Priceline Hotel: Seeking Assistance - 4* TSTD or MTW - Jan 5-12

[tralalaitsmoi]

What do you think a realistic acceptable bid would be for my visit?

I've got a couple of backup options at $145 per night at acceptable properties (3.5* but highly rated on Tripadvisor) through their individual websites and want to make sure I'm either upgrading the quality or saving a good amount of money in exchange for opaque booking. Is this a realistic expectation?

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

A realistic starting bid for a 4* in either of these zones for these dates would be $115, although given the amount of time in advance, you could try to see if a low-ball bid at $110 would get any bites.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links.

[tralalaitsmoi]

A realistic starting bid for a 4* in either of these zones for these dates would be $115, although given the amount of time in advance, you could try to see if a low-ball bid at $110 would get any bites.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links.

I will definitely use the links provided.

I'm planning on re-bidding every day or every second day at least. Would I have a better chance closer to the date? I want to avoid over-bidding now if the rates are likely to drop closer to my stay.

[AaronJB]

Well, I would put a cap on bidding in the near term. I'd start off at $110-115 and possibly stop if you get up to $130-135 w/o being accepted for a 4* in either area. I'd definitely start bidding now, though, as if something is going on during this time period, rates could easily ramp higher.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links.

[tralalaitsmoi]

This morning, I tried the following bid strategy using the PRICELINE links on the site. Since I was willing to pay more for TSTD than MTW, I had to split up my bidding.

4*, TSTD @ $100 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Brooklyn @ $110 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Chelsea @ $115 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Brooklyn, Chelsea @ $120 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Long Island @ 123 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Long Island, Brooklyn @ 126 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Long Island, Chelsea @ 129 = rejected

4*, TSTD, Long Island, Brooklyn, Chelsea @ 132 = rejected

I then added the MTW zone and repeated up to my 'MTW max' of $125

4*, TSTD, MTW @ $100 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Brooklyn @ $105 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Chelsea @ $110 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Brooklyn, Chelsea @ $113 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Long Island @ $116 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Long Island, Brooklyn @ $119 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Long Island, Chelsea @ $122 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, Long Island, Brooklyn, Chelsea @ $125 = rejected

4*, TSTD, MTW, UES @ $128 = rejected (but I received a counteroffer of $150 which I did not take)

Does the 'Best Value' icon next to the star ratings indicate anything about which hotel is being offered? I'm inclined to accept a 3.5* in TSTD in hopes of getting the Doubletree Suites, but wouldn't want to get stuck with some of the other properties in that star level.

I'm a little frustrated because I can see people are getting lower bids accepted before and after my dates. I guess I'll try again tomorrow...

[AaronJB]

Unfortunately, the best value icon does not indicate which properties may be available - if bidding on 3.5*, one has to accept any of the potential properties in that zone.

[tralalaitsmoi]

I have found a deal for Hotwire for a 4* during my dates (Jan 5-12, 2010) in the Empire State Building Area for $124 a night.

Can someone please help identify the hotel? Amenities listed include:

Boutique Hotel

Complimentary Breakfast

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-speed Internet Access

Hotwire suggests that the hotel has a 4 1/2 star Tripadvisor rating.

Based on my research, this looks to be a match for the Morgans Hotel. Can someone confirm?

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Correct, this would be a match for the Morgans.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links.

[tralalaitsmoi]

We ended up booking privately through a friend we know at The Muse for a competitive friends & family rate. Thank you for your help - I'll be sure to pop by here next time I'm traveling.

[AaronJB]

Thank you for closing the thread. :)