Capetown, I have many years of hotel management and some experience working with priceline.

Firstly, there is no right or wrong time to bid. If I have occupancy holes in my inventory, I'm releasing it to priceline whether is is two days before or one year ahead of time.

Historically, I know when I'll be busy and when I won't be busy.

Since June is peak summer season for NYC and the winding down of convention season, you probably will not see inventory open much more.

That coupled with the fact that Manhattan has lost more than 5,000 hotel rooms, keep bidding your strategy.

Otherwise, did you check out Hotwire?

Hi, Capetown!

You're so lucky - all that beautiful weather and a blue sea to boot!

I see your dilemna about doing the same city with two different people. Maybe you can split up the activities by who likes what. E.g, if your friend is into museums, maybe you could spend more museum time with her (and select your hotel accordingly)- UES.

If your daughter likes Broadway shows, then you could stay near Times Square for the second half of your trip.

Luckily, there are so many things to do in New York that you really couldn't do all of it in a week, even if you tried!

On the hotels, I'd suggest booking the Doubletree on Travelocity for at least the two weekends - if it's still available at those rates. The Doubletrees are usually very nice hotels, although I haven't stayed in this particular one myself. The Travelocity rates are within your $200 a night budget. later you can always cancel when you get a better rate on Priceline.

Sorry, for getting back with you a bit late, but I've been reading another thread: "Jumbo Cat in a Carrying Case" which ended with a successful attempt to stuff a giant Maine coon cat into a carrying case and visiting the vet. It ends with..."now I have one pissed off giant cat on my hands." LOL!

Just have to love these Fodorites! The things they can come up with!

Thanks for the sympathy for my hay fever. Today is my day in, trying to avoid going out at all, just so I can breathe easily one day. Been active this weekend and had to come up with my own humidifier idea: took a bowl and filled it with steaming hot water and then breathe over it and get as much of the hot steam as possible. Wonderful relief. Except for one thing. This morning I stuck my nose too far into the bowl and now have a burnt nose! Another reason to stay home all day! :)

Good luck again!

I think for an intelligent womn I must be very thick! I have registered with better bidding, i have read their stuff for hours, and I cannot see how to ask for the advice I am supoosed to be asking for to book a hotel on priceline- grrr.

Have been researching travelocity and various other sites. I am narrowing things dowm, but I am frustrated that what what I consider to be a brilliant concept - priceline - is getting the better of me. More advice please you most patient of people
Thanks