Priceline Hotel: Help Needed: 11/3 - 11/5

[Bobble_Head_76]

I was delighted when I found out that I had guaranteed entry into the NYC Marathon this year, but a shocked when I started to price hotel rooms. NY is so big, and there are so many hotel rooms, that I am a bit overwhelmed. Honestly, I am not exactly sure where to even start to get a good deal. I truly appreciate any help that you can provide to me.

My trip details/preferences:

- Nov 3, 2007 – Nov 5, 2007 (Race day is Nov 4)

- I do not have an exact location preference, but I would like to stay in Manhattan. I am not a tourist, but will probably go out to celebrate after the race.

- While 4 stars is everyone’s preference, I would certainly accept a 3 star, and would think about 2 stars if I could be guarantee that it was quiet and comfortable.

I am fine with the non-refundable nature of Priceline/Hotwire. From what I have read it looks like my best strategy may be to book something now, and cancel if I can get a better rate some other time. Form what I have read it seems that hotels do not really offer discounted rates this far in advance.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Rates for this weekend are notouriously high and i would not count on finding better availability as your date get closer.

If you let us know your maximum budget we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow and/or try to find you suitable accomodations.

[AaronJB]

To throw out some cheaper (under $300, as most hotels for these dates are showing $350-400 or more)cancellable choices I'm seeing for your dates:

Quikbook.com

Park South: $239

Wingate Inn Manhattan: $255

Michelangelo Hotel - $295

The Wall Street District and Wall Street Inn are also about $250 a night on Quikbook.com but those would be a ways from the finish line. The Michelangelo is more expensive, but would be closest to what I'm seeing listed as the finish line, and gets excellent reviews (ranked #17 out 327 of NYC hotels) on tripadvisor.com here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6...y_New_York.html

You could consider one of these (or something else) and then cancel if you get a hotel via Priceline or Hotwire. Hotwire really doesn't look to have much of anything of note for these dates yet (the majority of Hotwire Manhattan listings for these dates are over $300), and I'm guessing Priceline probably does not have inventory yet.

The cheapest room available on the Michelangelo website is a Junior suite for $750 for your dates. Quikbook.com has regular rooms available, and the smallest (Superior Queen) is what is showing for $295. The hotel website describes these rooms as: "One Queen-sized bed, Neoclassical decor, empire cherry furniture with black & brass accents, boudoir chairs. Up to 350 square feet."

Additionally, use promo code AMKD at Quikbook.com for a $10 Amazon.com gift card and, most importantly, good luck in the race this November.

[Bobble_Head_76]

THANK YOU for the help. Because this is a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ I will pay whatever I have to (one of the reason the rates are probably so high), but after looking online at prices I think I need to put my budget at 300-400 per night. The Michelangelo looks like a really good option, as I trust Trip Advisor, and many of the hotels I was looking were much lower rated, but the same price or higher.

Only thing stopping me is that I am thinking about splitting the room with a friend who will also be running the race, in that case a queen bed will not work. But, on the other assuming that my girlfriend are still dating in November I will most likely travel with her, and then the queen would be perfect... Hope that is not TMI :-). Any, additional suggestions are appreciated, you have already made my hotel search MUCH easier.

Thanks,

Bill

[AaronJB]

Two beds will be difficult for Priceline or Hotwire, but you will likely be able to find a room w/2 for $300-400 regular rate (although I'll try to keep it towards $300 instead of $400.)

The reason why the Michelangelo is $295 appears to be weekend rates; it often goes for much higher.

I'll look around and report back with what I can find (I've already spotted a possibility or two). No problem on the assistance, I'm always happy to help, but especially in a case like this where you want to be someplace comfortable so you can get a good night's rest prior and then have a place comfortable and close to recover after the race.

I'm working on this right now, so it won't be long until I provide at least a basic list of some possibilities.

[Bobble_Head_76]

If i can not find two beds, it is not the end of the world, and I will go with the Michelangelo. Thanks again!

[thereuare]

I'll also add the Beekman Tower to the mix for $285/nite which has very good reviews as well.

[AaronJB]

The finish of the race, according to the website, is Tavern on the Green, so I tried to find rooms that aren't hugely far from there, so it won't be too long a trek back to the hotel after the race.

I'll continue searching later and thereuare will definitely have some suggestions. Here are the first 5 I've found.

1. New York Helmsley ($325 for Premier room on Expedia, which describes as "one king or two doubles"; hotel website has $345 for specifically 2 doubles. Tripadvisor reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6..._New_York.html)

2. Affinia 50 ($394 for 2 bed studio suite. Non-refundable rate is cheaper. Great location & number 7 hotel in NYC on tripadvisor; http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6...y_New_York.html

3. Millennium UN ($359 for 2 beds. Great views, bit of a walk to Grand Central. Good reviews overall on TA: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6..._New_York.html)

4. Paramount Hotel ($315 for 2 beds, Quikbook. While the hotel is in a good location, rooms are small and it does get mixed reviews. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6..._New_York.html)

5. Affinia Dumont ($329, Quikbook). While further S than the Affinia 50, the Affinia Dumont also gets excellent reviews and is "fitness-oriented", and even has a fitness concierge: "A fitness concierge and complimentary fit kits for running, walking, strength, and yoga help guests maintain good health." http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6...y_New_York.html

[AaronJB]

If you don't mind 1 bed, there are a lot more options, and you could also get upgraded rooms at the Michelangelo @ Quikbook:

Superior King ( 2ppl Max) $325 (King bed instead of Superior Queen)

Deluxe King Room (2 ppl Max) $355 (larger King room)

[Bobble_Head_76]

Beekman Tower looks good also, and think that I would be happy their or the Michelangelo. It appears that Beekman Tower allows dogs which is good to know for future reference, but think for this trip I will make my travel companion leave her dog at home for this trip.

I am still doing a little research on my end, and will post again once I reserve something.

Thanks!!!