Hotwire Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) InterContinental The Barclay

[anndubray]

I'm new to all this but have tried bidding (various combinations) but, in summary, $145 has been unsuccessful for Times Square, MTE, MTW and Central Park South. I know bids are not necessarily successful based on previous bids (the calander shows someone got the Grand Hyatt for $135 for the same dates, although for a longer trip) but can anyone suggest how much I should increase my bid to for those areas for those dates?

Ican get the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square for $171 on its own website which seems pretty good.

Thanks in advance for any help

[rgdave]

What star rating are you trying for? If you're trying for 4* only, the 2 hotels that typically come in in the $150 range in January are the Grand Hyatt and Barclay, both MTE. The Hilton Garden Inn, while well located, isn't in the same category. Check HOTWIRE, there seem to be plenty of hotels in the price range you're looking at, and a 4* (likely the Barclay) at $175. Generally I find that if a hotel plays on both Hotwire and Priceline, that their bottom line Priceline price is about 10% to 15% below their Hotwire fixed price. So if the Barclay is coming in at $175 on Hotwire, you might be able to get it for $155 or $160 on Priceline, but probably not $145. That's my general experience, not any hard and fast rule.

Keep in mind, though, that if youi go 4*, everything will usually be extra --- breakfast most certainly, as well as internet access, and at the Barclay and Hyatt, you won't find coffee makers in the room, so room service coffee will set you back about $15 with the delivery fee. If you're looking at your overall budget, a 2.5* or 3* can be a better deal, even if its not as luxurious.

[anndubray]

thanks for that. I wasn't really at the top of my budget, just trying to get a good deal I guess! Ended up going with Hotwire and, by splitting my dates in half, ended up getting 4 nights in the Barclay for an average of $171 which I think is pretty good given there's a Monday and Tuesday night in there. I have stayed in that hotel before so know I'll be happy with it.

[thereuare]

Can you please list the dates for which you received the Inter-Continental Barclay and the amenties shown before your purchase... you can still view this information by going to HOTWIRE and clicking the MY ACCOUNT link near the top of their home page.

Thanks.

[anndubray]

My dates were in my original post so i am unsure why the subject has been changed. In any event, the rate was for 26-30 January. The amenities were fitness, tennis nearby, business, internet and restaurants.

[thereuare]

Please use separate thread for each purchase leg of your purchase.

Can you let us know the price and dates of your first purchase and we'll adjust this topic title to reflect that purchase... then start a NEW TOPIC for your second purchase.

Thanks.