southnam Posted January 6, 2010 Report Posted January 6, 2010 I'm staying in NYC for a few days on the way back from a vacation. Figured it was a good chance for the family and I to see it for the first time. It's my wife and 2 kids (3 and 1 year olds). Looking for a hotel in the sub $150 range if possible that's convenient to things. I'm with the kid so no clubbing expensive restaurants etc... we are thinking of buying the grayline 48 hour pass to trek us from place to place seeing as how we have the kids and they can only take so much walking (we can only take so much carrying them :) ) want to see Central park, Stature of liberty, FAO Schwartz lol, and the other regular touristy areas. We won't line up for the ESB or Statue of liberty though. too long of a wait with the kids.What's the best area to book?I punched in dates and when I put 2 adults I find a 3.5 * in MTE for $139. It disappears the moment I add in one child (2-17 years). Should I just risk it and book as just 2 adults. Our kid will probably sleep with us anyhow. Do most hotels have playpens for the baby? Sorry for all the questions. NY Newb here.
thereuare Posted January 6, 2010 Report Posted January 6, 2010 Please follow-up your previous Hotwire Toronto thread with whatever you ended up doing for that stay... then reply to this thread and we'll address your questions above.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted January 6, 2010 Author Report Posted January 6, 2010 Updated the Toronto Thread from last year. sorry about that.
AaronJB Posted January 7, 2010 Report Posted January 7, 2010 NYC hotels - with few exceptions - have rooms that are on the small/smaller side and rooms with two beds often go for a premium (when even available.) While some properties may have cribs available, I'm guessing that there's probably some hotels in NYC (such as some of the smaller and/or boutique properties) that may not. Some hotels only offer rooms w/1 bed on HOTWIRE, and that is why they may only appear when searching for two. In terms of guaranteeing some sort of bedding for your entire party, then it's best to search for 2/2. Searching for only 2 adults will offer more choices and often better prices in NYC, but in terms of bedding, it becomes a risk. Additionally, if you are 2 adults/2 children and only book after searching for 2, you may not want to make it obvious when you check in that you are 2/2.The 3.5* property in MTE that is showing for 2 could possibly be the Tudor, Doubletree Met or Roosevelt. The Tudor is a bit far E in the Midtown East area and both the Tudor and Roosevelt have rooms on the small side (the Roosevelt's regular rooms are 130-180 sq ft.)I'm seeing a confirmed 2 bed deal for the Four Points Sheraton Chelsea for $163.33 via the "Stay 2 Nights, Get 1 Free Link" (non-refundable) below, but that hotel may be too far South. Please use this link to search for this deal. Stay 2 nights, get 1 freePlease use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchase.
thereuare Posted January 7, 2010 Report Posted January 7, 2010 Do most hotels have playpens for the baby?Not in NYC... some rooms are so small that they can't even fit a pak-n-play even if your brought your own along! This is why we often say it's riskly to book double occupancy in NYC when you'll actually be more than that. (and searching HOTWIRE for 2adults/2children is a better option than PRICELINE which only guarantees double occupancy)Let us know your thoughts on the Four Points deal above and we'll take it from there.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Posted January 7, 2010 Tough call. I tried searching on the stay 2 get 1 free deal up but search didn't quite work... Maybe I did something wrong. Anyhow, I think it may be a bit more south than I wanted. I see a lot of reccommendations for midtown but I guess it's pricier. I think we're okay if we end up with a room with 1 bed as long as it's a king :) The kids can sleep with us for a few days or we can make a make shift bed for our 2 year old on the ground. With the kids I'd like to be able to step out of the hotel for a quick stroll and still be able to see things.Are the three possible MTE hotels that small really?I see quite a few MTW Hilton wins for $120. I know hilton rooms can be small as well right? Is this a good located hotel? Which Hilton exactly is it as there seems to be a lot in Manhattan.
thereuare Posted January 7, 2010 Report Posted January 7, 2010 I think we're okay if we end up with a room with 1 bed as long as it's a king :)You can't guarantee a King bed... all that is guaranteed is double occupancy.Are the three possible MTE hotels that small really?Certainly can be... note AaronJB's comments above regarding the room sizes of 130sq ft-180sq ft.I see quite a few MTW Hilton wins for $120.The Hilton is the MTW zone is the Hilton New York... no way to assure this property in particular when bidding, and even if you could, they have one bedded rooms which are not King sized.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
AaronJB Posted January 7, 2010 Report Posted January 7, 2010 Try this link below for the Starwood Stay 2/Get 1 Deal, which should work.Stay 2 nights, get 1 free
southnam Posted January 11, 2010 Author Report Posted January 11, 2010 Try this link below for the Starwood Stay 2/Get 1 Deal, which should work.Stay 2 nights, get 1 freeDecided against. The. Above deal. I think I want to remain in the MTE or MTC area for convenience.
thereuare Posted January 11, 2010 Report Posted January 11, 2010 And what did you decide about the risk of booking double occupancy while being quad occupancy?Searching HOTWIRE for your dates, 2adults/2children, there is nothing offered in the 'midtown zones' for $150 or under... have you increased your budget? Do you have a back-up plan?Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted January 11, 2010 Author Report Posted January 11, 2010 And what did you decide about the risk of booking double occupancy while being quad occupancy?Searching HOTWIRE for your dates, 2adults/2children, there is nothing offered in the 'midtown zones' for $150 or under... have you increased your budget? Do you have a back-up plan?Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.I am still trying to figure our plan out now. I will update when I do. I know a manager of a Marriot who may be able to do us a favor now. Fingers crossed. Thanks for all the help so far
AaronJB Posted January 12, 2010 Report Posted January 12, 2010 Thank you for keeping us updated and using the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links.
southnam Posted January 26, 2010 Author Report Posted January 26, 2010 Thank you for keeping us updated and using the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links.Turns out the Marriot Connection did not work out. Back to the drawing board. I just checked again for 2 adults and 1 child (2-17) and the rates have gone up. Midtown is now showing $235 for this option. If I just do 2 adults it shows these:MTE 3*: $129 Fitness, restaurant, Business, InternetTimes Square - Theatre: 2* $149 RestaurantMTE 3 1/2 *: $156 Fitness, Pool, Restaurant, business, internet, Tennis nearbyAny other suggestions again welcomed. I'm trying to keep it as cheap as possible for the family.Thanks again
thereuare Posted January 27, 2010 Report Posted January 27, 2010 If I just do 2 adults it shows these:As noted above, we don't recommend booking double occupancy in NYC when you'll be more than that, but it's your stay... is this a risk you're willing to take?Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted March 2, 2010 Author Report Posted March 2, 2010 Started up the search again, finally after a busy few weeks.I tried bidding last week with priceline for a 4* in MTW, MTE or Times Square and went up to $120 and didn't get anything. I'm going to be purchasing the 48 hour greyline double decker bus pass to get me around the area. I guess that should open me up to being more flexible with my areas of stay but I'd still like to be as central to things and walking distances as possible. Would adding Central Park South be a good suggestion? I guess I was over ambitious thinking I'd be able to get a 4 star at this rate. I am weary of 3.5 star in MTE b/c I may get the Tudor or Millenium which is a bit far east. Any suggestions. I've settled that I'm okay if I get stuck in a one bed room with the kids and all.
thereuare Posted March 2, 2010 Report Posted March 2, 2010 At the 4* CPS is fine, imo, as is ESB and MTW... although above you mention not include MTW for convenience, but i'm not sure why you don't consider that zone to be centrally located. At the 3.5* i wouldn't bid the CPS zone as there are hotels there, most notably the Hudson, which has some of the smallest rooms in NYC and it definately wouldn't accommodate 4 people. At the 3.5* level i'd also include the MSG zone.Although not a 4* hotel, what about the Four Points Chelsea at $163/nite and ensure two double beds?If you do your research/homework i'd sooner spend your money on an unlimited metrocard to get you around the city rather than the Greyline bus. If you need/want the 'guided tour' then the Hop On Hop Off Busses are fine, but if just looking for transportation around the city, stick with the MTA's metrocard which would be much cheaper (and no charge for the kids :) ).Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted March 3, 2010 Author Report Posted March 3, 2010 Thanks for the tips with the metro card. I was weary from what a friend said about travelling on the metro with 2 strollers. the hop on off is free for my kids as well as they are under 3 years old. As for zones, I am fine with MTW, it was MTE that I was weary. Sorry for all my confusing posts. I'll try again with 4* MTW, MTE, Times Sqare, CPS and ESB. Is ESB a good area? Then if that doesn't work 3.5* TS, MTW, ESB, MSG.If that doesn't work I'll probably have to raise my prices or consider the Four points Chelsea.
thereuare Posted March 3, 2010 Report Posted March 3, 2010 Actually with the 4* Boutique properties in the ESB zone you may not want to bid that given your quad occupancy situation.To begin, if you're still using a $150 limit, i would try as follows:At the 4* level you have FIVE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.Select 4* MTW, MTE, and CPS...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* Times Square...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* MTW, MTE, CPS, and Times Square...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150Any questions feel free to ask. If the above is rejected we'll revise to try for a 3.5* property.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted March 3, 2010 Author Report Posted March 3, 2010 Thanks so much for the break down and advise again.I tried all the above but stopped after being rejected at $130 for MTW, MTE, CPS and Times Square...I'm thinking it may be time to try 3.5* before bidding in the $135 and up rage just yet.... Can you suggest a starting price point and zones for 3.5*These past 2 weeks I've booked 2 hotels in Miami, on in London and wow, NYC seems to be the toughest lol.Thanks
thereuare Posted March 4, 2010 Report Posted March 4, 2010 At the 3.5* did you want to restrict your bidding to TS, MTW, and MSG? What is your maximum bid at the 3.5* level?Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted March 4, 2010 Author Report Posted March 4, 2010 I think I will include CPS as well and remove MSG if you think its a good idea. For price I'm thinking $120 max for 3.5. Is that reasonable?
thereuare Posted March 4, 2010 Report Posted March 4, 2010 Why would you remove MSG? I wouldn't add CPS for fear of the Hudson, which has some of the smallest hotel rooms in the city.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted March 4, 2010 Author Report Posted March 4, 2010 Okay let's leave MSG in and remove CPS.
thereuare Posted March 4, 2010 Report Posted March 4, 2010 At the 3.5* level you have THREE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.Select 3.5* MTW and MSG...Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* TS...Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3.5* MTW and MSG and TS...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125 (you don't have to make this bid if your budget is firm at $120, but included it as i think it's likely you'll get this far)Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck and let us know how it goes. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
southnam Posted March 4, 2010 Author Report Posted March 4, 2010 Wow rejected at all these levels. I just realized I forgot to mention it is a long weekend in Canada so that may be the reason it's soo booked. I guess I will have to try 4* up to 150 or push 3.5* up to possibly 150? How are the 3* hotels in the areas?
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