Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) InterContinental The Barclay

[Gabwey]

Hi,

I am new to Priceline and I would like to book a 4* hotel in NYC from Tuesday August 12th to Thursday August 14th.

I already have a backup hotel (Quality Inn Time Square at 166$/night). However, I would pay as much as 175$/night for a 4* hotel. I don't know what area to stay in.

Is it possible to have a bidding strategy? Do you think that a 175$ bid would be enough to win a 4* hotel? What area do you recommand me to stay in?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Which NYC PRICELINE zones are you willing to bid? Most users typically bid the MTE, MTW, CPS, and Time Square zones... and also include ESB for difficult dates. You can seee this Priceline New York City Zone Descriptions thread for more info.

Let us know and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[Gabwey]

Hi,

I think the zones you mentionned (MTE, MTW, CPS, and Time Square zones) are fine! Like you said, in case I don't find anything I would be glad to have a nice 4* room in the ESB area too. I don't want tot be too far south east though.

My preferred zones would be MTW and Time Square.

Thanks for your help!

[thereuare]

Based upon current prices i'm doubtful that $175 will be enough for a 4* hotel, but you can (and should) certainly give it a try.

At the 4* level you have SIX re-bid zones. 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.

(NOTE: 're-bid zone1' is not the same as priceline's Zone1, 're-bid zone2' is not the same as priceline's Zone2, etc, etc)

Select 4* MTE and MTW and CPS and TS...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone3...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone4...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone5...

Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE.

Select 4* MTE and MTW and CPS and TS and re-bid zone6...

Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone3...

Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone4...

Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone5...

Bid $175

Any quesitons feel free to ask.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Gabwey]

Thanks for the strategy.

I have another question for you...

When do you think I have more chance to win? Very close to the reservation date (2-5 days before) or now (about 1 month before

And what is the lowest price that you think as a good chance of being accepted?

Thanks again!

[thereuare]

When do you think I have more chance to win? Very close to the reservation date (2-5 days before) or now (about 1 month before)

See the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

And what is the lowest price that you think as a good chance of being accepted?

My guess is that it would currently take more than $218, and i choose this number because at that point i would sooner book the Belvedere thru Quickbook (please use this link) for that price ($218/nite). The hotel has a good location and gets very good reviews... if your budget allows i would use this as your back-up hotel (thru Quickbook it's cancellable up until a couple of days before your stay) and use this as the hotel/price to beat.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. (or our Quickbook link if you go that route)

[Gabwey]

Hi,

So if I understand the bidding startegy well, the re-bid zones are :

Brooklyn

Chelsea

Long Island City

Maddison Square Garden

UES

UWS

Is that right?

[thereuare]

Yes, you have your re-bid zones correct (for bidding 4 stars).

HOWEVER, always doublecheck them before you start a bidding cycle to make sure that nothing has changed since you previously looked (ie- make sure that no hotels have been added or upgraded which would make any of the zones no longer qualify as re-bid zones)

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

Let us know how it goes or if you have any additional questions.

[Gabwey]

Hi,

Do you think that adding another zone (ESB or downtown soho) would result in a better chance that my 175$ bid is accepted?

Thanks

[thereuare]

It would increase your chances from the standpoint that it gives additional hotels the ability to accept your bid, but i still think this is currently too low for these dates.

I would try the strategy above, add the ESB and/or Dowtown zones (you could also bid the above, then if rejected repeat with the ESB and/or Downtown zones), and if rejected book the Belvedere thru Quickbook as a back-up while you contniue to try PRICELINE as your dates get closer.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. (or our Quickbook link if you're rejected with priceline and hotwire)

Let us know how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[Gabwey]

Hi,

I am still trying everyday, but still no luck. I am hoping for the best since I saw two bid accepted at 150$ for end of July, beggining of August.

I have a question for you (again...) :

Do you think it is worth it to pay 25$ more/night (upgrade to 200$ max bid) to have a 4* hotel instead of a 3*? I mean what will I get more in a 4*?

Thanks

[thereuare]

Do you think it is worth it to pay 25$ more/night (upgrade to 200$ max bid) to have a 4* hotel instead of a 3*? I mean what will I get more in a 4*?

This is personal preference and some would choose the higher rated hotel while some would choose the $25 savings. If it were me, in NYC, i would spend the $25 more as you're more likely to get some space in a 4* hotel room vs. a 3* hotel room (i put likely in italics as NYC hotel rooms are notoriously small... and there are some rooms, even at the 4* level, that are extremely small)

If i were to go for a 3* hotel i would sooner user HOTWIRE where i would have a chance at guessing the hotel beforehand and being reasonably assured that the room was of decent size (i don't like staying on postage stamp sized rooms)

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

[Gabwey]

Good news

I have got The Intercontinental Barclay for 140$/night for two nights (Aug-12 and Aug-13)

I have bid according to the bidding strategy posted above almost everyday.

Today I have bid the followinf before winning

MTE, MTW, CPS and TS - 120$ - rejected

MTE, MTW, CPS and TS added rebid zone 1 - 125$ - rejected

MTE, MTW, CPS and TS added rebid zone 2 - 130$ - rejected

MTE, MTW, CPS and TS added rebid zone 3 - 135$ - rejected

MTE, MTW, CPS and TS added rebid zone 4 - 140$ - accepted

The room is 349$/night according to the hotel website.

I save more than 200$/night! Thanks to this forum!

I hope for the best for the other people!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your win!

Thank you for sharing your winning bid with the board... we're glad teh board was helpful in your bidding and success.

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

Enjoy your stay.

[Gabwey]

I forgot to tell something...

I used the PRICELINE link mentioned by thereuare for all my bidding.

Thanks again.