Priceline Hotel: Trip in October

[HuwieHex]

I am English, so don't know a lot about American travel patterns on Public holidays. There are three of us wanting to visit New York City for a week commencing 11th October. But I notice that the Monday is Columbus Day. Does that mean that hotel prices will increase at that time? And I would also be grateful for any advice about when I should start to bid for hotel rooms on Priceline for October (now, or in July, or a couple of weeks before travelling?).

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Rates should not be high as a result of the holiday weekend, but may be high nonetheless due to the time of year... Fall is usually a very expensive time in NYC. It's never too early to begin bidding... as long as your plans are firm and you don't overbid. For a more detailed discussion and opinions see the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

How many rooms are you looking for? If only one, PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy and there are many hotel rooms in NYC with only one bed and no room for a rollaway cot.

What is your maximum budget? (per nite before fees and taxes)

[HuwieHex]

Thank you for the response. I do realise that we will need two rooms. I think that the maximum I could afford per room, exclusive of taxes and charges, would be US $200 per night. Is it a realistic expectation to get good quality accommodation in Manhattan for that sort of money, or would I be better off looking for a hotel outside Manhattan but near to the Amtrak or Path network. Tentatively, we are looking for two rooms for 5 nights, starting on or around 11th October.

[thereuare]

Your budget is currently probably a little low for this time of year for a 4* hotel, but it's still very early and with the way the economy here is heading there is no telling where rates will be as you get closer to your check-in date (but historically this is an expensive time of year)

Your budget is probably also too low for a hotel near the PATH station, but you could probably get something in Secaucus/Rutherford for which you would commute in by bus... although if you go this option i would consider SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID, saving some money in NJ for a few days and taking that savings and applying it towards a 'higher than budget' hotel in Manhattan for the balance of your stay.

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