Priceline Hotel: Advice needed for 09/4-09/8 NYC 3.5*-4*

[caz26]

Please could you help me work out which areas/hotels to target, and bidding strategy?

My budget is $130 per night (pre-tax)

I'm not too fussed on the area, provided it is pretty close to the main areas/subway route. (Although I particularly like the areas around Central Park/Columbus Circle/Rockafellar Centre).

I know I can't be too selective with the budget I have, but I would like to get a high end chain or boutique/chic type hotel, might this be impossible? The following have stood out to me: Empire, 70 Park Ave, Benjamin, Affinia Dumont, Hudson, 6 Columbus, but I know I can't be picky :)

I've had a look at the hotels list and Priceline and Hotwire Calendar of Wins wins- but still a bit stuck as to where to begin...

Many thanks in advance for the help!

[thereuare]

I'm not too fussed on the area, provided it is pretty close to the main areas/subway route

Is Downtown acceptable as well... it would likely be close to a subway, but midtown is still a decent ways away. Also, while most midtown locations should be find, there is no way to search for "close to a subway", so this is not guaranteed. I can say that from my experience most of midtown should suit your needs just fine, with the one caveat being the Millenium UN which can be a 15 minute walk to the subway. (you'll have to decide and let us know if this is 'close enough' for your needs)

Also, while i doubt your budget is enough for a 4* did you want to try for a 4* first up to your limit and then try for a 3.5* OR is your goal the least expensive 3.5* or better?

Let us know the above and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[caz26]

Yes, downtown would also be acceptable. I don't mind a 10-15 min walk or so. I'm not sure how much better the 4* are than the 3.5*, I would really be happy with either, but I would prefer to meet my budget to get a nicer accomodation rather than save a few $ by downgrading. That said, there appear to be some lovely places in the 3.5* category :)

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Given the $196 rate of the Millennium Hilton, you may be able to just squeeze out a win at that property for $130, which is a 4* in the downtown zone.

Worst case scenario, the Hotel Reserve is $132 on Expedia - $10 per night using the 10AUG coupon code. That does get some very good reviews.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE (or Expedia.com or Orbitz.com) links to start your purchase.

[caz26]

Thanks Aaron for the quick response. Please could you advise on bidding strategy to secure this, or one of the places which thereuare alluded to in the previous reply?

[AaronJB]

If you would like to use a rebidding strategy, I would advise taking a look at this thread, which explains the process.

Given that you particularly like the Upper Midtown area, would you rather attempt trying to bid for Midtown first, then try downtown as a "last resort"? That's an idea. I do think for a 4* (especially in Midtown) you're probably looking at having to start at or near the upper end of your range.

[droopy]

Fyi, I have been bidding for 9/5 to 9/7 in MTE for about five days now. No luck 4* up to $165 and 3.5* up to $155. I am unwilling to go higher because I can get a good refundable rate at 3.5* hotels around $195/night. I think you will need to go $180+ to stay near Rock Center at a decent place so the advice given by others here to stay in downtown or elsewhere is right on.

I am using the PRICELINE link on this website and will post if I win. Good luck!

[AaronJB]

Thank you for the info droopy. A little surprising that 4* at $165 hasn't been accepted, given the rates I'm seeing.

[caz26]

Hi droopy - thanks for that! I might have to go with an Expedia or Quikbook deal I think, otherwise it's a bit hit and miss :) Would be interested to see how you get on though -- Thanks

[droopy]

Hey caz26 here is a deal I just found which may interest you. Check out the Shoreham hotel, I don't know much about it but reviews are favorable and they are offering a "3rd night free" promo at a rate of $229. I just booked it. We were only planning on two nights in NYC but now we'll arrive late the night before and have a full first day. Comes out to $536.06 for three nights including taxes. Keep in mind priceline has extra fees which direct booking avoids. This hotel is considered to be MTW (or MTC on hotwire) - however it is between 5th and 6th on 55th which might as well be MTE. You can cancel the reservation 24hrs in advance so you may want to book it and see if you get a lowball priceline rate between now and then....that's my strategy. Good luck again!

Note: After digging this is probably the Shoreham matching the below promo which has some great hotels.

http://www.nycgo.com/thirdnight