Priceline Hotel: 3* MTE (Aug 09-12)

[bacid]

how much should i plan on having to pay?

I've tried 110 and was rejected.

just wondering how much higher I should aim for this time period.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Is there a reason you're only bidding the MTE zone? The NYC midtown zones are fairly condensed and close together, and mass transit inexpenisve and reasily accessible, which makes there be little difference between the zones. (unless you're trying to target or avoid a specific property)

If price is important, i would suggest expanding the one(s) you're willing to bid. Do you have a maximum bid in mind? (based upon the best rate you're able to find thru 'traditional' channels)

Thoughts?

[bacid]

the only reason i picked the MTE is because i wasn't sure if the other zones would be too far of a distance from the tourist areas.

if the other zones are OK then i'd be more than willing to expand my search.

my max amount would be around $130-140 because the only reason i'm trying priceline is to see if i can avoid booking one of the cheap 2 star hotels (ramada , portland square) on Expedia and get a better quality hotel at around the same price.

if this is unrealistic feel free to let me know.

on a unrelated topic, you mention mass transit. would this be more efficient than taking a cab? i never really thought of taking subway/bus until you mentioned. i was thinking of walking to the places that are close by and cabbing the rest of the time. i'm open to feedback.

thanks!

[thereuare]

The busses and trains are your friend... use them whenever possible as they're always cheaper, and often quicker (during rush hours), than taking a taxi. As well, you get a better "feel" for the city as you're traveling with the locals. Save the taxi rides for late at nite if you're not comfortable riding the subways during the nite hours.

At the 3* level i would consider bidding all the midtown zones (MTE, MTW, UM/CPS, and MTS)... please look at the boundaries to see if these are convenient enough for your needs. The MTS zone does go a little far south, be we do see 3* wins in this area and i would include it in order to increase your chances of meeting your goal of improving your room quality for a similar or lower price.

Let us know regarding the zones and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

[bacid]

I looked at several of the hotels in each zone and I would prefer sticking with the MTE and MTW zones.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

I don't think you're chances are good as we don't see too many 3* hotels won in either of these zones (although for 4 stars these are the most frequently won zone) but you can try as follows:

You have one re-bid zone at the 3* level in NYC. 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* MTE...

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

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 3* MTW...

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

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline however you did previously.

Select 3* MTE and MTW...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $135

Any questions feel free to ask.

If you do book your back-ups please use our Expedia link to begin your purchase (although note if the Ramdada Plaza you're considering is the New Yorker be aware that it gets awful reviews) In the same hotel class, i'd sooner consdier the The Pod which gets much better reviews and a room with a private bath can be had for $133/nite.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[bacid]

no success all the way up to $135.

i'll try again closer to my target dates and hope for success.

in the meantime i've booked the POD as my backup hotel as per your suggestion.

thanks again!

[thereuare]

Great... keep us updated.