Priceline Hotel: Help Needed for bidding on 4* for 11/15-11/16

[anne_nyc]

Hi! I am looking for a hotel for one night in Manhattan. I checked out Hotwire but am hoping to get a better deal on Priceline. We aren't too picky on area but really want a four star + hotel. It's our anniversary and the first night we will be sleeping a full night's sleep since our second child was born eight months ago. I am dreaming of breakfast in bed!

So far:

$120 at MTE & CPS - Rejected

$140 at MTE, MTW & CPS - Rejected

I can continue to add areas but wasn't sure if I should continue to increase price. We live in Brooklyn so our back up of course is staying at home! I am hoping to come in well under $200 to beat the prices on Hotwire but am willing to go up to $200 for the right hotel.

What should I do next?

Thanks!

Carolyn

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please let us know which zones (by PRICELINE name) you're willing to accept and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[anne_nyc]

We would prefer (in order):

Central Park South

Downtown/Soho/Financial District

Midtown West

Midtown East

However, I am willing to be somewhat flexible as long as it's in Manhattan and at least four stars.

Let me know what you think (and we have been using your links!).

Thanks!

[thereuare]

We would prefer (in order):

What is more important... price or zone?

In other words are you willing to pay more to be in the CPS zone vs. the MTE zone... or is your ultimate goal the least expensive 4* or better hotel for this stay?

[anne_nyc]

The goal is definitely cheapest 4 star but am hoping for a really nice one so am angling for the zone with the highest density of 4* plus.

[thereuare]

The goal is definitely cheapest 4 star but am hoping for a really nice one so am angling for the zone with the highest density of 4* plus.

This doesn't really tell us how you want to proceed... we can either suggest a strategy up to your maximum for the CPS zone, then start over up to your maximum for the Downtown zone, etc, etc... OR a strategy for the least expensive 4* in any of your acceptable zones.

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

[anne_nyc]

Ah! I understand. Let's go with the strategy of least expensive 4* in our acceptable zones.

Thanks!

[thereuare]

OK, before suggesting a strategy to follow i checked one more thing, and was wondering if any of these were of interest to you as:

1) these are below $200/nite so you would be able to lower your maximum bid

2) given this is a special occiasion, you may want to take of these, knowing what you'll get, vs. landing at 'any' 4* property PRICELINE deems to put you in

Gild Hall- A Thompson Hotel for $180/nite

Downtown location but the reviews have been excellent

6 Columbus Circle - A Thompson Hotel for $189/nite

This is a POD room... small room and bed, but generally the reviews have been

very good

Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel for $209/nite

This one is over your $200 maximum bid, but given the occaision, and these reviews i thought i'd at least present it.

Did you want to go with any of the above OR would any of these become your back-up so that you could lower your bid from $200?

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. (or if you want one of the above, please use our Quickbook link)

Let us know and we'll take it from there.

[anne_nyc]

We decided to go the route of the known quantity and booked a room through Quickbook (your link). We chose the New York Palace and paid $242 before tax.

Thanks for the advice and assistance!

[thereuare]

Glad you found soemthing which works well for your plans and that we were able to help.

Thank you for posting a 'conclusion' to this thread with your ultimate plans and for using our Quickbook link for your purchase.

Enjoy your stay... and happy anniversary :)