Priceline Hotel: 3* Jersey City

[mzjones34]

I tried a bid @ $35 and then had traveling partner try @ $40. No luck. Any idea on what the acceptable bid might be? I'd really like the Hyatt -- and may be willing to go higher for that.

[thereuare]

It's been my experience that once you're not accepted under $40, you have raise your bid to levels which subject you to receiving the DoubleTree.

Given rates are low at the Hyatt maybe something will appear at the last minute, but i wouldn't count on it.

If not successful, what are your thoughts as to a back-up plan? Will this mostly a place to commute from into NYC?

PS- i also assumed that this was just the one nite of the 5th but correct me if i'm wrong (and you meant the 5th and 6th

[mzjones34]

My back-up plan is maybe to crash at a friend's house... BUT it would be much better if I could get something.

Yes, it is just the one night. Unless, perhaps I can get two nights at the Hyatt for the $35... which I would be willing to do. Do you think that would give me a better result?

[thereuare]

We're on the same page :)

I'm doubtful two nites will give you a better result, but it's certainly worth a shot and i would sooner try that than raising my bid to the mid-$60's for just the one nite (as again, this opens up other possibilities).

Is the purpose to visit your friend (located in NY or NJ?) or to day trip into NYC?

[mzjones34]

My friend lives in W.Orange, NJ. It works out easiest if I can leave my bags at a hotel, daytrip to NYC, and then return for dinner and views!

[thereuare]

In that case i would still try the 2 nite stay, but will add that IMO the DoubleTree and/or Courtyard aren't that bad.

Another option, if you plan on raising your bid, is a NYC (MTE) 2.5* bid at $65 as this will sometimes/often land you the Courtyard by Marriott.

[thereuare]

... and i forgot to add the Meadowlands area has some nice hotels at low Priceline rates.

Not as convenient as Jersey City, but there is usally frequent bus service from the area and can be another alternative if the budget is tight.

[mzjones34]

Thank you so much for the helpful info!

I just noticed also, the Newark Airport area... and the Hilton Gateway listed on your hotel list. I definitely wouldn't mind that result as well. Any guesses on how much the bid would need to be?

[mzjones34]

... one more question... Is it common for hotels to release rooms to PL the day of? I wonder if I should wait in order to try and get the Hyatt tomorrow before trying for DT or others.

[thereuare]

Well the last time it was reported it was won for $49, but....

you could get a different 3* hotel in the Newark area :) The advantage of the Gateway is that it is very close to the PATH train, however the area surrounding it is not really great and i wouldn't want to have to walk around there after dark. Combine that with the chance that you get a different 3* hotel in that area and i don't think it's a recommended zone to be bidding (but that's me, your thoughts may be different).

I'm sure hotels release rooms at the last minute and day of check-in, but i would think that this is more coincidence of them changing rates for an entire period than a plan to adjust rates downward on check-in day. Remember that to change rates the hotels need to log-in to a computerized system and update the information. Along with the other duties involved with their day, i don't think this is something they want to be bothered with every working day, so making a practice of chaning rates on a daily basis (on day of check-in) i don't think is a policy that is widely implemented.

If i were in your shoes my zone preferences (accounting for price, location, convenience) would be:

Jersey City

NYC (MTE)

Meadowlands area (before Newark)

.... but of course i don't know your specific plans or needs.