Priceline Hotel: 3* Newark (Secaucus-North Bergen) Crowne Plaza

[Busy Bee]

Need some suggestions on these two nights.

I have been bidding in the range of 4* 3* in NYC in Soho, MTSW and MTSE for $150 per night for about a week. I didn't get anything. I know it is difficult but I am working on a tight budget some I am asking for some experienced advice.

Now, I am thinking of not staying in NEW YORK CITY and staying out of town. I need to be in SOHO district on the 13, and 14 and travelling to Buffalo on the 15th. I HAVE access to a car and would either commute to the city or drive down to the city, whichever is less hazardous to my mental health. Any advice on which city I should bid on and how much to expect to pay for the hotels? Thanks guys, appreciate your input.

[thereuare]

Best areas in NJ for access into Manhattan via mass transit are: Jersey City, Secaucus/NorthBergen, Meadowlands/Rutherford.

If you let us know which of the above zone(s) are acceptable, your minimum star rating and maximum budget, we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

[Busy Bee]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I am looking at the maps and Jersey City, North Bergen/Secaucus looks like it is a reasonable distance. I am looking at about $150 per night hopefully (of course lower is better). Of course if I can get New York for that price (which I doubt considerably) that will be awesome :)

Minimum star rating is 3 stars. I was trying for 4 stars.

[thereuare]

Did you want to continue to for a 3* or better hotel in NYC or are you ready to try for the NJ zones?

[Busy Bee]

If possible, I would go for a 3* Hotel in NYC for under $150. If not possible, I will them go to New Jersey.Thx.

[thereuare]

Since you've already tried bidding up to $150 and have been rejected, at what point do you want to 'concede' and try for a NJ hotel?

[Busy Bee]

I will keep trying for NYC till Oct 11 2007 for $150 and then try for a hotel in New Jersey as a last resort so I do not sleep on the streets. Also, I have decided to only stay one night Oct 13 and leave NYC on the 14th Oct. NYC is too pricey. :) Thanks again.

[thereuare]

Not sure how firm your plans for the nite of 10/13 are, but if you're only going to stay one nite and cost is an issue, you may want to consider staying the nite of 10/14 as Sunday is the slowest hotel nite of the week and you may be able to get a better deal. Not sure what you're coming into town to see/do, but just make sure that whatever you're doing is open/accessible on Sundays.

I'd also be careful about only leaving two days to come an alternative to NYC.

Keep us updated.

[Busy Bee]

Alright, so I got a successful bid, not bad. Within my budget and price range.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Check-Out Date: Sunday, October 14, 2007

Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza Meadowlands

Two Harmon Plaza

Secaucus, New Jersey 07094

201-348-6900

Your Offer Price: $125.00

Number of Rooms: 1

Number of Nights: 1

Subtotal: $125.00

Taxes and Service Fees: $27.54

Total Charges*: $152.54

I tried to split my bids for the second day to see if I can score the same hotel for less than $125/day bid. This was my strategy (which was a failure).

Oct 14 - 15 2007

Bid 1 - Seacaucus - $75

Bid 2 - Added Elizabeth - $80

Bid 3 - Added Jersey City - $85

Logged out, closed window, re-login

Bid 4 - Jersey City - $90 <- This was when the Priceline System informed me that this was a duplicate bid and my credit card is not charged. Am I doing something wrong?

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your partial win and thank you for sharing it with the board.

Please start a NEW TOPIC for the balance of your stay.

[Busy Bee]

Split my bid for nights of 10/14/2007 - 10/15/2007. Have to change hotels but it is worth it.

3* Jersey City DoubleTree

Placed my bid on savingsbarn.com