Priceline Hotel: 15dec - 19dec 2009 stay in manhattan nyc

[oaken86]

Hi, I am thinking of bidding for 2 rooms (2 adults each) for a stay from 15 dec to 19 dec 2009. I am quite a noob and haven't tried yet. Want to seek your advice. I am thinking of staying somewhere in the main manhattan area (from mid of central park around 80th street all the way down). Thinking of getting a 2.5 star, 3 star hotel thereabout. My budget is somewhere 80 -90/room/night. Is this feasible?

Not so particular about hotel, so much as have private bathroom is enough. Any recommdations on what are the areas to bid?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

While some hotels at the 2.5* may be acceptable to you, there are some at that star rating which are not... and with PRICELINE you can't choose which type you will get. Unless you have a good sense of the hotel you may receive (ie- usually thru HOTWIRE) i woudl recommend sticking with 3* and higher rated hotels in NYC.

Rates often star to drop right around this time, but sub-$100 is still hard to come by in NYC... my adivice would be to raise your star rating to 3* and higher, and raise your budget to ~$120 or so (certainly bottomfish for less, but the extra $30 would increase your chances dramatically, imo), and try MTE, MTW, CPS, TS, Chelsea, MSG, and ESB. However, note that in the MTE zone at the 3.5* level (your 3* bid could be upgraded) is the Millenium UN which is a bit far east, about a 15 minute walk to the subway, so you'll need to decide if this would be an acceptable outcome for your needs or not.

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

Once your plans are firm and you're ready to bid let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

[oaken86]

i see. Thanks for the quick reply. :)

$120 is inclusive of taxes? btw, you mentioned that the prices are going to drop around this time. When do you reckon is the latest time that i will need to book before it goes up again?

I am looking at bidding in the Upper west side and upper east side. Do you think they stand higher chances than those south of central park?

[thereuare]

$120 is inclusive of taxes?

No, i was refering to bid price.

you mentioned that the prices are going to drop around this time. When do you reckon is the latest time that i will need to book before it goes up again?

Not that prices are going to drop, but that prices are generally lower around this time vs. a week or two prior. The holidays are often a strong period and then prices drop for dates just before Chirstmas Day.

I am looking at bidding in the Upper west side and upper east side.

You can try these zones, but due to less competition in these areas, and just a few handful of hotels, chances are not that great. HOWEVER, keep in mind you can end up anywhere in the zone and each of these zones extends beyond the 80's... have you been to NYC before and have reason to stay in this area, as they're usually not the most centrally located for the typical visitor.

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