided not to go, but thanks for your help and I look forward to using advice from the board in the near furture for our already paid for cruise! Definately going on that one. Sorry for the late response.