High season for NYC hotels?
 

I have just read a thread that said that September has become high season at NY... I know that pre-Christmas time is very high season also...
And July? Is July high season? I am planning an USA travel in 2007 and we have not a very high budget...
Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, I think there are lot of hotels in Manhattan which charge "high season" rates all year round!

Rates are usually lower in the summer months (July & August), but it can alos be very hot (but most places are air conditioned so it really isn't that big of a deal) You can usually find some bargains in January after the New Years holiday. Keep an eye on website like travelzoo.com for hotel specials.

Yes, January looks like less than half the price for a room than December. I'm haven't looked into summer lately.

Thanks for quick answers! Not very concerned about being hot... We did Bangkok this year, and La Habana last summer without major trouble, and I guess that NY is also humid and hot.
If prices are not the highest at that season, it is OK for us :)

September through December is high season - as well as a few holidays. Lowest prices are in January and Feb - and rise throughout the year. But you can sometimes get special deals in July and August - since there are fewer conventions and businesspeople are taking vacations.

You don;t say what your budget is - but last year prices seemed to rise continually - that is, if you reserved a room for July in Jan/Feb you often got a better price than if you waited until June.

If you say what you mean by a not very high budget - and for how many - people can give you specific recos and you can make cancellable reservations now - or as soon as your dates are set. You can then watch for a better bargain.

I cannot make bookings yet... because I don't know when exactly in July I could have holidays. Unfortunately, it does not depends only on me.
My budget... well, quite short for NY, I know. I wouldn't like to surpass 150-175$/night. The good part is that I am not concerned about having a big room or a terrific view. Only a decent place, with private bathroom.
I have been doing some research about Priceline and perhaps it could fit me (and my budget).
Thanks.

You can stay within your budget with priceline. Check www.biddingfortravel.com before bidding, so that you don't over bid.

If you stay away from Times Square (which is ghastly anyway) - for instance on the upper west side or downtown you are likely to get more for your money. And that's not only in hotels - but also restaurants.

When using Priceline don;t go below 4* (some 3* are fine - some are nasty). but also look for recommendeed hotels (on lots of threads below) in other areas for special deals. Also- check on Quikbook once you know your dates.

Ok, nytraveler, but... what is Quikbook? I haven't heard about it...
Thanks

Quikbook is a hotel booking website. www.quikbook.com usually has competitive rates and MOST bookings can be cabcelled if need be(read the descriptions before reserving).

With taxes, $175 is going to be just about impossible.

I go 3-4 times per year. Also went this past July. 3 weeks before my "bargain" $189 rate at the Super 8 dropped to $123. :) With Taxes still over $150/night. So it pays to keep checking if you have a reservation. Just got a drop for my 12/26 week. :)

Be aware with priceline, it is common to only get one bed, and usually off - later is better here for rates rather than months ahead.

High season is Labor Day through New Years.

You are going to have a tough time with your budget unless you get out of Midtown. Try downtown hotels.

I have no problem with one-bed policy of Priceline: I travel with my husband and we are used to sleeping together :D
I am feeling concerned about the budget question... but I have thought a B-plan (to schedule one less night at NY).
Wish me luck ;)
Thanks.

There is a Comfort Inn - I think it is the 36th St one - right near Jacob Javits Centre and it is v. reasonable. Quite a lot of business people use it for trade shows and they always find it just fine. Recently a colleague mentioned staying in Jersey City right on the PATH line but I found hotels there were around $200. But you might be able to find one at a better price and not have to stay right in Manhattan. I have to tell you that when I returned to the u.s. in 1967 after 3++ years in Europe, I stayed at the Abbey Victoria - about a 3++ hotel on 54th & 7th - it was $10 a night, then they raised it to $12. then when it got to $13.50 I said "are u kidding, nobody will pay that much." That was about '68 or '69. Imagine. Now a hotel like that is $250 + tax.

tozzman, high season is different everywhere. High season for NYC is low season for Miami.

There is no savings significant enough to make someone ever stay at the Hotel Pennsylvania! LOL!:-D

The high season which I mean is Christmas and New Year which almost everyone go to celebrate with friends or family that why the room is almost sold out during that period.

I looked at NYC room rates a couple weeks ago. Even early to mid December was pricey.