Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) Grand Hyatt

[KatiesMom]

I was wondering if anyone could offer some thoughts for my situation. I am coming from Connecticut and planning a trip to NYC in August for 2 nights, most likely August 6 & 7 (Friday and Saturday). There is some flexibility if those dates are not available. I am an occaisional visitor to NYC but usually just day trips.

On Expedia I saw the Michelangelo Hotel listed for $179.00. There will just be 2 of us -- my daughter and I.... Does anyone know anything about this hotel? I am wondering if it is a really nice place -- if so I will check to see what other deals for it may be out there.

On another thread I mentioned that The Plaza is offering a deal in July for $249 with $100 food/gift credit. I would have chosen this if it were available in August becuase Tea at the Plaza would have been a nice mom and daughter thing...but it's moot...

It seems like rates have really gone up in a year for NYC hotels. I liked staying at the Hilton Towers at $90 a night last year and would do it again for that price, but if I have to pay $150 for the Hilton this year I may as well pay a little more for something more special. (My vacation time is extremely limited so I don't mind splurging a little for a couple nights' stay).

Thank you for your assistance!

Katiesmom

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Well you've seen firsthand that rates are certainly higher than they were last year... in part to a strong(er) economy but also in part to traveling continuing to pick-up since 9/11.

Rates for your dates don't seem too bad and i think you could be successful on Priceline under $140 (possibly around $120 or so?) It also seems that rates may be a little cheaper for 8/7-8/9, but since you're flexible you could always bid for your prefered dates and if rejected then bid for your alternate dates.

How high would you be willing to bid before you'd rather just 'pay up' for the Michelangelo? One thing to note is that a lot of the room at the Michelangelo are King bed only... don't know if that is plausible for you and your daughter (no gurantees of bedding with Priceline either). Where did you see the $179 rate for the Michelangelo (we're always interested in new sources for good deals :) )

Let us know your thoughts on how much of a 'deal' you would need in order to try Priceline/Hotwire... with that in mind we can suggest a bidding strategy for you to follow.

Here are some reviews of the MICHELANGELO. (keep in mind you will read positive and negative reviews about even the best hotels)

[KatiesMom]

Thank you Thereuare, I read the reviews about The Michelangelo from the site you recommended and it sounds pretty nice in many aspects (has some negatives but most places do). In my first post I mentioned I saw the $179 rate on Expedia. I don't have my heart set on any specific hotel so I do feel comfortable bidding Priceline.

The bed situation... we would prefer 2 doubles of course....but a king for the two of us wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.... one queen or one full would not be good at all. I understand that room selection is ultimately up to the hotel, that's why I'm not bidding lower than 4*. Hoping that weeds out places with only one queen bed, i.e. The Paramount.

I just did some research on Hotwire, throwing in the dates: check-in 8/6 and check- out 8/8. They list a 4* MTE, $147/night. I can't figure out what hotel it is from your NYC Hotwire list. Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center, Business Center, Tennis nearby. Any ideas? (A 4* MTE Customer Favorite is listed at $139. I think it's The Sheraton and that doesn't overly excite me.)

For $176/night Hotwire lists a 4.5* MTE, Restaurant, Fitness, Business, Tennis... (I'm guessing that's Inter Continental-Barclay...don't know anything about it.)

I think my limit would be $160 for 4.5* - 5*, $100 for 4* if it's likely to be a Hilton/Sheraton/Marriott type place.

Thanks for all your help.

[thereuare]

Expedia is now showing the Michelangelo as $195/nite for your dates (don't know if you have already reserved it or not).

They list a 4* MTE, $147/night. I can't figure out what hotel it is from your NYC Hotwire list. Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center, Business Center, Tennis nearby. Any ideas?

Most likely the Millenium UN Plaza (listed in the HOTWIRE NY LIST beyond the first post)

4* MTE Customer Favorite is listed at $139. I think it's The Sheraton

I saw this too, but it was MTC, right? If so i agree that it appears to be the Sheraton.

And the other one i saw appeared to be the Inter-Continental The Barclay but seemed to be a bit cheaper on a prior search (Hotwire fluctuates prices to within $10 for each user's search)

Now regarding the 4, 4.5*, and 5* discussion....

Unfortunately there is no universal hotel rating system. Hotwire tends to rate hotels the same as or, often, a half star higher than Priceline. So a 4.5* on Hotwire is often equal to a 4* on Priceline; to add to the confusion Priceline doesn't use 4.5* or 3.5* ratings in thier system.

The problem arises that both the Inter-Continental and the 'Hilton-esque' :) places are both rated 4*. Since you could get either it sounds as if you'd want to limit your 4* bidding to $100/nite, and I'm doubtful that you'd be able to get something at that star level for under $100/nite. If i'm interpretting what you are saying incorrectly let me know.

As i said above i think you could be successful between $120-$140... but it may be for a Hilton-type property (or it could be the Inter-Continental or some other hotel in the UM/CPS zone which are usually quite nice). Not sure if the price i'm now seeing for the Michelangelo affects your gameplan or not (or if you've 'locked-in' the previous rate already)

Let us know your thoughts.

[KatiesMom]

I haven't booked anything yet. I would like to start with Priceline first and if that doesn't pan out I can go to plan B and pick a known entity from Hotwire. If from what we've discussed you have a PL bidding strategy for me I'd love to give it a shot.

You are correct, it was a 4* MTC not MTE...which I assumed was The Sheraton. Also, I could swear Michelangelo was $179... But when I went back to Expedia I saw him at $195... Maybe he needs more money to paint the Sistene Chapel... And yes, on Hotwire I did see what appears to be the Inter-Continental Barclay for $176/night. I am assuming this is a good hotel from your reaction, so I'll keep that in mind.

And you are further correct, I would like to limit my PL 4* bidding to around $100 (Give or take a few dollars). For a 5* I'm willing to bid higher.

Thanks! :)

[thereuare]

Well the only known Priceline 5* hotel (Waldorf Towers) is known to only release inventory closer to check-in, so i don't think that's an option right now.

As i said above, i'm doubtful that you'll be successful for a 4* around the $100 level. If you want to try it, i'd follow this strategy which goes up to $120, but you could stop before that if you don't want to go that high.

You have 2 RE-BID ZONES available at the 4* level... if you're not sure of which ones qualify as your re-bid zones feel free to ask for help or just confirm with the board to make sure you got them right.

Select 4* MTE and

Bid $100, if rejected add MTW and...

Bid $105, if rejected add UM/CPS and...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone #1 and...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone #2 and...

Bid $120.

Let us know how it goes or if you have any questions regarding the above.

Good Luck.

[KatiesMom]

Thank you... It appears from what others are getting I may have an outside chance for a 4* between $110 and $120 which is fine with me.... I am going to wait one more day to start bidding just so I can finish my research. I will follow your strategy to the T.

[KatiesMom]

Today this popped up on Hotwire for my travel dates to NYC:

3 1/2* MC $139

Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Hi Speed Internet, Business.

I am assuming this is the Sheraton Manhattan. Hotwire says their standard room can be one queen or two double beds... So wondering if anyone has stayed here, what are the rooms like... etc....

Thanks!

Katiesmom

[thereuare]

Yes, this appears to be the Sheraton.

Your best bet is to read the reviews at TripAdvisor.com, as well you'll likely find some reviews at Travelocity"]Travelocity (at the latter you'll have to do a hotel search and find the Sheraton... then you can read the reviews)

At each site make sure you get the correct hotel, as there is a Sheraton NY and a Sheraton Manhattan (they're across the street from each other).

However, i will point out that this hotel doesn't really meet the criteria you described above.... it's not a 4* or higher property and it's also not under $100-120.

Are you considering expanding your parameters?

[KatiesMom]

I want to stay within the 4* range, and I will go up to $160 for a a fine spot. I just don't want to go $160 for the Hilton....I think I have time on my side that's why I'm researching various hotels being offered, even 3.5* because the star system does vary a little. Thanks about the tripadvisor rec...i'll use that to get reviews!

[KatiesMom]

Like a long-awaited passionate roll in the hay with a first time lover...Sometimes good things are over much too quickly... At least that's how it seems the only two times I have bid on Priceline. Both times my very first bid was accepted (In 2003 a $90 bid for the NY Hilton).... and now this....

4* Grand Hyatt, MTE

Check In: Friday, August 6, 2004

Check Out: Sunday August 8, 2004

Your Offer Price: $100.00

Number of Rooms: 1

Number of Nights: 2

Subtotal: $200.00

Taxes and Service Fees: $36.72

Total Charges: $236.72

Never stayed here before, but from the reviews, I am fine with this hotel for the price. I understand the Hyatt is undergoing a renovation and that the old rooms are bad but the renovated rooms on the upper floors are very good. The Hyatt's in a good location for us because we are traveling by train to Grand Central Station. I thought I might call the hotel tomorrow just to touch base with them about room preferences. Even though there are no guarantees I always like to ask anyway.

Any other tips and suggestions about this hotel are appreciated. Thank you Thereuare for your assistance!

[thereuare]

Well this outcome is certainly better than some rolls in the hay with first time summer lovers! :)

That's a great deal and at a price we haven't seen in quite some time! As you know i was doubtful of your success at this price level, but that's why i always say it also never hurts to try!

The renovations at this hotel are actually completed (as far as i know). It's a large business-class hotel right next door to Grand Central Station so transportation options are plentiful.

As with anyone that stays in this area, i highly recommend going to Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) one morning for breakfast. It's an inexpensive breakfast with some of the best bagels the city has to offer!

Congratulations on your win and enjoy your stay.

PS- oops, just remebered how you found the board... no need for me to give you food recos!

[KatiesMom]

After getting the bid I went to Hyatt.com and filled out (for free) a membership in their "Gold Passport" program. It lists some perks so I figured it would be good to have. Priceline stays count towards points.

This morning I called the hotel directly, confirmed my reservation, and requested a non-smoking room with 2 double beds, knowing that it is up to the hotel to choose the room at their discretion. I mentioned I had a "Gold Passport." The reservationist told me that my reservation came through for an "Executive Queen Room" which has one queen bed. She said she would note my request on the reservation and told me to make the request again at check-in. I think this is a fair policy (the Hilton told me the same thing last year). When you book through priceline for a Manhattan hotel you might get a room with one bed. For the price, I accept that stipulation... so we shall see how it goes at check-in. :)

I asked if the renovations were complete. She said all guest room renovations are done, but they are still renovating the 14th floor which has meeting rooms and the ballroom. Since I don't plan on conferencing or waltzing.... not a problem.

Thereuare, thanks for the Ess-a-Bagel rec. I have heard good things about it and will definitely go there. Dining out in NYC is so much fun. Can't wait!

[WillTravel]

I think the Hyatt will give you a free rollaway for guests under 18. Double-check, but if that's the case, the 2-bed issue need not be a worry.

[KatiesMom]

Thanks, Will, sounds like everything is going to be fine... and btw, I did click through savingsbarn.

[thereuare]

THANKS!!

[bbbb]

With gold passport you can use 1800 check-in.call this number at 12:00 noon on your check-in day and ask for two beds.If they are not able to give you two beds don"t check-in over the phone,you have one more chance for two beds at the front desk.

[thesqueegeekid]

I stayed here in the summer of 2003 ... checked it at the far left of the counter reserved for passport members .... it was the friendliest check-in I have ever encountered ..... got my request for "better view, King, high floor".

I hope your stay there goes as well as mine...!!!

[KatiesMom]

Thanks bbbb and squeegee!!! :)

[KatiesMom]

Just returned from my NYC trip and stay at The Grand Hyatt. I will post my hotel review on the review board, and some recommendations under the Tips for New York board. Thank you Thereuare for your bidding advice. This is a very useful, helpful site.