Priceline Hotel: NYC 7/12/07-7/13/07 2 adults 1 child(10 yrs old)

[nmyankee]

Can I take a chance with Priceline or should I stick with Hotwire to find a room for these dates for the three of us?

I was looking at 4* (or 3*) any part of town, for less than 199.00.

If we only got a king bed, we could all sleep fine, but many of the smaller hotels won't allow 3 occupants, correct? Would the larger hotels recently won (Barclay, Hilton Times Square, Hyatt) allow us?

I appreciate your help with this often asked question (I did read FAQ, really!) Thats for this great site!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I think the answer lies in how you (and at least in my case, my spouse :) ) would react if you could only get a room with one bed (and it was a Queen). How would you (and/or your spouse) react if your 10 year old needed to sleep on the floor for a nite?

If you'd rather not take the risk (or even if you are) would you consider Jersey City as an option? I think the double/triple occupancy is much less of an issue there and i think you could also get a great deal on a hotel there (under $100/nite). There are PATH trains nearby which can have you downtown in less than 10 minutes (midtown in 20 minutes)... but you do lose the "new your city" feel.

Let us know your thoughts and we'll advise accordingly.

[nmyankee]

I think Jersey City is a fine idea. Since we are coming in on a weekday, I am guessing we can take advantage of a commuter ferry, besides the PATH being so easy.

I see that it looks like JC Hyatt is 109 on Hotwire right now for that date. Can I do better for that hotel or any other Jersey City hotel you might suggest by using Priceline?

One more question - I have us flying into LGA in the morning 9am. We travel light and like to walk, so we might do mass transportation....I usually take the airport bus to Penn Station when I come back alone to visit family in Bergen Co.....suggestions for getting 3 of us to Jersey City from LGA?

Thanks for your help!

[nmyankee]

I just found your post of airport directions to Jersey City, so my second question is answered, oh wise one.

[thereuare]

You can either take the HOTWIRE offer (use link in my signature if you do) as they rate stays the same at $109 when searching for 2adults/1child OR you can take a little risk and try bidding on priceline (which only guarantees double occupancy... but it's a risk i'd be willing to take knowing that the rooms here are bid enough to accomodate a rollaway bed) and that others have had their requests for rooms with 2 beds met at this property.

If you want to try priceline, i'd begin as follows...

You have one re-bid zone when bidding 3* in Jersey City. 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 3* Jersey City...

Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $75.

If rejected don't get discourage at this point, just post back and we'll try again in 24 hours.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[nmyankee]

We decided to stay in the city. I am watching HOTWIRE, but I also have the Affinia Manhattan for 179.00, and saw Excelsior for 190.00. I prefer UWS, but I like the reviews on Affinia much better..I think.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

[thereuare]

Did you already reserve the Affinia Manhattan as a backup... where did you get the $179/nite rate?

[nmyankee]

Travelzoo has a good group of deals, and the Affinia Manhattan fit for the 12th, so I booked it. We had Roosevelt for 199 with 2 free breakfasts, 2 beds, but Affinia reviews won me over.

Sound like a deal to you?

I am not sure I can do better on Hotwire...but I will keep looking.

fyi - Courtyard by Marriott Times Square South is 199 for 2 beds (Family and Friends promo). It sounds like a good deal for families, and it gets good reviews.

Thanks for any and all advice!

[thereuare]

I'd stick with the Affinia Manhattan... good hotel, spacious room (for the three of you), and a great location.

Of course if you could save a significant amount it would be worthwhile to consider other options, but i wouldn't change for $10-$20.