Priceline Hotel: Visit to New York Oct, 2008

[GHS - Canada]

We will be visiting New York in late October before a cruise and have noticed the hotel prices are quite high in the city. Is it an option to stay by JFK (where we land) and come into the city each day for a few days as the hotel prices seem much more reasonable there (we are a group of 7, Adults and teens)? As well if this is an option what is the best mode of transportation to take in and out each day, and costs? As well, we would appreciate a list of the suggested things to do on a short visit, ie ground zero, central park etc. Thank you.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Staying by JFK is not really a good option for those wishing to 'commute' to Manhattan.

As i'm sure you're finding, NYC is expensive this time of year... what is your minimum star rating and expected budget? What is the breakdown of adults/teens and how many rooms were you intending to book?

[GHS - Canada]

We want a nice, clean, safe place to sleep (2 rooms - 2 beds in each, 4 people in 1 room 3 people in the other) as we will be out and about as we only have a couple of full days to see what we can, likley approximately a 3*.

We have stayed at Holiday Inn express, Courtyard Marriott types of hotels numerous times in different parts of the US but their rates are normally $99- $149. That is what we want to spend as we only have 3 nights Oct 25-28.

There are 2 grandparents, 2 parents, 1 early 20's 1 late teens and 1 mid teen.

The airport hotels seem to be in this range but all the downtown ones are at least double that.

[thereuare]

(2 rooms - 2 beds in each, 4 people in 1 room 3 people in the other)

You can't guarantee a room with two beds when using PRICELINE... all that is guaranteed is that the room with accomodate two adults. See the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ for further details. Is this a risk you're willing to take?

If not, you can try HOTWIRE which may cost a little a more than PRICELINE, but it will allow you to search for up to quad occupancy which will ensure enough sleeping accomodations for everyone in your group.

We have stayed at Holiday Inn express, Courtyard Marriott types of hotels numerous times in different parts of the US but their rates are normally $99- $149.

Everything in NYC is more expenisve... including hotel rooms. I don't think it's realistic to base your budget for this stay upon what you have paid for various hotels in other parts of the country.

[GHS - Canada]

Thanks, Priceline will not work for this trip as we require 2 double or queen beds per room for the number of people.

I'll look at HOTWIRE, if all else fails we may have to stay out by JFK and commute. At approx $900-$1000 for 3 nights/room is too expensive for our budgets.