[Meagan G]

I am a priceline newbie and I need some help on a bidding strategy for getting a 4* hotel near the magnificent mile area in Chicago for 5/16/13 - 5/19/13. I was hoping to be at $100 or less - is that reasonable? Also, when is the best time to start bidding with a date that far out?

I already put in a bid for $75 and was rejected. What should I do next?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please start by reading your messages and clicking each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links... then reply to this thread and we'll have a look at your post above.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[AaronJB]

I'll note that part of this period is during one of the biggest conventions in the city during the year - the restaurant association show (5/18-21)

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[Meagan G]

I've clicked the links attached and I will also be sure to use the links on the site when making my bids!

[AaronJB]

May is not too far away as stays go, and it's traditionally a busier time in the city, with nicer weather, baseball, graduations and other events (such as the convention mentioned above.) Under $100 for a 4* is generally seen during the slow/er periods of the year (such as now.) Rates are unfortunately pretty high across this period - I think a 4* in the River North-NMA area area (if you want to be in the Mag Mile area; the Loop is likely going to be similarly expensive) is likely going to require as much as $150-160+ (HOTWIRE is showing 4*'s downtown for these dates between $177-228).

You can certainly try lower first, but unfortunately I don't think $100 or under is going to be realistic for this time period. 5/16-17 separately is somewhat cheaper, but then 5/17-19 is unfortunately still high.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[Meagan G]

Aaron, thanks for the info. I would also be willing to consider 3 1/2* hotels in my search as well. Any idea where I should start my bidding? I'd like to stay at $150 max if possible - ideally at $120. I've never bid on PRICELINE before so I'm not sure what the best strategy is.

[thereuare]

At current prices I don't think you're looking at much less for a 3.5* (maybe $10-$15/nite savings if any)... are you looking at both the NMA and Loop zones or just the NMA zone?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[Meagan G]

I would really prefer to be in the NMA area but I could consider the loop zone if there was a reasonable amount of savings.

[thereuare]

Based upon the research i did earlier today i don't think you'll see much savings by bidding the Loop zone, but you could try the NMA zone up to your limit and then if rejected consider the Loop zone.

How high do you want to bid for the NMA zone before trying the Loop (or if the NMA zone is currently rejected would you just wait it out and try again later, not yet trying the Loop until you get closer to your trip?)

Did you want to try for a 4* first up to your limit OR given the higher then expected rates is the goal now the least expensive 3.5* or better? If trying for a 4* first, what is your maximum bid at that star level... what is your maximum bid at the 3.5* level?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[Meagan G]

I'm okay with a 3.5* at this point. I'd like to make my highest bid $175. I do prefer NMA. If I don't get a hotel in that area then I will re-evaluate if I would like to wait longer or start bidding for the loop area.

With that in mind...I see a 4* on HOTWIRE in the NMA area for $177 a night. If I don't get a hotel on PRICELINE for $175 or less I will probably book that hotel....

[thereuare]

It's not clear from your post what you want to bid on first... because you prefer the NMA zone is that the only zone you want to bid OR does price prevail and the least expensive in either the NMA or Loop zones is your goal? Along the same lines, do you want to only bid 4* or the least expensive 3.5* or better is your goal?

Please clarify what you want to try for first and we'll advise accordingly.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[Meagan G]

Sorry if I wasn't clear!

I would like to be 3.5* or better for the NMA zone only. $175 is the highest I want to go right now. Unless you think that is completely unrealistic then let me know what my budget needs to be.

[thereuare]

I think that $175 may be enough for a 4* in the zone, but your preference is a less expensive 3.5*, correct? (if this not correct just post back and we'll revise accordingly)

If so, and with time on your side, i would bid as follows:

When bidding 3.5* in Chicago you have FOUR re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 3.5* NMA...
Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $140

If rejected wait 24 hours and re-try, once again using the board link to access PRICELINE:
Select 3.5* NMA...
Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $153, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $158

If rejected wait 24 hours and re-try, once again using the board link to access PRICELINE:
Select 3.5* NMA...
Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $163, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $165, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $168, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $170

Any questions feel free to ask.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Meagan G]

Thanks, I'll try this tonight and let you know!

[Meagan G]

I bid all the way up to $170 and still didn't get anything! I'm going to try at the same price of $170 fora couple of days and see if I get anything. Meanwhile I'm looking on Hotwire to see if I can find a good deal.

Thanks for the help so far.

[AaronJB]

I'm seeing on HOTWIRE:

Possible Allerton or Westin Michigan Ave $176.
A listing that hasn't been ID'd, but may be the Club Quarters Wacker Drive or River Hotel $182.
Possible Felix - $190

OR:

The first night is cheaper - if you don't mind switching hotels, staying the first night at a different property may save as much as $30-40.

If you are driving, staying in the suburbs would be significantly (I'm seeing a 3.5* for $54 in a nice area) cheaper, but less convenient (a 40-45 minute train ride in each day.) The suburbs, however, are quite nice, with a few sights of interest, a wide variety of restaurants and some shopping.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[dahl]

Depending on season and day you will notice a wide variation of prices on 4* hotels in the North Michigan Ave area. The same room sold for $60 on one day will sell for $249 the other day. Why??? I believe that it comes down to demand and revenue stream. I theorize that the day that you place your bid two areas are looked at, the first being bookings and booking demand for the date(s)desired AND revenue stream for the week that you bid. I believe that if your bid is placed in a week where the hotels business is very slow, they will accept a more reasonable bid. Paying up front via Priceline offers great incentives for hotels to increase their weekly sales during slow periods. I have no proof of this but that is the way that my bids unfolded. So keep bidding, re-bid again and again.

[Meagan G]

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, it was mentioned that one of the biggest conventions in Chicago will be taking place the dates I am in town. I am sure this is driving up prices as demand for rooms is much higher. I will probably keep bidding via the PRICELINE links on the site for the next week or so before I decide to give up and book elsewhere. I'm also watching HOTWIRE. Some good options were mentioned above. Specifically the $176 which I am contemplating. I also found an advance purchase rate directly through Hotel Felix for $177. I am debating if the possible Westin or Allerton I could get for $176 is better than Hotel Felix.

I am greatful for all the help I have received and will continue to keep everyone updated!

[AaronJB]

Thank you for keeping us updated and please let us know if you have additional city/hotel questions.

Thanks for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[Meagan G]

Booked a 4* through the HOTWIRE link for $169 a night. It was the Westin Michigan Ave as mentioned in the post above. Very happy with my purchase. Thanks for all the help!

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success.

Nice deal for this busy period and the better of the two possibilities. I wouldn't go for the Michigan Ave. view upgrade, but I'd try asking for a high floor.

Can you confirm if the amenities showing were:
Smoke Free Rooms
Fitness Center
Restaurant(s)
Business Center
High-Speed Internet Access
Accessible for the blind
Accessible for the deaf
Accessible path of travel
In-room accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible bathroom
Roll-in shower

This information can be found under the trip information in your HOTWIRE account (click "My Account" in the upper corner of HOTWIRE.)

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.

Enjoy your stay.

[Meagan G]

Yes - those are the exact amenities listed on my HOTWIRE account for The Westin Michigan Ave. I appreciate all the help and looking forward to my trip in May!

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up!