Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* NYC (MTE) Roosevelt

[EmTee]

Hi guys,

Planning to travel to NYC from 10/23-10/27. This will be my first time in the city and would like a place near the downtown area so that I can visit as many popular places as possible. Also, a place close to public transit is a big plus too. I did not realize how expensive NYC is until I booked the flight, so the lower the prices the more attractive. Here are the two places I'm looking at:

3.5* hotel in Midtown East $159

- fitness

- restaurant

- business

- hi-speed

2* in Central Park $149

- fitness

- restaurant

- business

The 3.5* is the best value I could find. Anything better would be much appreciated.

[AaronJB]

I don't think I'd recommend the 2* Central Park, which has not yet been ID'd, but could be something like the Comfort Inn Central Park.

The 3.5* could be a few things: the Tudor @ The UN, The Roosevelt or Doubletree Met. There's no way to narrow that down, unfortunately. You could probably do better by bidding on PRICELINE for a 3.5* in MTE - possibly with a starting bid of around $135-140. These are certainly busy dates, though - I would recommend trying to get something locked in, as if demand continues to be elevated for these dates, the HOTWIRE offer could disappear or jump in price and I don't see much else similar on HOTWIRE in that price range.

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

[thereuare]

...and would like a place near the downtown area so that I can visit as many popular places as possible.

Do be aware that the 'center' of NYC is midtown, whereas the Financial area is called "downtown"... typically you'd want to stay in midtown (where the MTE zone is). Just clarifying since you stated that you wanted to stay 'Downtown', although i'm guessing that's not really where you want to be.

Also, while most midtown locations work out well for the average users, do note that there is one 'known' hotel, The Millenium UN (3.5* rated in the MTE zone), which is a bit east in the zone. While it is a very nice hotel and gets pretty good reviews, it's about a 15 minute walk to the subway, so be aware that this is a possibility if you choose to bid the MTE at this star level.

Also, if you do intend to bid on PRICELINE, i'd bid include all the zones that you're willing to accept, and not just focus on MTE, since this would give more properties an opportunity to accept your bid (and hopefull at a lower price) than if you only bid MTE.

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

Also, i'd agree with the above, the Central Park zone is less than ideal for convenience.

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

[EmTee]

Thanks for the "downtown" clarification. Yes, I meant to be in a more centrally located area. I normally would go with PRICELINE but I have about a hundred in credit with HOTWIRE, therefore, it'll likely be less for my unique scenario. If I lock it down now, it pretty much means I've prepaid for it right? So if I cancel, I won't be getting my money back. I'm still looking at other ways of saving including through craigslist.

Aaron, why are these dates in demand? From what I've seen so far, travel is down during this period. Is it because it is considered the beginning of the holiday season?

[thereuare]

Yes, HOTWIRE (as well as PRICELINE) purchases are pre-paid and non-refundable/no-cancellable.

Travel may be down overall, but the Fall season is one of the busier seasons in NYC. I wouldn't consider HOTWIRE's rate of $159 for a 3.5* MTE property is not considered "high". If the economy was strong and hitting on all cylinders, i would expect to see HOTWIRE rates in the $200's for some dates at this time of year.

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

[EmTee]

Was waiting for a response from a friend and price went up as you predicted. Price for the 3.5* went up to $165/nt when I inputted 2 adults. $162/nt when I put 1 adult. so I went ahead and ordered for 1 adult price. It was The Roosevelt.

[AaronJB]

Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing your results with the board.

Looks like a solid deal for this hotel during an expensive Fall period.

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

Enjoy your stay.