Priceline Hotel: 3* NYC (MTW) The Algonquin

[Dano959]

Just an FYI for those that are looking, I spent almost an hour this afternoon trying 28 different 3* combinations/re-bids in Manhattan for 3 nights Aug. 24-26 between $180 and $231 with no wins. I don't think I got every possible combo, but I was butting up against my monetary limit and decided to wait and try again tomorrow. I haven't tried So-Ho/Financial because it was a little further away than I was hoping for, but I see that al pacino got that area for $180 later in the week, so I may re-think that. I know that the US Open is in town from the 25th through the 7th, and heard that it brings 50,000 people to town.

[AaronJB]

HOTWIRE has a bunch of listings in or near your price range, including a 4* in Midtown Central for $222, which I'm guessing may be the Sheraton. For another $17 per night, there is a 4* in the Midtown East area with the amenities Restaurant, Fitness Center, Hi-Speed Internet, Business Center which appears to be the Omni Berkshire, which gets much better reviews than the Sheraton.

If this idea is of interest, please use the site's link to HOTWIRE to start your purchase.

[Dano959]

Thanks, Aaron. I had checked HOTWIRE before bidding on PL, and didn't see anything that low. I just checked it again, and the lowest I'm seeing are a 3.5* in Midtown East and a 3* in Times Square for $256/$255. I don't understand HOTWIRE as well as PRICELINE, but it is another option to keep open. I am also pursuing timeshare rentals at The Mahattan Club......

[thereuare]

Since your topic title lists your dates as 8/24-8/26 i think AaronJB searched for a 2 nite stay in order to get those prices, while your post indicates this is a 3 nite stay (i'm assuming 8/24-8/27)

Given the price difference, is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option?

Also, if Jersey City is an option, the Hyatt appears to be avaialble very inexpensively for the first 2 nites of your stay.

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

[Dano959]

Yes, our stay is for three nights, Aug. 24,25,26. Sorry for the confusion. In various research, it seems that sometimes listing the check-out day results in a fourth night being included (such as on your calander of wins). Anyway, at this point, splitting isn't an option due to our itinerary. We saw some nice wins for the 24th and discussed it, but don't think it will be worth the hassle. Will try again in a few hours when the 24 hour period is up and report back here.

[thereuare]

All posts on the board are in check-in/check-out format.

I'll try to have a look at the Priceline and Hotwire Calendar of Wins when i have some time (none on the horizon currently) and try to make it consistent with the rest of the board.

Thanks.

[Dano959]

I didn't try anything yesterday due to waiting on another option. That fell through, so i made a couple of bids today and just got a win. I will post details in a new thread.

[Dano959]

Refer to my previous thread about many tries with no wins. Knowing that I was going to have to raise my bid prices, I kinda cut to the chase this time. I started with:

4* MTE, MTW, TS @ $200 - Rejected

Re-bid UES @ $211 - Rejected

Re-bid UWS @ $222 - Rejected

Re-bid MSG @ $236 - Rejected

Opened a new window:

3* MTE, MTW, TS, CPS, ESB, MSG @ $222 - Rejected

On that rejection, I got a screen saying that I had a one-time opportunity to Re-bid without changing anything if I increased my bid by $25. I had a hunch that it was hinting that I'd win if I did that, so that's what I did:

3* MTE, MTW, TS, CPS, ESB, MSG @ $247 - Win

Here's what I got:

The Algonquin

Midtown West

59 West 44th Street

New York, New York 10036

212-840-6800

Check-In Date:

Sun, Aug 24, 2008 / After 03:00 PM

Check-Out Date:

Wed, Aug 27, 2008 / 12:00 PM

Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $247.00

Subtotal: $741.00

Taxes & Service Fees: $132.47

Total Charges*: $873.47

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your win!

Glad to hear of your succes and that you're happy with the results. This is a 'old school' hotel with a LOT of history and character (try to sit and have a drink in the lobby)

Thank you for sharing your win with the board. You were right that PRICELINE was hinting that you were close, but also know for the future that you can often undercut the PRICELINE counter-offer, as discussed in this Priceline Counter Offer thread.

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

Enjoy your stay.

[Dano959]

I thought I could try underbidding (and I did have a couple of Re-bids available), but at the same time, the $247 was still within my budget and lower than my backup, so I just went for it. The fact that we got The Algonquin made it worthwhile for me. My wife is VERY excited about staying there, and that can't be replaced by saving a few bucks. Thanks for the help and providing this board.