Need hotels - San Fran, New York, Paris

[zan5hin]

I'm spending two weeks in New York 18th May - 1st June and looking for hotels. According to the interwebs the good deal is to stay at the new (Opened Feb 2009) Starwood Westin in Jersey City.

Want a real deal? The two-month old Westin Hotel in spiffed-up Jersey City, a 20-minute, $1.75 train ride under the Hudson River from Manhattan's financial district, quoted me a king room with the ultra comfy "heavenly bed," $169 a night, slashed from its rack, or retail, rate of $579 a night. And that's without even buying blind on Hotwire or PriceLine

Pasted from Bend Weekly News for Bend Oregon

And in fact, if you look on Hotwire the four stars in that area (either the Westin or the Hyatt) is going for $105 for my first week or $112 if I search for two weeks. All the reviews on TripAdvisor are glowing about the Westin there and the ease of getting the Manhattan.

Info about transportation Staying in NJ and visiting NYC: http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=4361&

 

[Blackadder]

For NYC, could try the Hilton Garden Inn, Times Square.

Booking via the Hilton website USD$194.25 per night for the 18th May

(will also be in NYC 18th May)

 

[zan5hin]

I just bid on Priceline and instantly won the Westin I wanted for 15 nights for only US$85 a night, awesome price (Total US$1496)!! Hotwire had it for $112 a night, and the SPG/Westin website has the cost for the same time as US$3112. I can do without the SPG points for a US$1500+ saving thank you very much!

As far as accomodation goes, I spent all night looking for cheap places to stay, even checked out Craigslist for vacation rentals and stuff, however best I could find was 1 bedroom in a person's apartment in Jersey City or Brooklyn for US$65 a night.. So to get a 4 star hotel room for that price is brilliant. Plus for our sleeping arrangements we need two Queens which I'm sure we will get as we are staying for 15 nights.

http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=68512&hl=

 

[Alanslegal]

Plus for our sleeping arrangements we need two Queens which I'm sure we will get as we are staying for 15 nights.

IIRC priceline and hotwire automatically requests 2 doube beds - so you will be very likely end up with 2 double beds

Strangely, I like 2 double beds as I can use the 2nd bed to place my suitcase and clothes on it - instead of the small luggage rack

 

[Timba-Jet]

Have just returned from San Fran, where I stayed at the Serrano Hotel, in Union Sq district for 7 nights. Nice boutique style hotel, charming and fun atmosphere.

Rates start from $100USD. Its part of the Kimpton hotel chain, where they have nightly wine reception. Good chance to unwind before heading off for your night and meet other travellors.

 

[Larni]

Hi
I have just returned form New York and San Fran

I recommend the Affinia Manhattan if you want a large room with lounge, full kitchen and good location near Macys, Penn Station and the Subway . I booked through their own site, Lovely staff.

I also highly recommend the Handlery Union Square in San Fran, perfect location. Book a club room you won't regret it.

In Paris we stayed in a little hotel cheap and excellent location - Hotel Saint Roch.

Hope this helps
Larni

 

[candyflip]

Hi
I have just returned form New York and San Fran

I recommend the Affinia Manhattan if you want a large room with lounge, full kitchen and good location near Macys, Penn Station and the Subway . I booked through their own site, Lovely staff.

I also highly recommend the Handlery Union Square in San Fran, perfect location. Book a club room you won't regret it.

In Paris we stayed in a little hotel cheap and excellent location - Hotel Saint Roch.

Hope this helps
Larni

Hi Larni,

Thanks for the tips - we did in fact choose the Affinia Manhattan at US$149 (+ tax) a night and agree, it was comfortable, had a full kitchen as a bonus, and the staff did everything they could with two very tired travellers. The location cannot be beaten if you want Times Square, Broadway, Macy's, Empire State and good trinket shopping all within 4 easy-walking blocks.

In San Fran we scored the deal of the century at the Fairmont Heritage Ghirardelli. A 5 star, 2 bedroom apartment, bigger than our's here in Australia, for US$169 + tax. Free internet, free breakfasts, newspapers, floor butler, Maseratti Quatroporte towncar...Unbelieveable. Didn't want to leave. http://www.rpmgo.com/images/maserati_quattroporte_sport.jpg

In Paris, it was the Meridien Etoile. Not cheap, very business-like and efficient, but *everything* costs you extra (internet, crazy mini bar prices, no breakfast included, no papers). And, no kettle, no cutlery, no cups, nothing extra provided. You better get used to spending big euros for the simlpest pleasures here. Not again, unless my company picked up the whole tab.

In Tokyo, it was the Mercure Ginza on a 3 day Accor Sale rate (US$90). Great location, subway is at the end of the road (50 metres), great food everywhere, 2 small blocks to Ginza Dori and just 2 more to Tokyo Station. Basic comfortable rooms in typical understated Japanese style. Free papers and internet, good western style breakfasts downstairs in their restaurant. Excellent value.

Got the travel bug back now.

 

[RB]

Hi Larni,

In San Fran we scored the deal of the century at the Fairmont Heritage Ghirardelli. A 5 star, 2 bedroom apartment, bigger than our's here in Australia, for US$169 + tax. Free internet, free breakfasts, newspapers, floor butler, Maseratti Quatroporte towncar...Unbelieveable. Didn't want to leave.

Do you mind sharing where you scored this price?- certainly looks like a smart deal

 

[candyflip]

Do you mind sharing where you scored this price?- certainly looks like a smart deal

Not at all... try this link: FAIRMONT HOTELS - Employee Friends and Family Promotion valid until Dec.31/09 - Page 77 - FlyerTalk Forums

You'll need to read at least the first page or 2 of the thread, and then the final 2 or 3 pages at the end, to understand the promotion and how to get it for yourself.

good luck and enjoy

 

[medhead]

In Paris, it was the Meridien Etoile. Not cheap, very business-like and efficient, but *everything* costs you extra (internet, crazy mini bar prices, no breakfast included, no papers). And, no kettle, no cutlery, no cups, nothing extra provided. You better get used to spending big euros for the simlpest pleasures here. Not again, unless my company picked up the whole tab.

We found a nice little local cafe for breakfast, on the left bank opposite the Lourve. Great service and food and not at all expensive - 20 euro to feed 3 adults and 2 kids. stayed in the Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés worked out at about $250 or $300 a night for the same group.