Priceline Hotel: New York in October

[AllyB]

Looking for a hotel in NY from 29 Oct 08 to 2nd Nov 08 (4 nights). Not really fussed as to where we stay exactly, somehwere nice and in a nice area (someone said that means south of Central Park, but given I've never been I'm not sure - any help appreciated). I guess by New York standards we'd be looking at $200 for a 3* or thereabouts, but not sure if this is realistic. Can you please help? Thanks.

[thereuare]

This is NYC Marathon Weekend... good to watch and experience, but bad for hotel prices as they're very expensive (also depending upon which airport you're leaving from on 11/2, leave extra travel time since many roads are closed for the Marathon which has a domino effect on other roads)

So we can give this a try up to $200, but you're very likely going to have to increase your bid for a 3* or better hotel.

For the average tourist the midtown zones usually work best (MTE, MTW, TS, CPS, ESB, MSG, Chelsea)... Downtown is less convenient but still 'do-able' if price is a primary factor (which it may become given what i believe will likely be tight demand for your dates above)

Let us know if the above zones are acceptable (and if you want to include Downtown in the mix or wait and potentially add that later) and i'd suggest using our BetterChecker to look at some conventional rates first and let us know if you want to keep your maximum bid at $200 or increase it... we'll then suggest a bidding strategy for your to follow.

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

[AllyB]

Thanks for the reply. Amazing what you learn from someone on the inside - we had noticed some hotels were fully booked, and prices seemed unusually higher, but had no idea this weekend was the marathon weekend. Sounds like we could have planned slightly better, but hey ho!

I think your suggestions of MTE, MTW, TS, CPS, ESB, MSG, Chelsea seem good, and would suit better if we could start from here. I think given its marathon weekend, $300 may be a more realistic starting point? Would you have any indication of where a starting point may be on 4*, just for reference?

We'll definitely be using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE for our travel purchases.

[thereuare]

I think given its marathon weekend, $300 may be a more realistic starting point?

Do you mean start at $300 or start with $300 as a maximum bid? ($300 would be too high to start with... it may ultimately take more than that, but i would certainly start lower)

Not my first choice of hotels, but Quikbook (please use this link) has the Helmsley Middletowne Hotel for $310/nite and it's cancellable up up until a day or two before your stay. Reviews are mixed but you can read them and make a decision. I would then try to beat this by get a 4* for a bit more or a 3* for a similar amount (depending upon your budget). As well, is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option?

Let us know your thoughts regarding the above and we'll take it from there.

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

[trexgirl]

i am staying there the same weekend for a wedding. I have been trying every day for a month to get a 4* DT/SOHO for up to $260 w/ NO LUCK. I will have to start adding MTE and others.....did not know about the Marathon that weekend....good info.