Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (Times Square-Theatre District) Hilton Times Square

[Strawman]

Looking for a 2 night stay in TS, hoping for a 4*, assuming likely to be Crown Plaza or TS Hilton. CP shows a rack of $271, TSH shows $269. Started bidding at $106, ended at $130 w/o success. This is the entire range that I've seen of successful bids for these properties, I have not discovered an accepted bid at a higher amount, even with higher rack rates. So, is there a chance that these haven't been released to P/L yet? It's less that 3 weeks out, seems like they'd be available, most winning bids I've seen are further out. That being said, do I wait and keep trying for a 4*, or go ahead and drop down to a 3.5*?

** Edit: Upon further review, I did find a successful bid for the CP at $145 (which followed an unsuccessful $130), so perhaps I could go higher. Also, after reading the reviews of the Sheraton TS (3.5*), I'm not too excited about that option.

[whynotgo]

Strawman,

Regarding the Sheraton Manhattan (in the Pricelince Times Square area). I stayed there last week and posted this positive review.

I checked in today at 1 pm (three hours early), was given a room on the 18th floor. The room has a nice big bed, large desk, 42 inch tv, electronic safe, wireless internet (you need to sign on using your name and room number), a nice bathroom, a sitting chair, a large dresser, iron, ironing board, and hair dryer. The room is not small by NYC standards. The carpet has a few stains. In short, a really good hotel for NYC. Based upon the reviews, I expected a bad hotel, but this is not the case. For $96, this is a real bargain.

$96 bucks, what a deal (it is worth a lot more). Ok, if I paid retail ($250) I might complain, but $96 for a good room in NYC in a great neighborhood.

[AaronJB]

$96 bucks, what a deal (it is worth a lot more). Ok, if I paid retail ($250) I might complain, but $96 for a good room in NYC in a great neighborhood.

Exactly. Keep in mind that many reviews are for people who paid full price. For $250+, it may not have met their expectations - however, at half that (more or less), you may feel differently.

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

[thereuare]

Once reason you may not be seeing too many $140+ rates for the Times Square area is because most users bid more than this one zone, and when (opaque) rates are high here, there is a good chance you can win a better deal in a different nearby zone.

Is there a reason you're only bidding the Times Square zone? Have you seen our comments regarding Hotels Near Times Square? Are you open to other nearby zones?

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

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

[Strawman]

Thanks for the responses. We like being in TS, we like to walk around late and watch the peoples. I'm considering MTW, it looks like there are some nice properties there, but I really would prefer to be below 50th. What is the likelihood that PL's 4* TS inventory or pricing will change?

[thereuare]

What is the likelihood that PL's 4* TS inventory or pricing will change?

See the related "bid early or late" link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

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

Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

[Strawman]

Tried again tonight 4* TS, bid up to $140 after seeing successful bid for the Renaissance, but to no avail. I guess it's on to plan B (or C).

[thereuare]

And what is Plan B (and C)?

[Strawman]

One is 3.5* TS, one is 4* MTW, I'm not sure which is B and which is C yet.

[thereuare]

Let us know if you need help trying to identify any of the hotels you're considering or if we can assist in any other manner.

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

Keep us updated.

[Strawman]

Well, this sure ended with a twist. I decided to try 4* MTW (also included 4*TS, which I have beaten to death previously), thinking the Sheraton H&T might hit at $110. Bid $105, $110, no dice. Decided to try 3.5 TS, HOPING to get the Millennium, PRAYING not to get the Sheraton Manhattan. Since the Sheraton Manhattan had a posted rate of $215 (exactly the same as the Sheraton H&T) and the Millennium was $174 (along with some recent successes here), I was cautiously optimistic. I started at $95, bid $100 and $105, I was then offered a $22 increase. I really felt like it was going to be the Millennium, so I pressed on rather than go back to the 4* MTW/TS bid (is everyone able to follow along?). So, I bid $110, again offered the $22 rebid. $115, nothing, no $22 offer (I'm bidding permutationally, obviously). I increased my bid to $117 (having seen a successful Millennium bid at that $) and voila! You've been upgraded to a 4*, Hilton Times Square! What?!? After I bid the 4* TS for the last 2 weeks up to $140? Obviously, PL's inventory DID change late in the game. I find it interesting that I was offered the $22 upbid on the 3.5*, but not on the 4* bid. Once my head stops spinning, I think I'll be happy.

PS- Used the PRICELINE link from this site.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your SUCCESS!!

A very nice deal considering your previously rejected bids as well as the possibility of what you thought you would be receiving.

Glad to see this one worked out very well for you and that you're happy with the results.

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

Enjoy your stay.