Hotwire Hotel: Best time to purchase for Memorial Day Weekend?

[kidtravels]

We (2 adults, 2 children) are going to be in NYC from 5/26/10-6/01/10. I saw some other posts indicating that the holiday week/weekend might be less expensive than normal, but am not finding anything for less than $259 (before tax) for 4* in TSTD or $229 for 4* in MCH on hotwire.

Is there a "best" time to pull the trigger for hotels? Will prices drop, or will they just go up? Kind of want to get things settled early on but don't want to end up paying too much (and from the prices I've seen on this board, it seems like the ones I'm getting are high).

Any advice would be appreciated. And I'm staying away from PRICELINE because of the kids.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding! :)

Prices are going to vary depending on date; for example, hotels in NYC during the prime holiday shopping season during the first half of December are (in many instances) more expensive than the second half of the month.

Prices during the same period last year were pretty reasonable, but looking up 4 in the room may be adding somewhat to the price, as NYC HOTWIRE options are more limited and/or expensive when four are selected, given the smaller average size of NYC hotel rooms and, as a result, more limited amount of rooms with bedding for four.

What are the amenities showing with each of the listings mentioned?

Additionally, while I'm not sure which listings may be appearing on your HOTWIRE searches, I am seeing some better deals in terms of price-point.

The link below is a "Stay 4 Nights, Get 2 Free" deal via Starwood Hotels.

Stay 4 nights, get 2 free

Please use the above link if this deal is of interest.

When you search for NYC for your dates, the Westin Times Square is an option. Click on that and search for 2 adults for your dates. A regular room w/2 beds is $349, last two nights free = $1396/6 = $232.66 per night. Additionally, in terms of TS, at least with this deal you would ensure getting one of the nicer 4*'s in this zone.

Additionally, the Sheraton NY Hotel and Towers (which, at least when I search on HOTWIRE for these dates, appears to be the 4* MTC showing - w/smoke free, fitness, restaurant, internet, business) is $279 via this deal, and with two nights free, the average rate works out to $186.

If you do decide to wait, I would recommend checking often, as if traffic does surprise to the upside, rates could rise. The Starwood deal above is good and you would be guaranteed two beds and know what you're getting for less than the cost of comparable (in terms of star-rating) hotels on HOTWIRE.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE, PRICELINE or Starwood links.

[thereuare]

It is still early, but i'm going to guess that besides the quad occupancy issue, the first two nites of your stay (before the holiday kicks in) may be increasing prices. If you search HOTWIRE for 5/28-6/1 i think you'll find that rates are a little cheaper than when searching for your complete stay.

Is SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID an option? Thoughts on the Sheraton Deal?

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

[kidtravels]

We ended up booking the Westin using the Starwood link in your e-mail. Got a king room for $232/night (before tax)--it's worth paying a little extra to know where we'll be (and to know what the room layout is). Thanks for your help!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success.

Glad you found something which works well for your needs and you're happy with the purchase.

Have a great time in NYC.