Priceline Hotel: Looking for some Priceline help!

wideheavyload · September 17, 2007

I'm coming to NYC for work for one night. The work will be in Garden City, but seeing as how I've never been to NYC before I'm going to stay in Manhattan. I've got a friend who is recommending that I stay on the lower east side. I'd like to get a 4 star in that vicinity and I'd like to keep it under 300 bucks.

I've never used Priceline and I'd appreciate any tips! I'll be staying for one night on 10-3, checking out the next day.

thereuare · September 17, 2007

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What do you intend to do and where to you intend to go while you're in NYC... the Lower East Side would not be on my first choice of zones to stay.

Also, how will you commute from Manhattan to Garden City?

wideheavyload · September 17, 2007

I'm not really looking for the usual Times Square tourist thing. My friend lives in the East Village and I'll probably just go out that night for dinner and have a look around. People who know me tell me that I would enjoy the LES. Can you tell me why that would not be your first choice of places? I'd be willing to switch it up for a good reason, especially since I can pretty much get anywhere using mass transit.

As far as commuting to Garden City, I'll probably hire a car to drive me to the job site, and then to take me to the airport afterwards. That, plus the bulk of my hotel cost, will be expensed :)

thereuare · September 17, 2007

I have no objections to the Lower East Side area... i like that area as well.

The "issue" however is:

-there are ares of the LES for which the nearest subway station can be a bit of a hike

-there is no "Lower East Side" zone on priceline... this area is part of the Downtown zone, so you can't target this specific area, you need to be willing to accept a hotel anywhere within the shaded region of this zone (see I've Never Used Priceline or Hotwire for additional info)

-this area is "old NYC" so there are not many hotels... especially not many at the 4* level (although The Hotel on Rivington is "new and hip" and has prices which match)

Let us know your thoughts based upon the above info and we'll take it from there.

wideheavyload · September 17, 2007

OK, judging from your response, I'd probably be happier looking for the room in another area, and then just catching a cab or train to meet my friends for dinner. Since I'm not tied down to that area, do you recommend that I just open up my search to the whole island of manhattan? I'd like to stay with a 4* and see if I can get it for less than $250.

Also, do you think I'd have a better chance if I wait till the last minute? Or should I try to go ahead and book it?

thereuare · September 17, 2007

Also, do you think I'd have a better chance if I wait till the last minute? Or should I try to go ahead and book it?

See the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ. However, i'll note that these are expensive, and high demand, dates... i'd be bidding now to make sure you're not shut-out of a hotel entirely. (or at least have a back-up... see ou recomendation below)

I would also bid the entire island, and unlike most visitors who often don't want to stay Downtown, i would think it'll be fine for you since you'll only be in town for one nite, will be meeting your frieds in/around LES, and much of your travel will be covered by your company. I would begin as follows:

Select 4* MTE...