Priceline Hotel: 4* MTW or MTE 7/3/07-7/7/07

[BurnieBear]

Hi first time going to NYC and first time using Priceline (recommended to me by a work colleague).

We are looking for 5 nights 4* accommodation between the 3 Jul - 7 Jul (inclusive). Preference is to stay in MTE or MTW.

Is it too early to bid for these dates? If so, what alternative decent 'backup' accommodation do you recommend I book that I can cancel at a later date?

What price do you think I will reasonably pay at that time of year? Any advice most welcome.

Many thanks

BB

Glasgow, Scotland

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the site!

Please let us know your budget per night/what you are reasonably willing to pay. We can then make recommendations based on that.

[BurnieBear]

Thanks for the reply.

Willing to pay about $180 max.

Thanks

BB

[thereuare]

You have two re-bid zones at the 4* level. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 4* MTE...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTW...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 4* MTE and MTW...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $145.

The above may be too low, but we'll revise accordingly to try again in 24 if you're rejected... although i probably would still not go as high as your maximum at this point.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[BurnieBear]

Thanks for the advice.

Tried this approach (using UES and UWS) as re-bid zones, but no success. Went up to $150 with my last bid on MTW & MTE.

What do you recommend? Should I wait? Same time I'm anxious to ensure I have decent hotel accomodation, will being there around July 4 drive prices up/availability down?

Regards

BB

[thereuare]

You would that July 4th would drive prices up, but in previous years it has been a non-factor (but with such things based upon supply/demand factors, this year could always be different)

To "cover yourself" i would book a back-up at the Affinia 50 for $199/nite. Chances are you'll cancel this as your dates draw near, but this can be a "just in case" reservation... although the reviews are great).

Editting to Add: I also just found this cheaper alternative, the Eastgate Tower (also owned by the Affinia chain... also with very good reviews) where you can get a Studio Suite for $135 or a Junior Suite for $153, both thru Quickbook. Do note that Quickbook has the Jr. Suite for $4 less than i just quoted, but that is a non-cancellable rate, which i do not recommend you book at this point (their non-cancellable rates say: "Prepay/No Cxl/No Chng" so their easy to recognized... although i'm sure it's also re-iterated during the booking process)

Will that work for you and make you less anxious about not having a room?

[BurnieBear]

Thanks again thereuare.

I've made a cancellable reservation for the Affinia 50. It's more expensive than the Eastgate but was the hotel I was looking at prior to discovering Priceline, so wont be too dissappointed if we end up there (though I will have paid top dollar for it).

In your opinion thereuare whats the best way to proceed now? How far out do you think I should start bidding to get the best 4* price/stock?

Cheers

BB

[thereuare]

I would continue to try once a week (or two... depending upon how discouraged you think might get with multiple rejections :) )

Get more 'serious' about mid-April at which point we'll take a closer look at current rates.

Keep us updated as to your progress.

[BurnieBear]

Will do. Thanks again.