Priceline Hotel: Help needed for Chelsea area Oct 27-30

[denisiel]

Hi, I have never had much success bidding on Priceline. Would you please advise a bidding strategy to find a reasonably priced safe hotel in the Chelsea area where I will have meetings near 18th street? Doesn't have to be luxurious as long as it is clean. I plan to walk alot so would like to find a hotel in the Chelsea area around 100 W. 18th Street. Thanks in advance!

[thereuare]

Welcome (officially) to BetterBidding!

One reason why you may not have had much success in the past is being to restrictive in the areas you're willing to accept. In some cities this is unpreventable, but in NYC the zones are so close together and mass transit relatively inexpensive and readily available, that there is seldom any reason to only bid one zone (unless there are hotels in other zones that you're trying to avoid or unwilling to accept).

You know your needs better than we do, but would you be willing to "commute with the New Yorkers" and take a short subway ride to your destination? How about a short cab ride? Spending $2 (subway) or $10 (just an example of a cab ride) to commute to your morning location would certainly seem better than spedning $50, $75, $100 or more each nite on a hotel room... but again, you know your tastes and budget better than we do so you'll have to determine how much 'inconvenience' you're willing to give up in order to save some money.

It's your stay (and money) so we'll suggest a strategy for whatever you'd like to do, but i do think it would benefit you to include other zones which may be acceptable.

Let us know if you'd like to stick with just Chelsea or include any other zones, as well as your maximum bid and minimum star rating, and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[denisiel]

First, thanks so much for replying to my request for help - it is much appreciated. I am going to be in NY for a business trip (no sightseeing) - paid for by myself so budget is very important. Will have carry on luggage only and want to take the Air Train from JFK to hotel if possible.

Location is not really important except that my meetings are on 18th street (west of Park) and as I will have a heavy bag with me, I was hoping to stay near a subway. According to Hotwire, the nearest locations are Chelsea, SoHo, and Empire State Building area. But actually I can stay anywhere as long as it safe at night returning to the hotel with a big bag. Last time I stayed in Brooklyn and that was fine except the area was not good for a single lady carrying a heavy bag.

Any advice on which areas and how much to bid and the best bidding strategy for my situation? Thanks in advance!

[thereuare]

I would think any of the midtown locations (MTE, MTW, TS, CPS, ESB, MSG, Chelsea) would all be fine... if you end up downtown near Battery Park the commute could be a bit longer than you'd like, but i'd also question how you'll handle the subway with the steps (many don't have elevators) and a cab may be the best option.

Let us know which zones you'd like to bid, your minimum star rating and maximum bid, and we'll advise accordingly.

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