Priceline Hotel: Bidding Advice & Suggestions for NYC hotels

[goodeats]

Hi all, I tried to abide by the posting rules, but since this is my first post, please forgive a rookie. :)

The details:

1. Saturday, Feb. 2 to Monday, Feb. 4.

2. 3 adults (my mom, DH & I) and 1 child (DS = 14mos).

3. We're driving. We're in DC and train/flight costs seem to be more than parking fees. So parking will be a consideration.

4. My mom hasn't really been to NY in a nice hotel, so my *highest* cap will be $200, but I am shooting for a "nice" (4*?) for $150 if possible.

The questions:

1. I don't know which neighborhoods are good and good for parking?

2. I don't know what I should shoot for, meaning bidding 5* vs. 4* vs. ?

3. Do I need to bid on 2 rooms?

4. For this particular weekend, is it possible to get a room for $130 for a 4*?

Sorry this is so complex. Please let me know if this is impossible.

Thanks for being patient!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I think $130 might be feasible, but here is the issue...

Priceline only guarantees double occupancy, so given that you're 3 adults + a child, you'll be over the occupancy limit for one room. Some choose to take the chance and book one room for more than double occupancy, but this is a risk, and one which we don't recommend in NYC since rooms are notoriously small and the standard room of many hotels (even at the 4* level, although many more at the 3* level) only have one bed, and not enough room for a rollaway.

Your other option is HOTWIRE, which does allow you to search for up to quad occupancy. While HOTWIRE is usually a little more expensive than Priceline (but almost always cheaper than traditional rates), it also has the advantage of being able to often have a very educated guess as to the hotel you're being offered before your purchase (by matching up the star rating and amenities shown to be associated with the property). Going with HOTWIRE you should be able to go with one room.

My gameplan would be to see how much a HOTWIRE hotel would cost, then determine if you'd like to go with that or be willing to pay a bit more, or lower your star rating, in order to try for two rooms thru priceline. (since that comes with the added benefit of a bit more privacy, an extra shower and bathroom for getting ready in the morning, etc)

Let us know your thoughts and we'll take it from there.

[goodeats]

My gameplan would be to see how much a HOTWIRE hotel would cost, then determine if you'd like to go with that or be willing to pay a bit more, or lower your star rating, in order to try for two rooms thru priceline. (since that comes with the added benefit of a bit more privacy, an extra shower and bathroom for getting ready in the morning, etc)

Let us know your thoughts and we'll take it from there.

Thanks for your response!

I did a search on Hotwire and there was the following results in the $100-$152 range (just the general, not the detail):

1. 2* in Brooklyn for $104

2. 3* in Brooklyn for $109

3. 3* in JFK-Jamaica for $132

4. 3* in Midtown South for $152

The higher ones are:

1. 2* in downtown SoHo for $169

2. 3* in Midtown East for $179

3. 2* in Midtown East for $184

4. 3* in Midtown Central for $189 (cust. fav.)

5. 4* in Midtown Central for $192 (cust. fav.)

So now, my follow-up questions are:

1. Do I stay in Brooklyn for $109?

2. Where is JFK-Jamaica in relation to Manhattan?

3. Should I splurge for the 4* customer favorite at $192 or opt for Midtown South at $152 if Brooklyn & JFK options pale in comparison? OR

4. Should I gamble on Priceline?

5. What's parking like in those areas?

Sorry for the myriad of questions. I'm quite horrible at this. I can Priceline other cities better, but I know NYC is complex!

Thx. :)

[thereuare]

I would not recommend Brooklyn and JFK is quite a distance from Manhattan (far enough that you wouldn't want to commute it each day, imo, and certainly not with a 14 month old)

If the Midtown South hotel on HOTWIRE is showing: Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business then this is a match for the Holiday Inn Express (Madison Square Garden) and that would be our best guess. This hotel gets very good reviews and includes free breakfast, so this may be your best option. On the downside, it's still a Holiday Inn Express and may not be hte 'nice' hotel you wanted for your mom.

Traveling with an infant i would want to be in the city itself as it is very convenient to head back to the hotel for bottles, naps, diaper bag refils, etc, etc (can you tell i have my own babies at home :) ). However, one other option is Jersey City where i think you can get the Hyatt on the Hudson for a good rate. This is a very nice hotel with a PATH train right at the door which will have you into Downtown Manhattan in 8 minutes. As well, the hotel is built on a pier so all rooms have a skyline view of NYC (some Downtown, some Midtown). There are plenty of photos of this property as our sister site Real Hote lPhotos. I think you can get quad occupancy here for about $130/nite... possibly two rooms for $75-$85/nite each.

If you do move forward with HOTWIRE before replying please remember to use our HOTWIRE link to begin any purchases you make.

Let us know your thoughts and/or any questions and we'll take it from there.