ernie334 Posted August 9, 2004 Report Posted August 9, 2004 Hi, i am heading to nyc on Aug19 and check out on Aug22. I am looking into bidding for the first time on priceline, but i am afraid to go bidding blindly. Any kind of advice would be appreciated. I am looking for something 3* and above. Location is ok as long as it's not too far out of the city and not dangerous to stay at. From what i've been reading, I am aiming toward $100-$130 (plus tax?.? - is priceline price you enter includes taxes already or no?). Please walk me thru how much and where I should bid for. *Should i bid the now or a few days before i stay to get a better price??
thereuare Posted August 9, 2004 Report Posted August 9, 2004 Welcome to BetterBidding!Most users visiting NYC choose the Midtown East (MTE), Midtown West (MTW), and UM/CPS (Upper Midtown/Central Park South) zones.Step 1:Go to Priceline, put in New York, NY, and on the next page you will see a breakdown of all the NYC zones. You can click on each zone to get a close-up view of the zone. Your hotel can be anywhere within the shaded region. Are those three zones acceptable to you?Step 2:You'll need to understand re-bidding which will help you get the best price. Give this thread, RE-BIDDING EXPLAINED, a read. If you bid 4* you'll have two re-bid zones to use, if you bid 3* you'll have one re-bid zone to use. If at this point you don't understand re-bidding that's fine as we'll walk you thru it all and answer any questions you have and confirm you have your re-bid zones correct before you actually bid.Step 3:I think you have an excellent chance of getting a 4* hotel in one of the above zones for $140 or less (we'll of course try lower levels first). If you're not willing to raise your maximim bid to $140 we'll be more than happy to try for a 4* at the $130 maximum you have set, and if not successful we'll then try for a 3* at that amount.To answer your other questions: If your plans are firm i would begin bidding now; this way if you're not successful you'll still have a few times to try again before your stay. Additionally, rates seem pretty reasonable.Priceline will add taxes and fees to your bid amount. The taxes are based upon NYC hotel tax and the fee will likely add about $5/nite onto your total cost. Priceline will show you the total amount before you 'commit'.I'm sure we've thrown a lot at you but we'll take it one step at a time and answer your questions along the way. Here's one last thread you may want to read if you haven't done so already: I'VE NEVER USED PRICELINE. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
ernie334 Posted August 9, 2004 Author Report Posted August 9, 2004 That's nice with the rebid choices. Thanks
thereuare Posted August 9, 2004 Report Posted August 9, 2004 So do you understand which zones are your re-bid zones at each star level? (feel free to confirm them with the board if you'd like, just to avoid any potential mistakes/problems)If you're 'good to go', let us know about the zones (are all three acceptable) and if you're willing to go as high as $140 (or prefer to stick with $130) for a 4* hotel. Once we know that info we'll suggest a step-by-step bidding strategy for you to follow. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
ernie334 Posted August 9, 2004 Author Report Posted August 9, 2004 yes, i understand the UES(less than 3*) and UWS(less than 2 1/2*) are so i can use those one by one to increase my bidding or combine them to place add'l rebid. I was wondering if anyone can give me some recent successful bid prices and dates for new york.. so i can have a base line on how much to bid.I am looking at 4* UM CPS or MTW 8/19 - 8/22. Max $130. If unsuccessful, then move onto 3* and MTE. (saw a post that got $120 for paramount doesnt sound bad either i might add. Also, i must hit McSorley's :)
thereuare Posted August 9, 2004 Report Posted August 9, 2004 We'll supply a bidding strategy for you now, i just wanted to make sure that you understood re-bidding before doing so... wanted to make sure there would be no mistakes.This is how i would proceed, given your $130 maximum bid:Select 4* MTE and...Bid $110, if rejected add MTW and...Bid $115, if rejected add UM/CPS and...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone #1 and...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone #2 and...Bid $130.If the above fails close that browser and re-access Priceline however you did the first time:Select 3* MTW and...Bid $110, if rejected add MTE and...Bid $115, if rejecrted add UM/CPS and...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone and...Bid $130.Feel free to ask any questions you have regarding the above.Good Luck with your bid and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
ernie334 Posted August 10, 2004 Author Report Posted August 10, 2004 Hey thereuare, just want to update you on my bid. I slightly change the bid price due to other forums showing same exact dates and failed on $130.Select 4* MTE and...Bid $115, if rejected add MTW and...Bid $121, if rejected add UM/CPS and...Bid $127, if rejected add re-bid zone #1 and...Bid $135, got it at $135. $135 for Intercontinental The Barclay (website priced $237.15)3 nights$405.00 sub total$68.53 tax$473.53 TotalI was hoping to get something in MTW, but this should do it. Also, i get priority club points.Thanks so much, and i placed my bid thru SavingsBarn.com. You can sure bet, I'll be using you in the future.
thereuare Posted August 10, 2004 Report Posted August 10, 2004 Congratulations on your win and welcome to the savings that Priceline offers! Over $100 off per nite is great!I'm glad you decided to raise your bid, for as i had said above, i didn't think the $130 would be enough, but knew just a little bit more would likely result in success. Thanks for using the SavingsBarn.com link for your bid.Have a great time in NYC. If we can help with any other aspect of your trip feel free to ask. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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