Priceline Hotel: NYC help needed 4*, 3.5* or 3* 09/10-09/11

[ZoeM]

Hi there,

First time posting. Can I just say thank you so much for this site? I've found it immensely helpful and have read dozens of useful hints and tips on the forum, which have enabled me to attempt bidding with (some) confidence - using the links here, of course! - on PRICELINE. Thanks, all.

Sadly, however, I've had no luck with my bidding over the last two weeks and am now seeking advice, as I am sure I am doing something wrong, and my visit to NYC is fast approaching...

Here's what I've done so far:

1) I bid on 4* hotels in the following areas: CPS, MTW, MTE, TS. I logged out and closed browser between each bid, so I could use more free rebids than the five (non 4*) zones in NYC. I began bidding at $85, going up in $5 stages, and the highest I've gone for is $150. I know this is very low, but there's always hoping. :) No dice sadly: all bids rejected. (I've been trying for 2 weeks.)

2) I bid on 3.5* hotels in the following areas: MSG, Downtown. (NB. Different areas to 4*, because the reviews were better in this class.) I did the same logging in/out closing browser etc. using up the two free rebid zones; I began bidding at $85 and the highest I went for is $130. Again, no dice: all rejected. (I've been trying for two days.)

3) I bid on 3* hotels in the following areas: Downtown, Chelsea. (NB. Different areas to 4*, because the reviews were better. in this class) I did the same logging in/out closing browser etc. No free rebid zones though, so only two bids possible. I began bidding at $100 (getting desperate now!) and the highest I reached was $120. Again, no dice: all rejected. (I tried for the first time today.)

Ideally, I'd like a 3* or 3.5* hotel (because they have free wireless!) in the Soho/Chelsea area (I arrive at Penn Stn. late at night, so local-ish would be good) or, failing that, MSG area for <$120, but if I can get an exceptional deal on a 4*, I'm happy to go with that.

Am I doing something wrong? Am I being unrealistic about price? Post-Labor Day, September seems to be quite a bit more expensive than I had first thought...

Any advice?! Thank you!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I dont' think you're doing anything 'wrong', it's just that rates are date specific and rates are higher for your nite above then for winning bids you're using for comparison purposes. Summer is a slow time of year in Manhattan, so it's not uncommon to see rates go up after Labor Day into the Fall.

What is the best deal you're able to find outside of the opaque providers?

Thanks for using our PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links.

[ZoeM]

Thanks for responding so speedily, I appreciate it.

Best deals I've found so far for the night of the 10th September (via Quikbook, Hotels.com, Expedia and/or the hotel's own websites) are (and I think I have the star ratings correct, but suspect that some 2* might be 2.5* or even 3*):

SOHO:

2* Solita Soho $219

2* Hampton Inn Lafayette $229

2* Gem Soho/LES $289

3* Holiday Inn $212

3* East Houston Hotel $249

3* Duane St. Hotel $263

3* Hilton Garden Inn Tribeca $276

4* Four Points Soho $339

DOWNTOWN/FINANCIAL:

3.5* NY Marriott Downtown $349

3.5* Embassy Suites $379

3.5* Club Quarters $214

4* Gild Hall $296

CHELSEA:

2* Gem Chelsea $269

2.5* holiday Inn Express MSG $234

3* Holiday Inn 6th Ave $225

3* Doubletree Chelsea $231

3* Four Points Sheraton $240

MIDTOWN W:

2* Gem Midtown $178

4* City Club $379

MIDTOWN E:

4* Helmsley $225

TIMES SQUARE:

4* Sheraton $360

CENTRAL PARK:

4* 6 Columbus $260

4* Le Parker Meridien $389

Ideally, I'd like to spend approx $80 on a 2*; $90 on a 2.5*; up to $130 on a 3*; and up to $160 for a 4* - - - my preference being 2.5*-3*, for price, location and amenities, so the cheaper places in Soho/Chelsea spring out. But they all seem to be in the mid $200 range: what's the likelihood that I can get that for <$130? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Wow, doing the research! :) Very nicely done!

Sadly, I'm not sure if these prices are going to be realistic - HOTWIRE has 4*'s all over $300 and 3.5*'s are generally around $220. I think you may have a chance of a 3.5* for $140-160, but not a 4*.

[ZoeM]

Well I've tried to put into practice all the wonderful suggestions and guidance I've found on the forum: there's nothing more irritating than a newbie who doesn't do their research, right? :)

Hasn't got me the deal I want though! :)

Should I be using HOTWIRE as a direct comparison with equivalent estimated winning bid amounts?

[thereuare]

Nicely researched... you win new member of the day award :)

You can use HOTWIRE has a general guide, but each service uses their own star rating system. Often the star rating for a particular hotel are the same, but when they're different, HOTWIRE is usally a half a star higher than PRICELINE. So you can't simply look at the 4* on HOTWIRE and equate that to PRICELINE, since that 4* HOTWIRE porperty may be a 3.5* on PRICELINE. (and therefore not an apples-to-apples comparison)

HOWEVER, you can get a feel for things by looking at HOTWIRE, and if the 3.5* and 4* hotels are all in the high-$200's and $300+, then a PRICELINE bid at $160 for a 3.5* or 4* property would have a very low chance at success.

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

[ZoeM]

Thanks, thereuare! :)

I'm suspecting that the 4*, 3.5* and possibly even the 3* are a little out of my price range right now. Is it worth going for 2.5*/2* hotels via Priceline (some Soho/Chelsea places seem good: I've stayed in the Gem Soho and Hampton Inn Soho before), or will I end up in a dump? What I mean is: would I get a better price for these 2.5*/2* places - and at least have the choice of where I stay - if I booked via another method (eg. Quikbook)?

If you do recommend bidding for 2.5*/2* NYC hotels on Priceline, can you advise on a good strategy, as I am a little confused given there are no free rebid zones to play with... Thanks.

[thereuare]

I usually don't recommend bidding 2.5* and under in Manhattan... while there may be hotels at this star category that you're happy with, there may be some which you're not, and with PRICELINE you can't choose which type you will get.

If the Gem at $178 is currently the best deal you can find, i would first try for a 3* up to your maximum in order to beat that deal and/or add additional zones which may be acceptable to increase your chances of landing a PRICELINE deal... it appears at the moment you have only bid up to $120 for a 3 star and only included 2 zones?

If you need help with a bidding straetgy let us know which zones you're willing to accept and we'll take it from there.

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

[ZoeM]

Carrying over from this thread (which I will return to), can anyone help me identify the following hotel just spotted on Hotwire please?

2.5* hotel in Downtown - SoHo

Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness Center, High-speed Internet Access

Sept. 10th to Sept. 11th - $163

[ZoeM]

OK, I've been considering my options and think the top price I can pay is $200 all-in. So I am planning to do the following:

1) Bid on 3* hotels up to a maximum price of $180; or

2) If no luck there - and someone helps me identify it! :) - then I might book the $163 SoHo 2* I found on HOTWIRE; or

3) Failing all that, book my back-ups: either the 2* Gem MTW for $178, or the 2* Best Western Bowery for $179, both of which are available from the respective hotel's websites.

I would be grateful if you could offer some bidding advice for 3* hotels. The areas I will consider (in order of preference) are:

Chelsea

Downtown - SoHo - Financial District

Empire State Building

Madison Square Garden - Convention Cntr.

Midtown West

Many thanks.

[AaronJB]

Please keep all discussion of this trip in this thread. Thank you. Unfortunately, the 2.5* has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board.

[thereuare]

I would be grateful if you could offer some bidding advice for 3* hotels. The areas I will consider (in order of preference) are:

Chelsea

Downtown - SoHo - Financial District

Empire State Building

Madison Square Garden - Convention Cntr.

Midtown West

Although you listed your zone preference, i assume that price is a more important preference and you goal is the least expensive 3* or better in any of the above zones... vs. willing to pay more for a hotel in a more prefered zone? (ie- would you prefer a less expensive hotel in the MSG zone or a more expensive hotel in the ESB zone?)

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

[ZoeM]

I think, in preference, I'd prefer to stay in Chelsea or SoHo, but if I can get a 3* (or 4* :)) for <$180 ($200ish, inc. taxes etc.) in any of these areas -

Chelsea

Downtown - SoHo - Financial District

Empire State Building

Madison Square Garden - Convention Cntr.

Midtown West

- then I'd be really happy. I really don't mind which of the areas I end up in, as long as it's a 3*+ and for less than $180.

If I can't achieve the above, then I'll just book the 2* I found in SoHo via Hotwire or Quikbook.

Can you recommend a bidding strategy for the above? And do you think I should start bidding on a 3.5* or 4*, just in case some have appeared in my price range?

Thanks!

[thereuare]

I'd start with the following:

Select 3* Chelsea...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* DT...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea and DT...

Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB and MSG...

Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and Chelsea...

Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB and DT...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea and MSG...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and DT...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea and ESB...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* DT and MSG...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and EST...

Bid $115, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, ESB...

Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, MTW, Chelsea

Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, MSG...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB, MTW, Chelsea

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, MTW, DT...

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, ESB, Chelsea

Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, ESB, MSG...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, ESB, MTW...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, MTW, Chelsea, DT...

Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, MTW, Chelsea, ESB...

Bid $140, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB, MTW, Chelsea, DT, and MSG...

Bid $145.

Any questions feel free to ask.

If the above is rejected we'll revise to try again in 24 hours to reach your $180 limit.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[ZoeM]

Thanks so much for the strategy, I really appreciate your help and the time you've put in to assist me.

I did each of the bids you suggested and was rejected for all, sadly. (There was also a duplicate bid warning at the $135 and $140 mark, and a double of Chelsea at the $125 mark, but I won't hold them against you :)).

I guess $145 still isn't enough to nab a 3* for my dates; if you could assist with a revised strategy up to my $180 limit, I would be ever so grateful, thanks.

[thereuare]

I would try...

Select 3* Chelsea...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* DT...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea and DT...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB and MSG...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and Chelsea...

Bid $135, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB and DT...

Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea and MSG...

Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and DT...

Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea and ESB...

Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* DT and MSG...

Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MTW and EST...

Bid $150, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, ESB...

Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, MTW, Chelsea

Bid $155, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, MSG...

Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB, MTW, Chelsea

Bid $160, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, MTW, DT...

Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, ESB, Chelsea

Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, ESB, MSG...

Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Chelsea, DT, ESB, MTW...

Bid $170, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, MTW, Chelsea, DT...

Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* MSG, MTW, Chelsea, ESB...

Bid $175, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* ESB, MTW, Chelsea, DT, and MSG...

Bid $180.

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

[ZoeM]

Thanks, thereuare, I will make another bidding attempt again, using your strategy, tomorrow evening; I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers for all your help.

[mauriciogodofredo]

I win a bid 140 US for a 3,5* to stay in empire state area 1 night 09/12/09 2 rooms they give me AFFINIA MANHATAN!!!

[ZoeM]

I win a bid 140 US for a 3,5* to stay in empire state area 1 night 09/12/09 2 rooms they give me AFFINIA MANHATAN!!!

Can you tell me when you made your bid - and what process -(ie. what price you began bidding at/which areas you picked etc.) you used? Thanks!

[AaronJB]

The Affinia Manhattan would be in a different area then you've been bidding (?)

Mauricio, please post the details of your win in a separate thread.

[thereuare]

As well... the Affinia Manhattan is in the MSG zone (the Affinia Dumont is in the Empire State Building zone)

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

[ZoeM]

I've just spent the last hour bidding for a 3* hotel room on this date, using the suggested strategy (thank you, again, for your help) up to my maximum of $180; when I got to the $160 mark, Priceline suggested I up my bid by $25: I ignored their recommendation. I was rejected at each and every level - even at $180.

I really don't know what to do now. It's frustrating that others seem to have obtained 3*/3.5* rooms for $110-$150 a day either side of my trip; I understand that Priceline is date-specific, but I'm still peeved that I have had no luck with this, and I've been trying for weeks now.

Do you have any more advice? Or do you think I should just go direct with the 2* Best Western Bowery/Comfort Inn Manhattan Bridge for $178?

[AaronJB]

Orbitz.com has the Bentley Hotel (in the Central Park/UES area) for $179, but if you use the coupon code REVIEW10, you get an extra 10% off.

Plus, Orbitz has this:

Through 8/31, book any hotel in NYC and receive a FREE $50 gift certificate from Restaurant.com (Select a hotel and add FREE offer on the add Attractions & Services page).

Please use the site's Orbitz.com link if this idea is of interest.

[ZoeM]

Thanks, AaronJB; I'm looking for something further downtown though, as I arrive at Penn Station late at night, and then have to leave for Newark airport early the following morning, so I really need to be local to the Holland (or failing that, Lincoln) Tunnel.

[AaronJB]

Another Orbitz option at the same price point (in the downtown area) is the Best Western Hanbee Bowery, which is $199 (-10% using review10 coupon). Plus, this BW actually gets excellent reviews.

Plus, also the Restaurant.com GC.