Priceline Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) The Benjamin

[oneyearoff]

I used PRICELINE (via BetterBidding) and this is what got on my first bid:

New York: MTE

4 Stars

$120 (first bid)

May 28 - June 1 (4 nights)

The Benjamin

I'm really happy with this selection. I've had my eye on the Benjamin for years, and have friends who have stayed there and loved it. I thought I'd get the Grand Hyatt, as that was the most common hotel that came up on the BetterBidding calendar of "wins." I'd never seen The Benjamin come up on either Priceline or Hotwire.

Later, reading Trip Advisor posts on The Benjamin showed that a lot of people do indeed get this hotel through Priceline. Some of them got it at a lower bid than I did ($110). But that's ok, I'm happy!

[oneyearoff]

I should also add to my post above that the room taxes on The Benjamin came to $98.64, so here's the total:

Room Cost $120.00 (USD)

Number of Nights: 4

Room Subtotal: $480.00 (USD)

Taxes and Fees: $98.64 (USD)

Total Room Cost: $578.64 (USD)

I think this is pretty decent, for boutique, suite-style hotel with kitchenettes.

Thanks for this site, it's helpful and interesting.

[AaronJB]

Congratulations on your success and welcome to the site! :)

Great deal for a well-located and very well-reviewed property in NYC. This is an excellent price for this time period; keep in mind a lot of the $110 area wins for this property were for earlier dates.

Thank you for sharing your results with the board and using the site's PRICELINE link to start your purchase.

Enjoy your stay.

[thereuare]

I'll also add this property is right around the block from Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city and makes for a nice, inexpensive, breakfast among locals.

Enjoy your stay.

[oneyearoff]

Thanks, we'll make sure to get to Ess-A-Bagel. Good suggestion.

Any advise/opinion on taking the AirTrain from JFK to midtown (I know you have to switch to the metro). Looks like the E line goes right by the Benjamin. We'd like to skip all cabs and buses this trip -- public transit all the way.

[thereuare]

You have two options with the Subway...

1) Airtrain to Subway (where you will take the E train)

2) Airtrain to LIRR (long isladn rail road) to Penn Station where you can also get the E train

Method #2 is more expensive as you take both the LIRR (a commuter railroad), end up on the west sdie of the Manhattan, then are taking the E train back towards the east side. However, it's the LIRR is a PRICELINE EXPRESS during some hours (and still makes much fewer stops than the subway at non-express times) that probably makes it a better choice than #1... unless you have time you're looking to kill.

Another option (if coming at a non-busy traffic time... which can be a crapshoot) is the Shuttle bus which is $17 (last i checked) and will take you direct from JFK to Grand Central, at which point you can take the 6 train or a short cab ride.

[oneyearoff]

Quick note: We're at the Benjamin right now -- fabulous! We got upgraded to a King Deluxe. Very roomy, wonderful bed, stylish. I'm happy!

We took advise from this forum on taking the AirTrain and E line subway to the hotel. No problem whatsoever.

Now we're on our way to Ess-A-Bagel, as suggested.

Thanks to this forum!

[thereuare]

Glad to hear you're enjoying your stay... have a good breakfast! :)