Priceline Hotel: October in NYC?

[bally10]

I've read enough of this forum to realize that going to New York in October is going to be quite expensive. I'm looking for some tips on how to get the best deal for Oct. 10 - 14th, 2 rooms, 4 adults. Doesn't look like anybody has won bids for that timeframe yet. When should I start bidding? Budget is fairly flexible, but I'd like to stay in the $100 - $150/ night range for a 3 or 4 star hotel, not really too picky on area, except that I want to be in Manhattan. What should be a reasonable expectation of price for that timeframe? I may be a bit early with my questions, but I want to be prepared. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Did you want to try up to your limit for a 4* hotel, then if rejected try for a 3.5*, then if rejected try for a 3*... or is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay?

Also, have you been to NYC before? If not, i'd be careful about your criteria being "anywhere in Manhattan" as some areas are a bit less convenient than others in terms of getting around the city. Most areas are do-able, a few i'd avoid if doing the 'tourist thing', but i'd first focus my efforts on the most convenient zones as it's even worth a little extra to be able to have an easy commute to whereever you're heading.

Is your $150 maximum a maximum bid or an 'all-in' amount (which is more like ~$125 maximum bid)

Let us know your thoughts/comments regarding the above and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[bally10]

Thanks for the response,

I was thinking $150 would be my max bid price (without taxes and fees), is it realistic to think I could get a 4 star at that price?

It is my first time in New York, and we will be doing the fairly standard tourist trail. We're planning on attending two broadway shows in the 4 day span. Based on that, what neighbourhoods would be best to stay in? Again, I appreciate the help.

[AaronJB]

HOTWIRE has a 3.5* in MTE for these dates for $163 (fitness, business, restaurant, internet as the amenities), which would appear to be a match for the Tudor. Given that, you could try bidding for a 3.5* in MTE on PRICELINE, starting at $130 (given how much time you have) and working up by $5's. It definitely wouldn't hurt to try bidding for a 4*, but I think the chances of being accepted are fairly slim and would likely require bidding at your max ($140-150 per night.)

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

MTE, MTW and Times Square/Theatre District would all be good choices for areas to stay.

[thereuare]

At current rates, i agree, that $150 or less will tough for a 4*, but if that's what you want, you can monitor rates since you have a bit of time... or you can consider the 3.5* HOTWIRE property above.

One 'problem' is that as you get to the 3.5* level, there are a few properties which aren't as well located as others... they woudln't be terrible if you landed them, but certainly a bit less convenient. For example, the Millenium UN gets pretty good reviews, but it's a bit far east for some since it's a 'moderate' (10-15 minutes) walk to the nearest subway... so to suggest which zones you also need to designate at what star level you're trying for.

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

[bally10]

Just an update, I'm still searching but am hoping to have better luck as I get closer to my travel dates. I think the hotels are still holding out to achieve occupancy rates and prices that they have historically achieved this time of year. I'm hoping the current economic situation will force them to change closer to October.

[AaronJB]

Good luck, but be aware that rates can go the other way suddenly/unexpectedly if traffic does not decrease as expected.

Using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links is greatly appreciated.