Priceline Hotel: NYC 8/8-8/10

[Michael Brock]

We will be attending an event at the South Street Seaport on saturday 8/9/2008. Last year we stayed at the Club Quarters downtown and liked it very well (booked through our credit card's "frequent flier" program, not an option this year) and it was very convenient to the event. This year we're running late with our planning so I thought I would give priceline a try. I have been reading up on the suggested "bidding process" and I think I have a handle on it. My question is more a matter of location since I'm not very familiar with NYC. If I'm looking to spend a maximum of $175/night for 3* or 4* hotel should I restrict myself to Downtown-SoHo-Financial Disctrict for the convenience or should I look at other areas? There seem to be quite a few subway lines convenient to the Seaport and some of the Priceline hotels in the Downtown area aren't exactly next door to the Seaport.

Thanks,

Michael

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Will this even be taking up the majority of the time during your trip or will you have time to do other things during your stay (and where will these 'other' things be... more in midtown? (likely) or downtown?)

Would you be willing to 'commute' 30 minutes to the event at the Seaport? Is price more important than location? (or vice-versa)

Let us know the above and we'll be in a better position to advise.

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

[Michael Brock]

All very good questions...which leads me to re-think things. Last year we took a few extra days but this year can't really afford it.

"Will this even be taking up the majority of the time during your trip or will you have time to do other things during your stay (and where will these 'other' things be... more in midtown? (likely) or downtown?)"

It will take up most of our day on Saturday. If we do have time to do anything else, it would likely be the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, and/or the Natural History Museum.

"Would you be willing to 'commute' 30 minutes to the event at the Seaport?"

A 30 minute commute is no problem. We actually enjoy riding the subway (probably because we don't live in NYC).

"Is price more important than location? (or vice-versa)"

Price is more important than convenience, unless we're talking "really inconvenient". 30 minute commute works, 60 minute commute not so much.

Thanks,

Michael

[thereuare]

Price is more important than convenience, unless we're talking "really inconvenient". 30 minute commute works, 60 minute commute not so much.

I think you'll be fine just about anyplace South of Central Park. Since price is the most important criteria, i would suggest including all acceptable zones (include Downtown and acceptable Midtown zones) and start the bidding low and gradtually increase from there... landing the first hotel to accept at the lowest price.

If this seems like a feasiable plan let us know:

-which zone(s) you're willing to accept

-if you're willing to pay more for a 4* vs. a 3* (ie- did you want to try for a 4* up to your limit before trying for a 3*) OR if you're looking for the least expensive 3* or better hotel for this stay

Since under $175 for the above is possible, but hardly a sure thing, you may want to book a cancellable back-up in the process and i found the Desmond Tutu thru Quickbook (please use this link) for $196/nite which includes breakfast and has been getting very good reviews. This is cancellable up until a day or two before your arrival, so it at least let's you know you have "something" while you continue to try PRICELINE and HOTWIRE

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. (or our Quikbook link above if you use that as a back-up)

Let us know your thoughts on the above and we'll advise accordingly.