Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* NYC (Chelsea-MSG) Doubletree Chelsea

[madmoose]

I'm going to New York on 3rd Nov - 8th Nov this year for my 30th birthday :-$

I know it's quite far away, but wanted to get sorted as it's near the NY marathon, and I'm guessing some people running the marathon will stay on for a holiday after, so I'm expecting a lot of rooms will be booked up?

I want to get a 4* hotel in either CPS or MTE. So far bid up to $105 with no luck. I've added in the areas that don't have 4* hotels which has enabled me to bid up to this amount.

I thought I might be able to get the Grand Hyatt or somewhere like that for $105. But it's not been accepted.

Not quite sure what to try next. Shall I keep upping the amount til it gets accepted. Or can I start again with a fresh bid?

Any advice on what the best thing to do would be great...

Thanks in advance!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Are MTE and CPS the only zones you've bid thus far? What is your maximum bid for this stay?

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

[madmoose]

Using the link on this site, (US Priceline)

I started bidding at $90 in CPS, MTE & TS. No luck.

Then added MSG at $95

Then Long Island at $100

Then Upper East Side at $105

Then Brooklyn & Chelsea at $110

Then Empire State area at $115

I'm hoping for 4* in CPS, MTE & TS really. Ideally want to get something for under $150-$200 per night. ($750-$1000 for the total stay)

Do you think this is realistic for this time of year?

What would be a good strategy to try next? I don't really want to add any more 4* areas. Should I begin the bidding process again starting at $110?

[thereuare]

For starters...

You have FIVE re-bid zones when bidding 4* in NYC... note that ESB is not one of them and by adding this 'live zone' (which has 4* hotels in it) you could easily overbid for a property in this zone. If you're confused regarding re-bid zones please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your FIVE re-bid zones with the board.

Rates are typically high this time of year and previously $125 and under rates would be virtually unheard of in NYC at this time of year, but i wouldn't rule it out this year due to the economy and how it is effecting the hotel market. Rates may come down between now and your stay, so not sure if i would be bidding up to your limit at this much before your trip, but how high are you willing to bid now in order to lock this in and be done with it?

Also, note there is a 3.5* hotel on HOTWIRE (which potentially could be closer to the equivalent of a PRICELINE 3* property) in the Chelsea/MSG zone for just $99... unforunately this property has not yet been identified, but for the price, seems like a decent deal and something you may want to consider if you're flexible in star rating and if you're higher bids for a 4* property are rejected.

Let us know your current maximum bid and if you're up to speed on your five re-bid zones and we'll take it from there.

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

[madmoose]

Thanks for the reply. I've re-read the 'rebidding explained' page and I'm clear on this now.

I think I'd prefer to get the hotel sorted sooner rather than later, as mentioned in my first post, I'd like to get in there before all the marathon people book up rooms! I'm ok to bid up to the $140-$150 mark for a good 4* hotel in my preferred areas (CPS, MTE & TS )

Thanks for the hotwire 3.5* hotel tip, might think about that if the below strategy doesn't work.

I'm going to attempt this strategy -

First bid - $120 - CPS, MTE & TS

Free rebid - $125 - MSG

Free rebid - $130 - Upper East Side

Free rebid - $135 - Chelsea Area

Free rebid - $140 - Long Island

Free rebid - $145 - Brooklyn

Hopefully I'll get something after doing this? If not I might have to rethink the star rating.

[madmoose]

Right, just tried this strategy with no luck :-(

Do you think it's worth waiting for a few days then trying the same bid again? I've used up all my free rebids on this attempt now.

Thanks for your help.

[thereuare]

It's still early and you have to weigh the possibility of a 4* becoming available at this budget vs. your desire to get this taken care of. This early before your stay i would only bid once every 5-7 days, anymore than that and you'll likely only get frustrated.

Also, i don't think i aske above, what is the reason behind not bidding MTW or ESB... are there hotels there you're trying to avoid?

Also, note there is a 3.5* hotel on HOTWIRE (which potentially could be closer to the equivalent of a PRICELINE 3* property) in the Chelsea/MSG zone for just $99... unforunately this property has not yet been identified, but for the price, seems like a decent deal and something you may want to consider if you're flexible in star rating and if you're higher bids for a 4* property are rejected.

This property, i believe, has now been identified and is likely the new Doubletree Chelsea set to open in May, so something to add to your thought process/decision.

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

Let us know your thoughts and we'll advise accordingly.

[madmoose]

After trying Priceline again with no success, I've decided the offer of the 3.5* room for $102 is too good to miss for this time of year.

I've just booked through the HOTWIRE link on this site.

For 11/3/09 - 11/8/09

3.5* in Chelsea-MSG at $102 per night.

Got the Doubletree Chelsea, I'm really pleased. Thank you for recommending this thereuare!

I'll post this win on the HOTWIRE bit too.

:)

[madmoose]

Just booked this for November at $102 per night! Really pleased.

Thanks for the help and advice given.

:)

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

I too think this i a very nice deal... a good location, new hotel (should still be in great shape by November), and the price is right (not to mention free chocolate chip cookies!! :) )

Thank you for sharing your results with the board and using our HOTWIRE link to begin your purchase.

Have a great trip.. now just need to plan all your NYC activities :)