Priceline Hotel: Bidding Help Please - NYC 8/16 - 8/20

[LaurRne14]

My family and I will be visiting NYC August 16th-20th and would like some help with bidding. I am interested in starting the bidding immediately so that we have as much time as possible to try for a good rate. I don't have a backup room yet but am working on that.

I would be willing to accept bids in MTE, MTW, TS, UM-CPS, and if I had to MTS. I'd like to stay under $200 (although I'll hold out going that high for a couple months since I have time) and would prefer a 4*. What is the best way to bid for that?

Another question I have is that there are three of us going on this trip. I understand that Priceline only guarantees a two occupancy room; however, I'd like to know from people's experiences how likely it would be for a 4* hotel in those areas to offer either a rollaway bed or have a couch. One person is willing to sleep on the floor so I'm not too concerned and I don't think that would be a major problem in a 4* but would appreciate others' input!

Thanks so much!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I wouldn't recommend bidding on PRICELINE for a 4* hotel in NYC for more than double occupancy... i would sooner look towards HOTWIRE, GTA Hotels, and Quikbook.

Let us know if you want to move foward with PRICELINE or go with one of the other providers mentioned above.

[LaurRne14]

Thanks for your input. I'm trying to look at different options. Do you think I'd have any chance at getting two 3* rooms in any of those zones for $100 or $110/night? I'm thinking that might be a better solution.

[thereuare]

That price is possible simply because it is summer and a slow season in the NYC hotel market... but probably shouldn't be expected. I would think if you increase your maximum bid another $20 or so it would increase your chances exponentially (but obviously you'd want to try lower bids first, if you choose to go this route)

[LaurRne14]

Thanks for your help. I'm considering booking the Hilton New York because I can get a guaranteed 2 doubles room for $259/night with a great location direct through their website. I didn't want to spend quite that much but think that's a pretty good deal. I might try bidding on two 3* or 4* rooms. I'll post something if I decide to go that route.

[thereuare]

I think $259/nite is a lot of money for summer months in NYC, but if you decide to go that route, please note as per our support page that we're an affiliate of the HILTON brands, and please use our Hilton New York link to begin your purchase.

[LaurRne14]

I will use those links you provided if I go that route. You say that's a high rate, does that mean they usually drop significantly as it gets closer? For a room with two doubles, that's by far the cheapest 3* or 4* hotel I can find. Maybe I'll book the refundable rate as a backup and keep looking for the better deals as it gets closer.

[thereuare]

You say that's a high rate, does that mean they usually drop significantly as it gets closer?

It's not that rates necessarily drop as dates get closer, but knowing the NYC market and this time of year, pending any event that would be driving up demand, i think you'll have the opportunity to do significantly better than the above in the months ahead.

I definately would not book a non-refundable back-up at that price at this time... but would book a cancellable back-up to protect yourself just in case rates go higher.

Keep us updated if you see anything in the interim, but feel free to bump this thread every 2 weeks or so (until we get closer to your dates) and we'll have another look each time.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

[noppy]

I'll be in NYC August 26-28 so glad to hear the summer rates are generally lower. :)

[LaurRne14]

Do you have a recommendation for a good, cancellable backup room to book for three people during these dates? I would prefer to stay under $250/night plus tax and would like at least a three start hotel, preferably in midtown. I'm definitely realizing that it will be another couple months before we can get any really good deals, but need to get a backup in place so that I can afford to wait! Thanks for the assistance!

[thereuare]

I don't know much about it, and it's on the UWS, but how about the Excelsior for $234/nite thru GTA Hotels? (select triple occupancy from the drop down menu on the left of their page)

You can read the reviews HERE.

[LaurRne14]

Thanks for your recommendation. I strongly considered The Excelsior, but decided to go with the Roosevelt Hotel which I found on Hotels.com for $207.38/night. My family has never been to NYC so I thought this location in midtown would be best for them. From what I've read of the reviews and seen of rates at this time, I'm very satisfied with this hotel as a backup, but will continue to look on PRICELINE and HOTWIRE as it gets closer in case I find any amazing last minute deals. I'll update the thread if I win anything.

[thereuare]

Please note, as per our support page, we're an affiliate of Hotels.com