First did Hotwire and Expedia search and this is a very expensive week even for NYC (though Continental was offering $160 RT tickets from Austin to LGA; annoying connection in Houston, but alas).
The least expensive 4 star anywhere in NYC on Hotwire was around $240 + fees.
Started at $160 MTE, 4 Stars, no luck. Went up to $180 added MTW, 4 Stars, no luck. Went up to $201 and added Hell's Kitchen, 4 Stars (knowing that the only selection there, ink48, wouldn't hit, and figuring either a MTW and MTE with many more selections, would hit). Successful bid at Grand Hyatt. Checking their website, the best deal is a little over twice that ($416/nt). I am pleased with the Grand Hyatt, because it's close to the things I want to do in NYC this trip, and because I am eager to see the results of their $130M renovation program that is ending Q4 - I just hope it's fully completed! I'm sure once the contemporary renovation is unveiled, they will not need to be discounting inventory to Priceline at 50%.
I realize that I could have gone up in smaller bid increments and included areas with no 4 star hotels, but my time and headache was factored in to the $20 per bid increments.
I did use the Priceline link. Have been consulting this forum for many years and very appreciative of it for guidance!
Robert
