Christmas in NYC-need suggestions!
Nov 12th, 2007, 08:04 AM
#21
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The most elegant Christams tree in NYC is at the Met Museum.
I would not eat at Tavern On the Green. You might want to stop for a drink, if you want to see the decorations. But the food is medicore at best.
The same with Little Italy. There are literally scores of restaurants were the food is better.
I would not eat at Tavern On the Green. You might want to stop for a drink, if you want to see the decorations. But the food is medicore at best.
The same with Little Italy. There are literally scores of restaurants were the food is better.
Dec 5th, 2007, 05:38 AM
#22
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So excited! Have patiently waited to bid on Priceline, and today I got the Intercontinental for $135/night (best rate listed online is $409!) So. . . would love to add a wonderful pre-theater meal for one night with those savings! Anyone have any favorites? Would love to hear from you!
Dec 5th, 2007, 06:18 AM
#23
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Congratulations on your hotel!! That's great.
Okay, I don't know where I've been for xx years but I know nothing about how to go about bidding on Priceline. If we're going in early February, 1)how and when would I start the process and 2)can you give a brief "how to bid" description?
Thanks! Any help would be appreciated.
Okay, I don't know where I've been for xx years but I know nothing about how to go about bidding on Priceline. If we're going in early February, 1)how and when would I start the process and 2)can you give a brief "how to bid" description?
Thanks! Any help would be appreciated.
Dec 5th, 2007, 09:26 AM
#24
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I too offer congratulations on your Priceline win. The Intercontinental is a very nice hotel. I suggest you IMMEDIATELY join (for free online) their frequent guest program which may get you a nicer room or some freebies. As to a nice meal, I generally don't try to do a fancy meal pre-theater as you will feel rushed and the theater is always going to be the "star" of the evening. I would do a nice meal on a night you don't have theater or maybe one night after the show. Or...what about a fancy late afternoon tea followed by theater and then a late snack or dessert? The St. Regis hotel does a very nice afternoon tea. The lobby lounge of the Mandarin Oriental also does a good tea and has very nice views. ViceVersa is a nice Italian restaurant in the theater district that has a good prix fixe menu. It's becoming trendy. If you can get a reservation, that might be nice and they should be able to get you in and out in time for your show.
esd, go to biddingfortravel.com or betterbidding.com to read up on Priceline bidding.
1) there is no finite answer to when to start the bidding process. You can start today if you know what you're doing. Make sure you understand what a free re-bid is and know that in NYC, Priceline only guarantees a room with 1 bed for 2 people. If that won't do for you, don't use Priceline (but hotwire might work). Shorter stays (ie less than 5 days) usually work better for PL too.
2) you select a star level of hotel (in NYC, 4* is best)
you select an area of town where you want to stay
you select a price you want to pay
you bid
you either get your bid accepted and they tell you where OR'
it's rejected and you have the opportunity for a free re-bid'
OR they make you a counter offer (which you generally should ignore)
If you're rejected even after re-bidding twice, you can try again then following day. Just keep in mind early Feb. is an inexpensive time to begin with. Check quikbook.com and travelzoo.com first to get an idea of what's available. Remember Priceline is non cancelable. I would do as wishiweretraveling did and book something cancelable and then try bidding.
esd, go to biddingfortravel.com or betterbidding.com to read up on Priceline bidding.
1) there is no finite answer to when to start the bidding process. You can start today if you know what you're doing. Make sure you understand what a free re-bid is and know that in NYC, Priceline only guarantees a room with 1 bed for 2 people. If that won't do for you, don't use Priceline (but hotwire might work). Shorter stays (ie less than 5 days) usually work better for PL too.
2) you select a star level of hotel (in NYC, 4* is best)
you select an area of town where you want to stay
you select a price you want to pay
you bid
you either get your bid accepted and they tell you where OR'
it's rejected and you have the opportunity for a free re-bid'
OR they make you a counter offer (which you generally should ignore)
If you're rejected even after re-bidding twice, you can try again then following day. Just keep in mind early Feb. is an inexpensive time to begin with. Check quikbook.com and travelzoo.com first to get an idea of what's available. Remember Priceline is non cancelable. I would do as wishiweretraveling did and book something cancelable and then try bidding.
Dec 5th, 2007, 06:23 PM
#26
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Esd, before my first experience with Priceline, I really studied all the rules on biddingfortravel.
I still get butterflies every time I bid. It's exciting waiting to see if your bid has been accepted.
A couple of things...
I usually have good luck with bidding way in advance. I have already got a fabulous deal for Feb in Florida. You have nothing to lose by bidding early. I just keep trying every few days.
Also, when you start to bid, Priceline will always say that your bid is too low, and tell you what the average hotel rate is. They give you a chance to up your bid..DON'T. Just carry on with your bid.
Good luck..
Wish, congratulations on your great success. Have a great trip.
I still get butterflies every time I bid. It's exciting waiting to see if your bid has been accepted.
A couple of things...
I usually have good luck with bidding way in advance. I have already got a fabulous deal for Feb in Florida. You have nothing to lose by bidding early. I just keep trying every few days.
Also, when you start to bid, Priceline will always say that your bid is too low, and tell you what the average hotel rate is. They give you a chance to up your bid..DON'T. Just carry on with your bid.
Good luck..
Wish, congratulations on your great success. Have a great trip.
Dec 6th, 2007, 06:16 PM
#27
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Mclaurie - thanks so much for the Priceline explanation. I love Bidding for Travel, and I agree that it's a wonderful source. I just joined the Intercontinental guest program, and even was approved for their Visa card (15,000 points just for getting the card.) Perhaps that will get me a nicer room and/or perks! Thanks, too, for the dining/tea suggestions. I looked ViceVersa up on menupages, and it got wonderful reviews - will definitely make reservations. Afternoon tea is something we've never done, but will do this time - it sounds very snug and Christmasy! Kodi - thanks for the good wishes! And Esd - best wishes on your February trip - sounds cold but great. You should really be able to get some great deals!
