Priceline Hotel: First time to NYC -- 4* -- 9/23-9/30

[mimimew]

My boyfriend and I are planning to go to NY for my friend's wedding on 9/23-9/30, this is the first time we will be in NY so we don't have much clue where to start. My friend lives in Queens but I heard it's not a good area to live in, she suggested me to live in Flushing but it doesn't seem like a good location to stay for first time visitors either. We would really need some help here, her wedding is 9/29 but that's pretty much the only day I need to go to the Queens area, so the rest of our trip we are planning to of course do some shopping and visit some of the popular tourist place. We will not be renting a car so we will prefer a location that is convenient, and of course safe :)

Our budget is about $130/night after tax.

We haven't book any flight yet so I am wondering if we should do that separately from the hotel or should we go for those travel packages?

Thanks alot :)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is the minimum star rating you're willing to accept?

As well, please post your maximum bid amount before taxes and fees. However, i'd first suggest using our BetterChecker tool to see how much hotels in NYC cost this time of year... unfortunately i dont' think $130 is going to be enough to be in the right ballpark (and i agree, you do want to stay in Manhattan and not in Queens).

[mimimew]

After much thought and more research, we would rather shorten the trip and spend more money to live in a better hotel, that will definitely make our trip more enjoyable. We would like to get at least 3* and budget is 160 pre tax per night. The one most important is private bath :)

[thereuare]

What are the new dates of your stay?

There are other options as well... staying in Manhattan for part of your stay and then staying elsewhere (Queens :) or a NJ area just out of NYC with good transporation options) for the balance of your stay.

Up to you however you'd like to split it up.

[mimimew]

We may just go from 9/25-9/30, my friend living in Queens found me a hotel in Flushing (Sheraton Hotel) for about $150 per night. But another friend of mine who went to NY first time last year strongly recommand me to stay in Manhattan. Any advise :)

[thereuare]

I too would recommend you stay in Manhattan, for at least part of your stay, so that you get the full experience of the city as a first time visitor. I would even forego star quality for location... but this time of year i still think things will be expensive :)

With your shortened stay, what is your new nightly budget?

[mimimew]

Looks like the hotel prices are cheaper during sat and sun, so we may change it to 9/26-10/1 instead, 5 nights and after some search I think we need to go at least 200/night, prefer 4*. Is this reasonable? Also, will we be able to get a better deal as time gets closer? Thanks alot :)

[thereuare]

will we be able to get a better deal as time gets closer?

See the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

we may change it to 9/26-10/1 instead, 5 nights and after some search I think we need to go at least 200/night, prefer 4*. Is this reasonable?

Let us know once you decide upon the dates and we'll suggest a strategy to follow, but a quick look i'm guessing your more in 3 star hotel territory than 4 stars. I know it seems crazy, but this is a peak time of year in NYC and hterefore very expensive. If your friend was getting married in the summer you'd probably have your choice of hotels at that price... but during the early fall price skyrocket (as you're seeing).

[mimimew]

We have decided the new dates are going to be 9/27-10/2, budget 220/night. Thanks alot :)

[thereuare]

Which zones are you willing to bid? (i have some suggestions if you're not familiar with NYC)

I think $220 is going to be a stretch for a 4* for these dates (very expesive dates in NYC) and may even be a stretch for a 3*, but let's get your zone(s) taken care of and give it a shot... we'll talk about options when we cross that bridge (if you're rejected).