Hotwire Hotel: 4* NYC (Time Square) Westin

[ladybugsea]

Great website!!! I'm looking for a 4* in Times Square for 2/29 and possibly also 2/28.

For 2/29 I found a 4.5* for $115 (amenities: Restaurant(s), Fitness Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Business Center, Spa Services). I gather from the other posts that this is likely the Westin. This hotel is not available on 2/28. Is there any chance it may become available if I wait another week?

For 2/28 I found a 4* for $111 (amenities: Restaurant(s). Fitness Center, Business Center). Is it likely this is the Millennium Hotel Broadway? For 2/28-3/1 and also 2/29 alone, I found 4* with same amenities for $117. Are the booking fees more expensive if you book each night separately?

We really want to stay in TS this time since we're going with friends who are staying there. Have used Priceline in the past to get the Hilton NY for $95 (was very pleased), but interesting in trying someplace new this time! Any advice? When do you suggest I book a room by? Thanks again for an excellent resource.

[ladybugsea]

One more question: would it be a very bad idea to wait until the very last minute? I'm worried about weather (driving). In that case we wouldn't be picky about staying in TS.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding! <and thanks for the compliments on the site! :) >

Waiting until the last minute is usually not a good idea, but in my opinion, waiting is better than forfeiting a non-refundable hotel room. If you're very flexible than i would think it's ok given that you're already fairly close to the check-in date(s) and prices don't indicate that inventory is very tight (of course this is subject to change, but that's my opinion at this stage of the game). If you were traveling during a high-peak time period and it was still early i might advise otherwise, but for this already near-term stay i would think that prices are more likely to remain stable than not.

Booking fees are a little higher if booking nites separately. You'll often see Hotwire's prices fluctuate a few dollars from hour to hour so even 'testing' now to see if it would be worthwhile splitting the reservation or not may not apply to when you actually book (ie- the spread now is $6/nite, but it may be $2/nite or $9/nite when you are actually ready to book). Also, these minor fluctuations in price are not the hotel changing its price... Hotwire works on a variable mark-up, so this accounts for the fluctuation.

Your 'guesses' as to identifying the properties look good to me. I think you understand the 'game', but i always reiterate that there could always be another property we don't yet know about in the same zone, with the same star rating, and the same exact amenities.

[ladybugsea]

Thanks!! I just checked for next Sunday instead, just to see, and the "Westin" came up for $107 and the "Millennium" for $111. So I think I will wait until I can get a weather forecast. I'd rather pay more and not stay in TS than lose my money because I can't get there! I'll be sure to update.

[ladybugsea]

Got the Westin Times Square 2/29-3/1 for $115 ($139.95 with tax and charges). So excited to try this hotel! THANKS!!! :)

[thereuare]

That's great news!

I also hear the weather shoudl be warming soon too, so it should be a nice time to be in NYC.

Have a great trip.