Hotwire Hotel: 3* NYC (Chelsea-Madison Square Garden) Holiday Inn Express MSG

[Thespian]

Coming home from PA to Boston after Thanksgiving, we usually stop in Allentown/Bethlehem or northern NJ. But I had a hunch NYC would be affordable that Sunday night, and it's been years since we were able to see the Christmas decorations (and toy train layouts) :).

I jumped at this Hotwire 3*, as I was pretty sure which hotel it would be and I didn't want to take my chances on Priceline. Used the HOTWIRE link from BetterBidding.

Holiday Inn Express New York City Madison Square Garden

232 West 29th Street

New York City, New York 10001

(212) 695-7200

$113 + $24.26 taxes and fees = $137.26

Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business

Lowest regular rate I found was $270 (surrounding nights $369).

I think this is a pretty good deal at 58 percent off an already low rate. Figuring in the value of the breakfast, it's about the same money as the $92 I paid for the Hilton New York during the post-9/11 hotel slump (and, of course, a much deeper discount -- the Hilton's direct rate was only $159).

Thanks to thereuare and the posters who contributed the information that enabled me to nab this one. Although I'm a fairly experienced bidder, I don't think I would have risked a 3* this cheap in NYC without having some idea of what it was.

Incidentally, the same deal is still showing on HOTWIRE today (at $116; it fluctuates) if anyone else wants to take advantage of it. They're also showing what looks like the Paramount for $129, the Hudson/Novotel/Sheraton for $166, the Grand Hyatt or Barclay for $159, and Murray Hill Suites for $133 (all guesses, of course). Makes it worth taking Monday off!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to hear the board was helpful in your purchase and your decision to go for it.

Thank you for sharing your results with the board (thereby helping future users as others have done in the past to help you with this purchase) and for using our HOTWIRE link to begin your purchase.

Enjoy your stay.