Priceline Hotel: NYC 9/7 - 9/12

[csi]

My wife and I will be travelling to NYC 9/7 - 9/12 and are looking for some help. This will be our first time in NY. We THINK we would prefer to be in the Times Square/Theater district and was curious when we should start trying and what we should expect to pay for a room? We are open to suggestions and any info you have to offer.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

I would recommend against staying in TS, it's crowded and generally the most expensive zone in the city. My opinion: visit Times Square, experience it - but don't stay there. There are so many amazing sights large and small all around NYC - personally, when I've visited NYC, TS has ended up being the place I've spent the least amount of time.

Other zones (such as Midtown East) are still convenient and (generally) provide a better "value". The Sept. time period is also often quite expensive due to weather, conventions and other factors.

What would be your desired budget per night for hotel, and desired star rating?

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[thereuare]

In light of the comments above, see this thread: Hotels Near Times Square

I wouldn't necessarily avoid staying in Times Square, but i wouldn't focus your attention there either... at the 4* level i'd be considering TS, MTE, MTW, CPS, and ESB... if bidding for a lower rated hotel i'd re-consider the MTE zone due to the location of a few of the properties.

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

[csi]

The main reason we are looking at TS is we are meeting up with a couple that is going to be there for a convention. The convention is at the Hilton, and while we wouldn't spend every minute together, we will probably meet up at some point every day. With this being said, I'm certainly not opposed to looking at other areas. Would like to keep it under $150/nt if possible.

I used the bidding tips and bid incrementally up to $130 for 3.5* today for TS. All of those bids were rejected. Looks like it may be time to expand my areas of interest!

[thereuare]

Based upon current rates i don't think $150 or under is likely for a 3.5* or better... even if you expand your zones. However, you can always try and it's still early, maybe rates drop between now and then?

Is your friend's convention at the Hilton Times Square, or more likely, the Hilton New York... which is in the MTW zone?

Is 3.5* your minimum star level at this time? Is $135 (or $150??) your maximum bid? Which other zone(s) are you willing to consider?

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

[csi]

The convention is at the Hilton New York which is in MTW. We were trying to keep it under $150, I just stopped at $130 until I heard back from you guys with your opinions on what my best strategy might be. Have not really thought about 3* yet. I will check them out to see if we are willing to drop down. What are your opinions on 3* and which are the best zones and prices for them?

[thereuare]

It's generally very easy to get around Manhattan via subway and/or mass transit, and getting to the Times Square area isn't going to be a problem from most parts of the city. As well, odds favor that you won't be heading out with your friends in Times Square itself, so you can easily meet at your destination... which your hotel may be closer to than theirs!

From a convenience point of view, at the 3* level i would think that CPS, Chelsea, ESB, MSG, MTW, TS... should all work fine for your needs. I've left out MTE since some of the hotels at that star level are a bit too far each for some, but also be aware that some rooms at hotels in the CPS zone are extremely small, so if that would be an issue for you then i would consider not bidding this zone as well.

However, i would re-iterate that at current rates i don't think $150 is likely going to be enough, so you're not really going to 'have your pick' of properties.... although this early before your stay i don't think i would chase this either, i would try to find a fully refundable back-up to protect against rates moving even higher, while i continued to try PRICELINE in hopes that rates move lower.

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