Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* NYC (Times Square - Theater District) Crowne Plaza

[helpfornyc]

I'm looking to spend as little as possible and need some help! I don't want to go below a 2*. I'll be in the Midtown area, but I'm willing to travel anywhere in the NYC area (Manhattan). 2 adults, 2 nights.

Can you give me an idea on how much I'm going to have to spend? (I'm almost afraid to ask.) And can you offer bidding advice?

Thanks!

[helpfornyc]

Oops, I'm sorry, I meant to put this under the pricelines forum... but if you have advice for using hotwire, I would like that too as I'm not sure which one is the best to use!

[helpfornyc]

I'm looking to spend as little as possible and need some help! I don't want to go below a 2*. I'll be in the Midtown area, but I'm willing to travel anywhere in the NYC area (Manhattan). 2 adults, 2 nights.

Can you give me an idea on how much I'm going to have to spend? (I'm almost afraid to ask.) And can you offer bidding advice?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please don't double post... keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread. If you ultimately use HOTWIRE we'll then move the entire thread to that section of the board.

Is this actually a 2 nite stay for 10/19-10/21? If you give us an idea of your maximum bid will be able to provide more assistance. In NYC we don't typically recommend the lower tier rated hotels... you may get something that is satisfactory at that level, but there are many that are not, and you can't choose which type you will receive :)

[helpfornyc]

I'm sorry about the double post. That was a mistake. :)

Yes, it is a two night stay. Thank you for the heads up about the lower stars. You wouldn't go below a 3? I really don't want to spend more than $200/night, but I'd really prefer less than that if it's possible, but something tells me it is not.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

I wouldn't bid the lower stars in NYC, but i'm sure are some that do... it may work out fine, it may not.

It's up to you want you want and look for from your stay.

Have you thought about staying outside in the city and commuting into Manhattan?

[helpfornyc]

I've thought about it, but I'd prefer to stay in the city. I think I'll try what I can get and use commuting as plan B.

Would you recommend something like this bidding strategy?

[thereuare]

The strategy in that thread favors price over star quality... is that your goal as well? If so, you can try to follow that strategy as well. Any questions feel free to ask.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[helpfornyc]

Thanks! That is what I want (price over quality, though I think I'll stick with the 2.5* based on what you've said).

I'm up to $180/night for a 2.5* including ALL zones except Downtown (financial) and my bid was rejected. Should I keep raising my bid? Or wait my 24 hours to start again?

(This is for 2 nights 10/19-10/21)

Thanks.

I followed the advice with the link above, but I may not have done the "rebids" correctly... I don't really care where I am in Mahattan at this point. I just want to be there and have it under $200/night. :)

I'm just wondering if anyone's noticed if prices go down or up the closer you get to your date of travel.

[helpfornyc]

I retried a similar bidding strategy, starting with a higher amount. When that failed, I decided to try lowering my star rating to a 2 (I've decided that I'm OK with this if I have to be... I'm up for an adventure).

Bid at $200 for a 2* for all of NYC was also rejected.

[helpfornyc]

I followed the strategy on this link to try for a 3* property:

Priceline NYC

I tried it yesterday and it failed, so today I upped the starting price by $5. Used the savingsbarn.com link for each time I had to reopen priceline. I used UWS as my rebid zone.

When this strategy failed, I added the last two NYC zones one at a time. My first bid was $200, the second was $225. Both were rejected.

Should I wait the 24 hours and start again? Or is this a standard price range for a 2.5* star (it's a lot higher than the starting bid in the strategy for this star level) and I should just lower my start level?

Thanks!

Edit to add: I did decide to lower it to 2.5. That was rejected as well.

[thereuare]

If i understand correctly, you have bid up to $225/nite for a 2.5* hotel using all the NYC zones?

Personally i woudln't bid for a 2* in NYC, i would sooner look for non-opaque options... although rates for these dates are expensive and i'm not sure what you'll find near the $200 level (if that is your maximum budget)

[helpfornyc]

You are correct.

Can I ask what you mean by "non-opaque options?" I have a "back up" reservation at the Candlewood Suites in Jersey City. I tried all the other places recommended here in that town and they were all booked. I don't like this one, but it was all that was left. At least I have a room. I'm going to keep trying for NYC. I have until Thursday to cancel.

Can I ask if you have any experience using the "secret" deals on EasyClickTravel (I found this through your HOTWIRE links)? Are they reliable? And would you trust their star rating?

I think I'm willing to go up to $250/night for NYC on priceline, maybe a little more since I'm already paying $200/night in Jersey City. I want my weekend!

Thanks!

[helpfornyc]

Well, after finding your FAQ on easyclicktravel, I decided to try for the offer I found, because it was offering a 3.5* for $250ish, though it ended up being $300/night (they advertised a lower rate, but I went for it anyway... I'm starting to see how expensive this weekend (10/19 & 10/20) is. every place I call is sold out!).

It was only a "request,' however. I checked the hotel's website to see if they had any openings... and they're booked too. So, I'm not hopeful that this option will work out. But, I have to wait 48 hours to find out!

So, I think that I might have to wait and see if I can "sneak" in somewhere on Thursday, before I have to cancel my Plan B reservation. Otherwise, it's a sketchy room in Jersey City! :)

If you have any other suggestions, please let me know. As you can see, I've upped my $$$$$ :)

[thereuare]

I'm doubtful the EasyClickTravel offer will come thru for you given the tight demand for these dates.

The Candlewood in Jersey City isn't too bad... i'd hardly call it 'sketchy'.

[helpfornyc]

That's good to know!!! It was only a 2* and everyone said to stay away from those! :)

[helpfornyc]

My deal on easyclicktravel did NOT come through. I was very bummed about this.

My bid for a 2.5 star ANYWHERE in NYC for $300 on priceline was declined earlier today then...

Boy, did I just get lucky...

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan (3.5*)

10/19 & 10/20

$204/night!!!!

Thanks for all your help! It pays to be patient! This is going to be an AWESOME vacation!!!

PS- All the above links are from this site. :)

[helpfornyc]

Oops.. I needed to edit this. That deal was on HOTWIRE (link on this page!). It is STILL up. The hotel is the Crowne Plaza. I just spoke with the hotel and they aren't full yet. If you want NYC this weekend.... go there now! :)

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to hear it ultimately worked out well for you and thank you for using our HOTWIRE link to begin your purchase.

Can you please add the amenities shown before your purchase... you can still view these by going to HOTWIRE and clicking the MY STUFF link near the top of their home page.

Thanks... enjoy your stay.

[helpfornyc]

Sure, thanks again for your help.

The amenities listed are:

fitness centre

restaurant

business centre

high-speed internet

[Bagelmom]

You got a Darn!!! good price! I spent two weeks bidding for a 4 night stay and it is costing $300 for a 3* Congratulations!

BTW What the heck is going on in NY that has every place booked? I am going in for a conference.