Hotwire Hotel: 4* NYC (Times Square-Theatre District) Westin Times Square

[bzmissy]

Hello,

I was wondering if someone can give me some pointers for the most economical way of booking a hotel in NYC for the following dates: Dec 31 through to Jan 4th?

I would like to stay in the midtown area and would like to spend no more than $800 for the four nights together. I was thinking of splitting my stay into one night on the 31st and then three nights from the 1st to the 4th. Not sure if I should go the Hotwire or Priceline way... Or if that split of stay would be most beneficial... Can anyone provide suggestions for this trip planning?

Thank you!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is the minimum star rating you're willing to accept? If less than 4*, are you willing to pay more for a higher rated hotel or are you seeking the least expensive property at your minimum star level for this stay?

Let us know the above and we'll be in a better position to advise.

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

[bzmissy]

Hi,

We're thinking of 3.5* or 4* somewhere midtown which would make it easier to get around the city and do all the touristy things. As long as it's a clean place in a safe neighbourhood and accessible via public transit - it'd be perfect. We do not plan on spending too much time at the hotel, so amenities mean nothing (an included breakfast would be a bonus).

[thereuare]

To confirm...

Do you want to try for a 3.5* hotel with a $165 maximum bid (which would bring you to about $800 'all-in') in the CPS, ESB, MSG, MTE, MTW, and TS zones?

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

[bzmissy]

Hello,

I guess that could be one option. Or I was thinking that if I split my stay somehow then we could get a lower rate for the nights after New Year's and afford to pay more for the 12/31 night. I don't know, I'm really just looking for any kind of suggestions. Also, should I wait until later? Do I prices actually drop closer to the date of arrival?? or should I be booking now if it's for New Year's Eve?

Thank you!

[thereuare]

It may be tough getting a solo nite in NYC for 12/31 as many hotels may be requiring a multi-nite stay, but more likely, most hotels can sell most of their rooms on their own and don't need to offer deep discounts to the opaque suppliers. If you search HOTWIRE for the solo nite of 12/31, the least expensive hotel in Manhattan is a 2* rated hotel at $373 ($436 'all-in') and next is a 3.5* at $466 ($550 'all-in')... neither leaving much left over for your additional 3 nites.

As far as waiting, see the rated "bid early or late" link in our PRICELINE FAQ. However, this stay including New Year's Eve, i woudln't recommend waiting unless you have a back-up reservation, as it wouldn't surprise me to see many hotels sell-out on this given nite.

Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

PS- note that if you're can stretch your budget another $100 you can get a very nice 4* hotel for your entire stay in Times Square

[bzmissy]

PS- note that if you're can stretch your budget another $100 you can get a very nice 4* hotel for your entire stay in Times Square

Hi,

Could you give me more details on the $900 'all in" for the 4* in Times Square?

[thereuare]

If you search HOTWIRE (please use this link) there is a 4* Times Square property for $189/nite with Restaurant, Fitness, Internet, Business, Spa... best guess is this is either the W Times Square or Westin Times Square, both if which generally get good reviews.

You could try to get a better price via PRICELINE, but no telling if you'll get one of the hotels above or some other property.

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

[bzmissy]

Thank you!! I used the HOTWIRE links from your website and tried bidding on PRICELINE starting with $130 and going up in $5 increments got up as far as $165 with no luck. So I just booked through Hotwire at $189. It is the Westin! The cheapest rate per their website for the same stay is at $379/night so I am very happy with $189.

Thanks again!

[bzmissy]

4* Westin New York Times Square

Fitness Center / Restaurant(s) / Business Center / High-speed Internet Access / Spa Services

12/31/09 to 01/04/10

Hotel rate per night - Hotwire hot Rate: $189.00

Nights:4

NoOfRooms:1

SubTotal:$756.00

Tax recovery charges and fees:$131.83

Total price::$887.83

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

I'd try to get to the hotel in the early afternoon if possible (at least before 6pm-7pm) as they'll probably start baracading off some of the area for crowd control... i'm not sure how they'd handle it for those needing to get to the hotel or other businesses, but i'd bring the HOTWIRE hotel confirmation with you in case you need to show a police officer that you have a room at the hotel in order to be allowed to pass.

Glad to hear this will work well for your plans and thanks for using our HOTWIRE link for your purchase.

Enjoy your stay and have a great New Year in NYC!

[bzmissy]

Thank you for the tip! I called the hotel and they said we should be ok to get there before 4pm and if not then show the reservation papers. But we'll definitely try to be there by noon to avoid any issues with the barricades.