Priceline Hotel: 4* Empire Hotel (UWS) Empire Hotel

[andev]

Hi,

Firstly thanks to everyone who's posted so much useful information here. I'm new to PRICELINE and was hoping to get a few pointers:

I'm looking to book 3.5*-4* accomodation for July, is it ok to book now or would it be wiser to hold off until closer to July?

Also, I've noticed that several people have recently won bids on Sheraton Hotel & Towers, and I've heard some worrying reviews about this place and am now hesitant to bid in the MTW area. What have people's experience been with this hotel?

Thanks again!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the site.

Keep in mind when reading reviews (on tripadvisor, for example) that many of those people paid full price (which, can often be $250-300+) and their expectations may differ from someone who is likely paying 50% (or more) less per night.

In terms of timing, please read this: When Should i Bid on Priceline... early or close to arrival??

My philosophy is that you have to be realistic about prices. If 4*'s are showing regular rates of $250-300 and you see a 4* on HOTWIRE in one of the midtown areas for $125-150 (for example), you can know that you're probably not going to do much better than that. And - if something is happening on your dates (a convention, perhaps?) then rates certainly may go higher (and if you waited, then you're out of luck)

What is your budget per night for hotel?

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchase.

[andev]

Thanks for your advice and for the speedy reply.

Budget per night is $125

Is it worth staying downtown for better prices or would you recommend staying centrally?

[AaronJB]

Personally, I recommend staying centrally. There are things worth seeing downtown, but I wouldn't recommend staying there.

Rates are pretty reasonable (as NYC goes) on HOTWIRE for these dates. There is a 3.5* in the Chelsea-MSG area on HOTWIRE for $109 with the amenities: fitness, business, restaurant and internet - that would likely be the newish Doubletree Chelsea (that hotel's full opening is 5/30.)

Given the rates, in terms of bidding I'd try a starting bid of $105 for a 4* in MTE. That may not be accepted, but I think it's within the realm of possibility and worth trying.

As always, keep in mind that when you make a bid (for example, a 4* in Midtown East), you can possibly get any of the 4*'s in that zone.

Please ask if you have any questions before booking, and please use the site's HOTWIRE and PRICELINE links.

[thereuare]

If there is a hotel in a given zone at the star rating (or higher) that you're bidding that you're trying to avoid then you shouldn't bid that... so if you'd rather not stay at the Sheraton New York then i would forgo including that zone in your bidding. If you bid the other zones up to your limit and are rejected, then you can make a decision of "if i won the Sheraton for $125 would i be happy with that property for the price?" and determine if you then want to include that zone in your bidding.

With the above noted, i agree that you have a shot at a 4* for this complete stay at $125 or less, but including all zones that are acceptable would increase your chances since it opens up more hotels which could potentially accept your bid. While i agree that staying more central is better than staying downtown, are there other midtown zones which are acceptable to you?

Also, i'm assuming the $125 limit is a maximum bid price and not an "all-in" price? (also keeing in mind the $109 HOTWIRE offer for a 3.5* property)

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

Let us know if there are other midtown zones you're willing to accept at the 4* leve and we'll advise accordingly.

[andev]

just to follow up on this, had several attempts over several days more or less with the same strategy, until finally, success!

7/12/2009 - 7/20/2009

- $95 4* MTE -rejected

- $98 + ESB - rejected

- $100 + TS -rejected

- $105 + UWS - rejected

- $108 + Chelsea - rejected

- $110 + Brooklyn - rejected

- $113 Accepted, Empire Hotel (UWS)

Mixed reviews for the hotel but happy with the price. Interestingly, in my previous bidding attempts for these dates I had gone up to $125 for 3.5* in the same areas with no luck, so surprised to get a 4*.

Used the PRICELINE link, thanks for all your help. Great forum!!

Cheers,

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Nice deal for a 4* hotel in NYC for a 'longish' stay such as this one. Glad to see you're happy with the results and won for even less than you had bid on previously days.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and using our PRICLINE link to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.