Priceline Hotel: Bidding Assistance NYC 8/3 - 8/6 UWS

[Minerva]

Hi,

The Excelsior website rate is $239, what do you suggest I bid?

Tried $100 today, no luck.

Also, if you have a backup reservation suggestion, would be interested.

Like UWS, UES, Soho, Greenwich Village. Would also consider priceline bid in other NYC zones, but only a 3 star or above and want to keep $$ as low as possible.

Thanks!!

[thereuare]

What star level did you bid $100 for UWS and did you include any other zones in that bidding?

We almost never see anyone looking for this zone in particular, is there a reason you want/need to be in this specific area?

Which priceline zones (use the names priceline uses to avoid any confusion... for example, "Greenwich Village" is not a priceline zone; as well, the SoHo area is included in the Downtown/Financial Center zone, could you also accept a hotel down near Battery Park)

I understand "cheaper is better", but what is your maximum bid so that we don't go higher than you're willing to bid.

Let us know the above and we'll advise accordingly.

[Minerva]

Apologize for the vague info.

I bid $100 for 2.5* in UWS.

Have stayed at the Excelsior before, think it is better than a 2.5*, and in a great location.

But, realize that the scarce number of UWS hotels could be problematic for priceline.

The other areas I mentioned were more for backup res ideas, not priceline.

As respects priceline options, prefer UWS but could also do:

2.5* Downtown-Soho (Exchange is $219 - not crazy about staying there but would be OK; don't want the Millenium so wouldn't bid 4 *)

3 star or higher MTS, UMT/CPS, MTE or MTW

Rates in latter areas:

MTE 3* $283 (Roosevelt) 4* $299 (Intercontinental)

MTW 4* $419 (Hilton)

UMT/WMT 3* $359 (Hudson) 4* $293 (Parker Meriden off of Expedia because their website was down)

MTS 3* $315 (Radisson Martinique) 4* $475 (70 Park Ave)

All the above rates are for my dates.

Hope this helps clarify - I appreciate your assistance.

[Minerva]

Sorry - forgot do add, I guess I'd go up to $140 bid limit.

Thanks.

[thereuare]

The other areas I mentioned were more for backup res ideas, not priceline.

I don't understand... for priceline, are you only interested in the UWS zone?

[Minerva]

I'm interested in, for priceline:

2.5* UWS (or UES but don't think there are any)

3* or higher MTE, MTW, UMT/WMT or MTS

Sorry for the muddle

[Minerva]

UPDATE -

I made a back up reservation at the Excelsior in UWS for 8/3 & 8/4 ($239/night) and Washington Square Hotel in Greenwich Village for 8/5 for $235 (only date they had availability - otherwise would have booked there for all 3 nites).

Don't really want to stay in MTW, MTE etc so decided not to bid on those zones. Will try 2.5* UWS repeatedly up to cancellation date, just in case I can get a good deal, but it doesn't look likely.

Have had a lot of success w/ Priceline in Chicago, London, San Francisco, bidding on 4* in central areas with lots of hotels participating - works great because of all the free rebids. That's not the case here because of my preferences.

So far have bid 3 times, all failed:

1st round: $100 UWS 2.5*

2nd round: $100 UWS 2.5*

add UES at $115

add CPS at $125

3rd round $125 UWS 2.5* 8/3 & 4

add UES at $145

add 8/5 at $155

going thru Savingsbarn.com every time so hopefully helping the site. But no longer need any assistance - thanks!!