There are few winning bids posted on biddingfortravel.com these days, all things considered, for whatever reasons, particularly for dates in April. That you've "scored" a 4* in the past for less than $100 has nothing whatsoever to do with your next trip. I can remember, within the past several years, when one was fortunate to be able to book any "decent" (forget 4*, or even conveniently located) hotel in NYC for less than $200/night. Obviously, you can as well.

In my opinion, the "fill rate" in NYC hotels has improved post 9/11 not due to the economy, but that lots more folks are traveling stateside, deciding to drive or endure continental fares/hassles versus overseas flights/hassles. The airlines, currently, have significantly cut back their overseas schedules, specifically direct flights.

To all those who "blame" the "improving economy" (which it isn't), you should rejoice.

Karen, sorry, but flying overseas is not a hassle and thousands of people do it everyday, especially now since you can fly rt NYC/London for just a little over $200. I recently flew from NYC to London and from NYC to Paris - no problems, no hassles, no scheduling problems.

As a previous poster noted, Ken was perusing the BFT site for an OVERALL view of what was going on, he was not specially looking for April bids. Why is your post so snide? You make it sound like no one should hope to get a nice deal, not work to get a lower rate, and should be grateful to overpay.

Personally I agree with Ken, the (posted) winning bids HAVE (overall) been higher than in the past.

I got the Paramount for $100 last Memorial Day week. You have lots of time to bid. You could make a reservation someplace just as a backup.

Girls, you are not paying attention to the orignal post . . .

Karen, not sure where your economic education came from, but you don't rejoice and blame at the same time.

BTW, how have you determined that peple are staying "stateside"? I flew - hassel free - from Chicago to Rome last month, the plane was full.

Well, here's my two cents: The 4-Star Millennium UN, Midtown East Side, that people are "winning" on Price Line for $100-$110 a night (plus Price Line fees) can be booked directly (no bidding, no guessing) at tourgang.com for $96/Nt. And the Waldorf for can be booked for $199/night (limited time offer) on expedia.com. Some have tried to "hit" the Waldorf on Price Line, and have ended up over-bidding for a different hotel, or have paid over $200 for the Waldorf. Looks like with some hunting you can match the Price Line rates with out playing all the games, AND be able to cancel if your plans change . . .

We have found Pricline NYC hotels to be more expensive this year than last, also. We stayed at the Stanhope in July for $75 per night and the Waldorf in March for $115 per night. The prices for these hotels are higher this year but you cannot 'match' the Pricline prices by going to expedia, etc. Priclines is still a good deal.

gen, read polly's post above - people are indeed "matching" some of priceline's prices.

What are the tricks for accessing tourgang.com? Haven't been able to get in even as New Customer?

Try to logging into Tourgang again, maybe the log in is case-sensitive? I was able to access it yesterday.