Priceline Hotel: NYC Bid Timing?

[travelavid]

I'll be in NYC 2/27/10 - 3/3/10 and am looking for a 3.5/4 * for max $120,

I have read some posts that claim if you wait until the day before, you can usually come out with a great deal on Priceline. Is it worth the risk to wait until the day before or day of?

Also, in general, where are the best deals to be had, Priceline or Hotwire?

Thanks, and I will be sure to book it through this site when I do buy.

[yellowdog]

Welcome to BetterBidding :)

I have read some posts that claim if you wait until the day before, you can usually come out with a great deal on Priceline. Is it worth the risk to wait until the day before or day of?

There's no general answer to your question. Please read this link: Should i Bid Early or Close to Arrival Date

Also, in general, where are the best deals to be had, Priceline or Hotwire?

If you're trying to target a specific property then HOTWIRE can often be a better option if you're successfully able to identify it based upon the star rating and amenities shown before your purchase... the trade-off is that HOTWIRE usually costs a little more than PRICELINE, so you need to decide what is most important to you for a given stay, the lowest possible price OR the ability to take an educated guess as to the property you may receive.

I'll be in NYC 2/27/10 - 3/3/10 and am looking for a 3.5/4 * for max $120,

If you would like to get help with a bidding strategy so please post the zone(s) you're willing to stay in.

I hope this gets you started.

Yellowdog.

PS. Thanx for using boards PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links

[travelavid]

We'd like to target an area that is close to the best transit lines and sites, but not in the loudest/busiest districts.

We were thinking Midtown East, Midtown Central or Chelsea Madison or Soho/Downtown.

I know it's a longshot, but getting the Waldorf Astoria for around $120 would be great.

I've been looking on HOTWIRE to find out the price levels for some of these districts over the coming month, but I can't really can't find a definite pattern of up or down.

Thanks for your help,

[thereuare]

Are you ready to bid now or are you intend to wait until close to your check-in date?

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

[travelavid]

I actually bid last night but was rejected at $95 for MTE, Empire, MTW, DTS, CMS

I'm willing to wait a bit to re-bid, I'm just not sure how long I should wait. The week of 2/27/10 - 3/3/10 is after President's week, so I'm guessing there may be some deals?

[thereuare]

Were your bids for a 3.5* or a 4* hotel?

Are you willing to pay more for a higher rated property OR is your goal the least expensive 3.5* or better for this stay?

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

[travelavid]

It depends how cheap the 3.5* is vs. the 4*. For example, if the 4* was 110, but the 3.5 was $85, I'd go for the 3.5,

However, if they were in about $10 of each other, I'd go for the 4*

[thereuare]

I'm guessing the spread will likely be more than $10, but given your previously rejected $95 bid at the 4* level, what do you want to do next... bid higher for a 4* hotel or try for a 3.5* up to $85 or $80?

was rejected at $95 for MTE, Empire, MTW, DTS, CMS

CMS?? Did you mean CPS?

Let us know and we'll suggest a strategy to follow.

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

[travelavid]

I meant, CMS as in Chelsea-Madison Square. I think this may be a Hotwire location and not a Priceline location.

I think I am going to wait until the day before to book the NYC hotel, since we are comfortable with staying in a variety of locations.

I'll also be in Boston 3/3/10 - 3/7/10, preferably in Back Bay/Copley Square, and in Washington 3/7/10-3/9/10 preferably in Kennedy -GW, Whitehouse or south of the mall. I'm planning on booking those in the next couple of weeks

[thereuare]

Please continue this thread once you have made a purchase or want to continue this discussion.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.