StrangeBrew Posted April 18, 2008 Report Posted April 18, 2008 My wife and I are heading to NYC for a wedding from 8/28/08 to 09/02/08. The wedding is out on Long Island so we'll probably stay out there starting on 8/30 but want to stay in the city for the nights of 8/28 and 8/29. We've never been to NYC before, probably looking to stay either near Time Square or MidTown. Any tips or suggestions on using PRICELINE or HOTWIRE are greatly appreciated. Looking probably for a 4*. Thanks
thereuare Posted April 19, 2008 Report Posted April 19, 2008 Welcome to BetterBidding!What is your expected budget (per nite before fees and taxes) for this stay? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
thereuare Posted May 1, 2008 Report Posted May 1, 2008 For the typical visitor MTE, MTW, UM-CPS, and Times Square (and for difficult dates MTS is often added too) usually all work out fine at the 4* level as the hotels are generally convenient to the subways.Are all of these zones acceptable? (do you want to include MTS too)Let us know which zones and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
thereuare Posted May 1, 2008 Report Posted May 1, 2008 Rates look high at the moment, although August is typically a slow month (and still awhile away), so why i don't necessarily expect the following to be successful, this is how i would bid at the moment...At the 4* level you have four re-bid zones available. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.Select 4* MTE and MTW...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline.Select 4* UM-CPS and Times Square...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline.Select 4* MTE and UM-CPS...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline.Select 4* MTW and Times Square...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected close browser and re-access priceline.Select 4* MTE and MTW and UM-CPS and Times Square...Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $165.Any questions feel free to ask.I stopped at $165 as I don't think i'd bid higher than that at the moment as i think odds favor lower prices in the weeks to come (unless there is some event takign place in the city during this timeframe).In the meantime, in case prices head in the opposite direction, i would book a cancellable back-up... one i'd recommend is Gild Hall thru Quickbook (please use this link if you go this route) for $209. It's located Downtown and is going thru a 'soft opening' (so some amenities are not available, such as room service, a restaurant, etc), but even with the soft opening it's been getting great reviews and is cancellable up until a few days before your arrival.For the bidding above, please use these PRICELINE links (or HOTWIRE links if you later go that route)Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
StrangeBrew Posted May 1, 2008 Author Report Posted May 1, 2008 Thanks I will try and let you know how it comes out. I did just look and it looks like the US Open (Tennis) is out there from Aug 25 - Sept 7
thereuare Posted May 1, 2008 Report Posted May 1, 2008 That can do it... but in the past i don't think it affected rates that much, although it's quite possible hotels have increased rates this far in advance in hope of bookings coming in heavy. If they come in a little weaker than expected we'll see rates go down (of course they may come in as predicted, or stronger, and rates can remain high or go even higher... which is why it's important to book a cancellable back-up). With the potential demand from the Open, there may be little reason for hotels to offer too deep a discount to the opaque suppliers at this time, but give the above a try and see how it goes... of not successful, i'd feel comfortable with the Quickbook option at the Gild Hall then simply try to better that deal thru PRICELINE and HOTWIRE in the weeks to come.Keep us updated. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
StrangeBrew Posted May 4, 2008 Author Report Posted May 4, 2008 4.5* Midtown Central Location. Amenities don't seem to match the 4.5* Essex House in the list.Price 282/night and Amenities listed asFitness Center, High-Speed, Restaurant(s)
StrangeBrew Posted May 5, 2008 Author Report Posted May 5, 2008 can you please furnish dates?8/28-8/30
thereuare Posted May 5, 2008 Report Posted May 5, 2008 Please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread.Have you tried the PRICELINE bidding outline above yet?Previously you mentioned your maximum budget for this stay at $200/nite, but the HOTWIRE hotel above is $282/nite... have you incrased your maximum budget?Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
StrangeBrew Posted May 5, 2008 Author Report Posted May 5, 2008 No I haven't increased my price range yet I was just curious to find out what that was. I have tried your bidding strategy once so far. No luck the first time. Will try again in the next day or so. Thanks again for all your help.
Recommended Posts
Register now, we have a huge community of travel enthusiasts to answer any questions you might have.
Sign In Now