Starwood Preferred Guest - Why are rates soaring in NYC in Aug/Sept/Oct 2009? (merged threads)

The Manhattan Starwood properties appear to be totally full over the next few days (the Westin NY at Times Square was charging $776 tonight and I couldn't get in tomorrow night when I made the reservation 3 weeks ago -- so opted for the W Times Square instead).

I haven't seen things this busy in NYC since last fall -- anyone know what's going on?

It's probably the peak of tourist season.

I'm glad I booked Le Parker Meridien about a month ago. If I had to wait to the very last second, well, I would be paying about 30% more. Phew. :o

(Um, this also probably means no Plat upgrades on the horizon :( )

...anyone know what's going on?

Isn't the United Nations in session at that time?

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I believe the UN General Assembly Opening Session, when all of NYC is fully booked, is in mid September-ish...... this year it is September 15.

I believe the UN General Assembly Opening Session, when all of NYC is fully booked, is in mid September-ish...... this year it is September 15.

So, maybe some folks are arriving early to prepare?

I honestly don't know about this week. I was just trying to float an idea/possibility.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

There were many ridiculously cheap rates offered for August up until about 2 weeks ago. The Four Points Times Square for $115, the Sheratons for $159, the W the Court for $179, Tuscany for $189. As many people don't have money to fly somewhere this year for vacation, some probably decided to drive or take the train and spend a few days in NYC. Up until recently, it paid to wait until the last minute to book as the rates kept sliding down. For the beginning of August in New York this has not been the case. Even meeting spaces at the Sheraton were fully booked.

There were many ridiculously cheap rates offered for August up until about 2 weeks ago. The Four Points Times Square for $115, the Sheratons for $159, the W the Court for $179, Tuscany for $189. As many people don't have money to fly somewhere this year for vacation, some probably decided to drive or take the train and spend a few days in NYC. Up until recently, it paid to wait until the last minute to book as the rates kept sliding down. For the beginning of August in New York this has not been the case. Even meeting spaces at the Sheraton were fully booked.

This is "back to school" shopping season and there are some small industry shows in the city that lead up to the start of Fashion week.

with weak US Dollar, the US is getting cheaper and cheaper for the rest of the world. i can imagine millions of people from around the world decide to spend their summer vacations/holidays in the US. NYC is a popular tourist destination

i mean going on cheap vacation and where? in the US, is a dream for lots of people.

demand goes up, supply goes down , prices go up.

with weak US Dollar, the US is getting cheaper and cheaper for the rest of the world. i can imagine millions of people from around the world decide to spend their summer vacations/holidays in the US. NYC is a popular tourist destination

i mean going on cheap vacation and where? in the US, is a dream for lots of people.

demand goes up, supply goes down , prices go up.

And --- That's why our Canadian friend is interested in this destination! ;)

with weak US Dollar, the US is getting cheaper and cheaper for the rest of the world. i can imagine millions of people from around the world decide to spend their summer vacations/holidays in the US. NYC is a popular tourist destination

Except that the dollar isn't weak against the Euro or the Pound (it's actually very strong against the pound and stable against the Euro). The U.S. (and New York) is no longer the bargain basement tourist destination it was 18 months ago. While the dollar is weak against Asian currencies, that's not going to impact NYC as much as it will impact the West Coast.

I still think high prices in NYC are about a business rebound, not tourism. All those domestic people who haven't traveled to the NYC office for a year are now willing to make the trip.

Except that the dollar isn't weak against the Euro or the Pound (it's actually very strong against the pound and stable against the Euro). The U.S. (and New York) is no longer the bargain basement tourist destination it was 18 months ago. While the dollar is weak against Asian currencies, that's not going to impact NYC as much as it will impact the West Coast.

I still think high prices in NYC are about a business rebound, not tourism. All those domestic people who haven't traveled to the NYC office for a year are now willing to make the trip.

Really???

The dollar hit it's lowest against the euro yesterday since the Bear Sterns collapse.

Really???

The dollar hit it's lowest against the euro yesterday since the Bear Sterns collapse.

The $US is still above its 24-month average against the Euro.

Airlines can substitute larger aircraft and/or add extra flights from most points of origin to NYC, but a Westin can't roll in portable rooms from GE Capital nor put a thousand tents in Central Park. Reluctance to accept simple rules of supply & demand is impressive - not in a good way.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/981004-did-manhattan-ny-spg-hotels-sharply-incease-their-rate-starting-about-mid-sept.html

in 2001 $0.85 buys you one Euro ( Strong Dollar). in summer 2008 $1.6 buys you one Euro ( Weak dollar). today $1.44 buys you one Euro ( weak dollar). and still declining.

similar trend with the USD-GBP

The US dollar is weak. that is good for US economy (if inflation is controlled), it is bad for the rest of the world. the world believes the US government is behind weak US dollar, US official don't want to anger the world by coming out repeatedly saying they are in support of strong dollar:D

August weekends are still affordable with these two deals from Travelzoo.

W Hoboken $141
Four Points Manhattan Chelsea $150

Whatever the reason for the higher occupancy, it's great to hear!

Cheers,

The $ has weakend considerably against the GBP. Over Christmas it was around 1 GBP = $1.40. Now it takes nearly a $1.70 to the GBP. Sure, it is no longer $2 = GBP, but that is cold comfort to many. It's probably even worse when compared to the Euro.

it's not really that much of hike in room rates, they're still affordable!

consider for the weekdays of 8/17 to 8/21 (M-F) and 8/24 to 8/28 (M-F)

Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square $177/175
Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square $157/157
Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers $181/175
Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea $175/175

of course W, Westin, and St Regis is more expensive

I was at the Parker Meridien two nights ago and the rate was $269, booked two weeks ago. It's within $10 of the rate I've been paying there all year, and I've been there six times this year.

From my tiny perspective, I don't see your point.

If you are looking to book in the fall.
Very high rates-even weekend rates are above $300 for my dates in October for anything decent.
Hope they drop soon or there is a decent promo.

According to this article the hoped for bounce in business travel is not happening quite yet
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/realestate/commercial/19hotel.html?_r=1&ref=business

So I have my 8 night stay in October booked using cash and points(SPG),and a fifth night free award(Marriott) but will keep watching for the rates to come down.
Hotels can ask whatever they want this far out.If they have vacant rooms they will drop rates to fill those rooms.

interestingly, only NYC hotel rates are surging for Sept/Oct period.. room rates remain depressing in other cities like Boston, Washington DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle or Toronto.

Just checked rates for 9/8 to 9/11 in NYC and all *wood properties are up $100-$200/nt relative to what I have been paying this summer.

I was at the Parker Meridien two nights ago and the rate was $269, booked two weeks ago. It's within $10 of the rate I've been paying there all year, and I've been there six times this year.

From my tiny perspective, I don't see your point.

Although a CAT 5 hotel - le parker M is a "top end" hotel that doesn't offer many super discounted rooms. NYC in general though recently hasn't been offering any "super deals"

Was in NY ten days ago and PM was near 400$ - even W hoboken was well over 200$. Agree that prices have "gone up" - and NYC hotels have apperared rarely on starpicks - when starpicks has been around recently (rarely)

So right on cue tomorrow....

In May I prepaid a September Spectacular Room 7 day stay.
Now rates are about $25-$30/night more in a same room/same dates comparison.
Starwood are hoping for a NYC lead recovery so that expectations (ADR) will be higher eventually elsewhere and to benefit from the traditionally high occupancy rates in NYC this time of year.
In Chicago , as an example, rates do not appear to have moved in the last 4 months.

I've been looking 9/10 - 9/13, and the rates are insane.

I've been looking 9/10 - 9/13, and the rates are insane.

2 words: Fashion Week.

Wow, is this just a popular weekend in NYC? Is something else going on that weekend? I just checked and from 9/4 to 9/7 the number of sold-out properties is insane. The only two properties showing availability are the W New York ($379) and the St. Regis ($625). Every other property in Manhattan is completely sold out.

Fortunately, I made a reservation at the W Times Square using some of my FWN's a while ago and managed to get all three nights. :)

But at least the St. Regis is still showing award availability. ;)

I still think high prices in NYC are about a business rebound, not tourism. All those domestic people who haven't traveled to the NYC office for a year are now willing to make the trip.


Uhh..Ya think? You are absolutely correct. Of course, there are always special events in NYC which boost hotel rates for a short time but "IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID."

The S&P 500 is up 50% in under six months, and it is only logical that NYC hotel rates will follow.

I was lucky enough to book a suite at the W NY The Court for $259/nt a few months ago on the Travelzoo promotion for mid September, and I am very glad I did, since that rate is a fantasy now.

I was looking forward to my first trip ever to NYC end of september. Probably won't happen with these hotel rates. Rates from 296 USD + taxes, not something I will pay with my own money. I do consider the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor for 179 USD + tax or then just forget the trip.

Westin Times Square and sister properties are over $400 for Nov 4 and 5. Seems like advance bookings must be great.

Anything special going on then?

I'm checking rates for a weekend stay in NYC this October - even on different weekends (and selecting different combinations of one night mattress hops), the rates at every Manhattan property are at or above $300 per night.

I ended up booking across the Hudson at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor and Westin in Jersey City for over 100 less per night.

I thought rates in the city came down - or is it better to wait until the week of the trip to check again?

I'm checking rates for a weekend stay in NYC this October - even on different weekends (and selecting different combinations of one night mattress hops), the rates at every Manhattan property are at or above $300 per night.

I ended up booking across the Hudson at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor and Westin in Jersey City for over 100 less per night.

I thought rates in the city came down - or is it better to wait until the week of the trip to check again?

Lets add October to the title of the thread below. ;)
Why are rates soaring in NYC in Aug/Sept 2009? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/981715-why-rates-soaring-nyc-aug-sept-2009-a.html)

I would suggest book now and make backup bookings at the hotels you really want in case rates good down. Just keep checking. Oct thru the New Year are pretty busy in NYC.

Haven't you heard? Koko and Bernanke say the recession is over. :p

Sorry...could resist. ;)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

i stayed 3 sheraton hotels in nyc during last octobers visit, actually the best was the 4 point at jfk. brand new, big lcd tv.

Haven't you heard? Koko and Bernanke say the recession is over. :p

Sorry...could resist. ;)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

yep thats why the cheapest Economy car late Oct weekday in ROC is $120ai or $75 at BUF

need to get to Toronto, looks like Ill simply drive it and pick up a couple of Stays instead :D

Haven't you heard? Koko and Bernanke say the recession is over. :p

Sorry...could resist. ;)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I'm fairly news-wise, but who the hell is Koko (aside from the sign languagin' primate?)

I'm fairly news-wise, but who the hell is Koko (aside from the sign languagin' primate?)

You've never heard of kokonutz, one of our esteemed TalkBoard members? :eek:

In OMNI-land, we affectionately know him as koko. :)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

You've never heard of kokonutz, one of our esteemed TalkBoard members? :eek:

In OMNI-land, we affectionately know him as koko. :)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

LOL...I should have guessed. I looked into the OMNI looking glass once, and that was depressing enough. :D Besides, I can barely keep up with the useful, factual info on this forum alone. ;)

I just tried to book a weekend in NYC...best I could do for a 2-double-bed room was $264/nt. at the Sheraton using the SPG50. (Oct 24-26) Most W's had no SPG50 rate available. Best I could do without the SPG50 was an average rate of $308/nt.

I'll probably keep looking...might end up Pricelining this one. Rates seem high even by comparison to other Manhattan trips I've done in both bull and bear markets...

FWIW, Marriott and Hilton don't have any screaming good deals either. Marriott's current round of EEO (2nd night free) deals ends Oct 11 and their desirable NYC properties are all excluded anyway.

As someone who stays in NYC every week, the hotels have had fewer business people and fewer US tourists lately, but the number of European tourists has shot way up.

I just tried to book a weekend in NYC...best I could do for a 2-double-bed room was $264/nt. at the Sheraton using the SPG50. (Oct 24-26) Most W's had no SPG50 rate available. Best I could do without the SPG50 was an average rate of $308/nt....

Lowest I could find using the SPG50 was the W Lexington at 309+tx, which is even higher than my corp rate.

For 100+ difference, I'll take the PATH and stay in Jersey City - but if I can get the difference down to about 50-60, I would be inclined to switch my second night to Manhattan, especially as I'm doing a Met Opera marathon on Saturday and don't want to go back and forth to move my bags to a new hotel in NJ in between performances.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/newsstand/995349-hotel-prices-big-cities-have-collapsed-source-les-echos.html#post12385849

Interesting article.

Fifth most expensive destination, New York has an average price of 139 euros (-23%)

Perhaps it's asking too much, but I wish the sites that track these things would track Manhattan average rates, not all five boroughs lumped together.

Yes, I realize you could go crazy tracking rates by neighborhood in any city, but anybody who travels often knows that Manhattan is a different beast.