JoTrav Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 Hey, it's just me again :) Since i couldnt take my trip in december unfortunately (yes, it was the fault of a woman - as always :) ) here is another try to visit NYC :)New dates: Friday 05/22 until Friday 05/29 (hope the weather will be better than in december :o )Will fly into JFK on Friday evening/night so i think its a good idea to find a place near the airport for one night (maybe the Fairfield Inn JFK Airport!?!) - also i'm thinking about to stay the last night next to the airport again.If possible i dont want to spend more than $100 a night (except the one/two night/s near JFK).Here is what i've found out so far:- because of my small budget, i have a better chance to find a good deal if i'll stay in Jersey (with a good connection) than directly at Manhattan.- of course "Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson" is my favorite but the rates on my dates are too high (only from 05/23 to 05/26 theres a little chance to make a deal)- can get the "Best Western Robert Treat Hotel" for $443 (including taxes) from 05/23 - 05/28 (or $531 until Friday 05/29) - think thats not the worst deal :DWhat do you think? Any better suggestions?Thank you so much for helping me!!Have a nice sunday and send you many greetings from Germany...Jo
thereuare Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 Since i couldnt take my trip in december unfortunately...Please follow-up your previous NYC Hotel thread with the fact that you cancelled that trip... this will give that thread 'closure' so that others are aware of what you did (or didn't do) for that stay rather than left wondering if you were ultimately successful with PRICELINE or not.... then bump this thread and we'll comment regrading the above.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Posted February 1, 2009 I'm very sorry that i haven't posted a follow-up to my previous thread.Now i've completed the story ... Hope that's what you wanted me to do!?! :)(or do you think its better to ask my questions here at the "old" thread?)Thanks!Jo
thereuare Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 We'll use this thread for your new set of dates...I'm not sure if the rates you quote above are "all-in" including taxes and fees, but if not and you're willing/able to stretch your budget a bit, i think you could be successful for a 4* hotel in NYC for a $120 bid or less (possiblly $110 although it may take up to $120)With rates in NYC so cheap right now (ok, cheap relative to 'typical' times) i woudln't bother with staying in by JFK for the first or last nite of your stay... to much of a hassle and time waster for the amount of money you're likely to save, imo, and i would sonner take in as much of the city as possible during your 7 nites. You've spent the money on the flight already, you might as well enjoy every minute that you can.Let us know your thought and we'll take it from there. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Posted February 1, 2009 The rate of the Best Western is really all-in ... special promotion (20% off for a short time) via Expedia (Germany) -> for all 7 nights = $620 all-in ... i think thats cheap and fair :oMy thoughts on staying the first night by JFK was because of the long flight and i dont know the city and think its "not funny" to search my way to the hotel at night?!A $100 bid would be okay for me, so plus taxes and fees i have to pay $835.88 ... thats more than $200 over the price of the Best Western ... please dont forget that i need as much money as possible for shopping and sightseeing :) Dont you think its possible to make a good deal with this amount?I understand what you want me to say - its better to stay without spending much time on the train everyday so i have much more of the city. I agree with you on this, but unfortunately I do not have infinite money :)Thats really not easy - difficult decision - i know :)Maybe this helps a little bit: the only thing thats important to me is that the hotel is clean. I dont need a pool or a very big room or a concierge ... just a clean room where i can sleep at night and watch tv and take a shower in the morning :D Of course i dont say ""no" to a 5* hotel but the price have to be fine ... and travel by public transportation is no problem for me - my way to the office takes me about 2 hours every day (one direction) ...
AaronJB Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 I'm not following the discussion exactly, but keep in mind that it does cost time and money to take the train in from an outlying area. If it's costing you a few bucks per person each way (I have no idea how much the train would cost), keep in mind that's an added expense when staying outside the city, and add that to the Best Western price.Why not try bidding for a 3* in the city rather than the 3* BW outside the city? You could try for a cheaper bid.You could also do part of your stay outside the city, part inside the city.
JoTrav Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Posted February 1, 2009 Hi AaronJBthank you for your thoughts and your post.I think the main problem is that this is my first visit to the city and so i dont know which zone is good and which is not. When i'll come the second time (and i'm sure that there will be a second visit in the near future :) ) its much easier to say: "i dont want to stay outside" or "i dont want to stay in this area" or "i like this hotel and try to get it again". I've read many positive comments about the BW and the price is nice, thats why I consider to sleep there. The same applies to the "Hyatt Hudson" (but the price is not so nice there :o ).I have no problem with splitting my trip - so i like your idea to do a part outside and a part inside the city. If the hotel is cheaper in the outside area, the hotel in the city of course can be more expensive - as long as the total amount remains the same -> no problem :)btw. i cant edit my last post anymore :) sorry for the code ... maybe an admin can fix it?! thanks...
AaronJB Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 Those were my exact thoughts - if you have 7 days, maybe 3 outside the city and 4 inside the city, and try to have the average per night come out to an acceptable price range for you.
dahammer Posted February 1, 2009 Report Posted February 1, 2009 Wie Gehts, The reviews of the Robert Treat Hotel on Tripadvisor are generally good, but you really have to ask yourself if you want to spend your evenings in Downtown Newark? There is really nothing to do unless there is an event at the Prudential Center, or a minor league Newark Bears baseball game, or an event at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Or, unless you want to try some great paella or rodizio at any one of the several Spanish/Portuguese/Brazillian/Basque restaurants nearby.The benefit of staying in Manhattan is that you can use your hotel as a base of operations and come back to take a snooze or a schnapps and go back out in the evening. If you stay in Newark, you will lose about an hour a day commuting into the city plus the $8.00 per person round trip fare. I would stretch the budget if possible and take home 2 fewer pair of blue jeans :)
thereuare Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 My thoughts on staying the first night by JFK was because of the long flight and i dont know the city and think its "not funny" to search my way to the hotel at night?!I assume you're looking at taking mass transit from the Airport to the city?I'm not familair with the Best Western Robert Treat Hotel and just assumed it was in Manhattan, now that i'm aware it's in Newark... "No, noo, nooo, noooo... don't do it"You won't want to walk around the area surrounding the hotel at nite, and while i see they have a shuttle to Newark Penn Station, i'm not sure what time it stops running, and you don't want to be lingering around Newark Penn Station waiting for the shuttle to pick you up.If you can get a deal around the Jersey City Waterfront area and want to split your stay between Manhattaan and Jersey City (Waterfront) it can be worthwhile, but i would not suggest staying in Newark... as that is not worth it (based upon the area and time spent commuting) You can choose to stay in Newark if you'd like, but i really don't recommend it. Assuming this is not an option, what would be your maximum bid amount for this stay?Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 2, 2009 Author Report Posted February 2, 2009 I assume you're looking at taking mass transit from the Airport to the city?yes thats right ... dont know how save mass transit is in new york at "night" (around 10pm)?!"No, noo, nooo, noooo... don't do it"ok ok ok, i think i understand it :) :) After all the nice comments from you and AaronJB and dahammer, i'm really thinking about changing my plans :oAssuming this is not an option, what would be your maximum bid amount for this stay?What do you think about this:Staying from Friday till Monday (3 nights) at Jersey (waterfront) ... i've checked the rate of the "Hyatt Hudson" and it seems like the rate increase from Tuesday and HOTWIRE offers a deal with $129/night ... so i'll do a bid from $80 till $100 at PRICELINE?!?From Monday till Friday (4 nights) i need a hotel in the city (yes :) ) and hope i can catch a great deal with a $120 bid (maximum)?! So i need a good bidding strategy (which areas/how many stars etc.)...Please let me know what you think about my idea ... all suggestions are welcome!Wish everybody a good start into the new week...
AaronJB Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 If HOTWIRE is offering what appears to be the Hyatt on the Hudson for $129, I'd start trying for it at $80 (if that doesn't work, $85, if that doesn't work $90, etc). While that may be too low, you've certainly got more than a bit of time before your trip to try.Priceline and HOTWIRE links - PRICELINE - HOTWIRE
jenndon Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 If HOTWIRE is offering what appears to be the Hyatt on the Hudson for $129, I'd start trying for it at $80 (if that doesn't work, $85, if that doesn't work $90, etc). While that may be too low, you've certainly got more than a bit of time before your trip to try.Priceline and HOTWIRE links - PRICELINE - HOTWIREMTE, MTW, and Times Square are all great Central areas of NYC.I have stayed in 3 star hotels in MTE and MTW when 4 star didn't work out (price wise) and honestly, I have not seen a noticeable difference between the two classes (just speaking specifically to the hotels in NYC).
thereuare Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 Your plan sounds good to me, but i'm only seeing the lowest rate on HOTWIRE when searching for 3 nites... not 4 nite. It's possible that you'll be success for 4 nites, but if not, you may want to consider trying for 3 nites and then staying 4 nites in the city, if your budget will allow.I would also start just a little lower given the new Westin in town... not sure if this new property will put pressure on opaque rates in this area at all, but certainly worth one round of lowballing to see if you can fish out an ultra-low deal.Also note that there is a chance you'll win the brand new Westin and not the Hyatt, although i'd say that both are very convenient to commuting to Manhattan.At 10pm i would avoid the subway coming in from JFK, but there are other routes you can take (Shuttle Bus or LIRR to Manhattan, then PATH train to Jersey City)... if you're landing at 10pm it could be a 'hassle' (ie- connecting between different modes of transportation) but one that i think would be well worth it given you wake up fresh and ready to go the next day vs. unpacking some clothes and toilletries at JFK, only to spend the following morning packing up and commuting to your next hotel... which in reality will ultimately take most of the morning bt the time it's all said and done.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.If you're ready to try the above let us know and we'll outline a strategy for you to follow, starting with Jersey City first, i assume? Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Posted February 3, 2009 Really unbelievable what kind of support i get here - it seems that this will be the trip of my life :o Thank you so much everybody!Yes i've found the lowest rate "just" for 3 nites, too - so i'm planning to stay for 4 nights in the city (look at my old post :) ) ... The Westin would be also ok for me - no problem :) Depending on what price I will pay for Jersey, i think we can increase my bids for the hotel in the city.So i'm ready :D Lets do the first step and fish out an good deal for Jersey City :)
thereuare Posted February 3, 2009 Report Posted February 3, 2009 At the 3.5* level you have THREE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.(NOTE: 're-bid zone1' is not the same as priceline's Zone1, 're-bid zone2' is not the same as priceline's Zone2, etc, etc)Select 3.5* Jersey City...Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $55, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* Jersey City and re-bid zone2...Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $65, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* Jersey City and re-bid zone3...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $75, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* Jersey City and re-bid zone2 and re-bid zone3...Bid $80, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $85I would try the above for the first four nites of your stay, 05/22-05/29... if that is rejected close browser, use our link to re-access PRICELINE, and star over for the dates 5/22-5/25.Any questions feel free to ask.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Posted February 3, 2009 Any questions feel free to ask.Excuse me, but one short question before i'll start: do you really mean 3* ? not 3 1/2* ?(i think with 3* there's a good chance to get another hotel in a zone that i dont want!? or do i understand something wrong? :) )
thereuare Posted February 3, 2009 Report Posted February 3, 2009 Sorry about that... you are correct, i meant 3.5* and have edited accordingly. (nor would you have three re-bid zones at the 3* level)Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Posted February 3, 2009 No problem - just thought it would be better to ask you before i make my bids :)Have done 16 bids now but every bid was rejected... so will try again tomorrow, right?
thereuare Posted February 3, 2009 Report Posted February 3, 2009 How high did you bid at the 3.5* level with 16 bids? (as there were only 8 posted above) Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 3, 2009 Author Report Posted February 3, 2009 $85 was the highest bid...Maybe what i've posted was a bit confusing, sorry :) There were 16 bids because i had 8 bids for 4 nights (05/22 - 05/26) and then 8 bids for 3 nights (05/22 - 05/25) :)
thereuare Posted February 3, 2009 Report Posted February 3, 2009 ... so will try again tomorrow, right?Do you want to keep your maximum bid at $85 for the time being or do you intend to raise it all?Thanks for using our PRICELINE links. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
JoTrav Posted February 4, 2009 Author Report Posted February 4, 2009 Do you want to keep your maximum bid at $85 for the time being or do you intend to raise it all?Of course i want to keep the maximum bid as low as possible, but maybe i'll try today until $95 ...But with a $95 or $100 "Jersey bid" the difference to a $110-$120 "NYC bid" (you said with a little bit of luck we can get such a great deal in the city) will be not very big. So if $95 will not work, we maybe can try the $110 "NYC strategy" for all seven nights. What do you think?
thereuare Posted February 4, 2009 Report Posted February 4, 2009 Sounds like a plan... and the potential for a NYC hotel for not too much more is why i asked regarding your maximum bid.I would retry as follows:Select 3.5* Jersey City...Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $65, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* Jersey City and re-bid zone2...Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $75, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* Jersey City and re-bid zone3...Bid $80, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $85, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* Jersey City and re-bid zone2 and re-bid zone3...Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone1...Bid $95You can again try first for the 4 nites, then if rejected, re-try for the 3 nites.Any quesitons feel free to ask.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.Good luck 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
JoTrav Posted February 5, 2009 Author Report Posted February 5, 2009 Hey,sorry - no good news :)8 bids (05/22 - 05/26) / 3.5* / $60 - $95 / all rejected8 bids (05/22 - 05/25) / 3.5* / $60 - $95 / all rejectedWill try again tomorrow or at the weekend ... but dont want to raise the maximum bid.I know its difficult to say, but maybe its a bit early for the bids!?!We will see ... i think next week i'll ask you for the 4* "in the city" bidding strategy :)Thanks for the nice help until now and have a nice day...
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