Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTW) Westin Times Square

[grenouillesansleau]

I've been trying for more than a week to get a 4* hotel in NYC for 12/27 to 12/30 at a price that was not much higher than the 3* Park South Hotel I'd secured for $174 (excluding taxes) on a cancellable reservation through Quikbook. (Obviously, there's a quality difference between 3* and 4* but I didn't want to have to pay more than about $40 a night more - preferably no more than $25 more.) I was willing to go with a 4* anywhere in Manhattan (but no lower than 4*), so I made bids from about $160-200 (adding a region while increasing the price) - all without success for about 8 days. During the last few days, I started bidding at $174 and the highest unsuccessful bid (2 days ago) covering all of Manhattan was $202.

Success at last today: Started at $175 (Downtown), then bid $185 (adding Midtown South), then bid $192 (adding Central Park South), then bid $195 (adding Upper East Side), then bid for all areas in Manhattan at $199.

Winning bid $199 - Westin Times Square (Midtown West). Rates posted on the Westin website are in the range of high 500s for non-refundable bookings and low 600s for regular bookings.

I'm pleased that it's a Westin - I don't usually splurge on Westins (either with my money or the company's money), unless there's a special rate available in connection with a business conference or meeting. On the other hand, Times Square would be my least favourite place to stay in New York - but I'm hoping the "Heavenly Bed" will make up for the less than ideal location.

I am wondering whether or not 4* hotels are now starting to accept some bids that they weren't willing to accept last week. Good luck to others for post-Christmas breaks in New York..

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your win.

Glad to hear you were able to upgraded your accomodations within your pre-set limit.

Enjoy your stay in NYC.