Hotwire Hotel: Please help identify...

[Citygal]

I used the Hotwire link within this site and see a very tempting deal, and one that puzzles me.  There are 6 of us interested in 2 rooms (3 gals per room) and I know that Priceline books only double occupancy, so upon checking Hotwire, I see they WOULD allow me to ask for "2 rooms, 6 people."  I am HOPING that means two beds will for sure be in both rooms, but of course, I could be dealing with double beds instead of queens -- which isn't what we desire.  I thought if the helpers on this site thought they could peg the right hotel, I would call the hotel and ask about bed sizes before I booked.

 

This is what I see via Hotwire:  4-star, Mag Mile River North:  $97/night, 90% recommended.  Boutique hotel, Business Center, Smoke free rooms, Internet access, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Accessibility for the blind, Accessible path of travel, In-room Accessibility

 

My Puzzlement:  On Priceline, I see a 4-star, North Michigan Avenue - River North, that's only rated 7.0 out of 10 (or higher - it says), for $81.  It only lists a restaurant and business center for amenities.  How can a 4-star only have a 7.0 rating??

 

Any guesses on these two listings for me?  Thank you in advance for your time.  REALLY appreciate it!

 

Mary

[thereuare]

Is this in addition to, or does it replace, your previous Hotwire Chicago hotel thread for 10/17-10/19? If this is in addition to, please post an update to your previous thread with whatever you have decided OR your current thoughts for that trip... then reply here and we'll have a look at your trip above (also, in your reply, please confirm that this trip is for a 2 nite stay 12/12-12/14)

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

Thanks.

[Citygal]

Thanks for keeping me in-check!  I went back and updated my previous post.  The trip I am currently asking for help with is for myself and friends -- 6 women total.  Yes, two nights...12/12 and 12/13.  

 

We would LOVE something in the River North area (hopefully not super-close to the lake, or all the way to the northern tip of Michigan.)  That said, we loved Hotel 71 which I know is now Wyndham, but would rather request "River North" than to chance being stuck in the business area that we could get if we request "Millennium Park / Loop" (or whatever the exact name is.)  

 

We're hoping to book 2 rooms to put 3 girls in each room, but figure we should check Hotwire, as I know Priceline only books for double occupancy.  We would also be hopeful for 2 queen beds rather than double beds, as putting two in doubles is tight, but I know it's not a given. 

 

I may have to book 3 rooms and put 2 girls in each, but even then, we might risk getting a double bed.  As I mentioned in my previous post, if you experts have a good guess for me, I may call the hotel to check on bed sizes before I book.  

 

I'd love to grab one of the 4-star listings I see under $100, but was surprised that the one listing yesterday only had a 7.0 favorable rating. (that was on Priceline)   Surprising to me a hotel can have a 4-star rating and only have a 7.0 favorable rating!  

 

This morning, I still see the Hotwire 4-star listing for $97 with the amenities listed in my post from last night, but the only thing I saw today that I didn't notice yesterday, was the clue it has "1843 reviews" on Hotwire.  

 

We could definitely consider the Priceline listing (shown in last night's post) for $81 -- and take 3 rooms, but the 7.0 rating is not as enticing as the $97 listing with 90% favorability.  ;)

 

Any advise or guesses you have for me would be much appreciated!!  Have a wonderful day!  :)

 

[AaronJB]

Searching for 2 rooms/6 adults leads to a number of potentially interesting options that I'm seeing on HOTWIRE.

 

You may see slightly different prices than I do.

 

$96, 4* Mag Mile-RN Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Blind Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower. This amenity set has been seen with the Felix, Palomar and Hotel Chicago, but the 4/5 tripadvisor rating would lead me to lean towards the Chicago. If so, great location within an easy walk to River North nightlife and restaurants.

 

3.5* Mag Mile N-WT $85. Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Free Internet, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Golf, Tennis, Spa, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower, Pet Friendly. This is likely the Indigo, in the very nice Gold Coast area, which is an easy walk to the boutique stores on Oak Street and Michigan Ave shopping. Lot of nightlife nearby, number of nice restaurants and easy access to a nearby subway.

 

4* Mag Mile N-WT Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Laundry, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Roll-in Shower. $115. I'm guessing this may be the Raffaello.

 

4* Mag Mile N-WT $102. Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Free Internet, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Golf, Tennis, Spa, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower, Pet Friendly. This would be a potential match for the MileNorth.

 

Let me know if you have any questions before purchasing. Additionally, let me know if you have any Chicago questions.

 

Hot.wire does not guarantee bed type - if you search for more than 2 adults, you should get some form of bedding for the entire party - that could mean two beds, 1 + rollaway or 1 + sofabed. Some PRICELINE EXPRESS listings do note bed choice as an option.

 

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

[Citygal]

Thanks so much, AaronJB!  Much appreciated.  I don't know why, but none of those hotels bump me!  I haven't stayed at any of them yet, but I did spend time reading a lot of reviews.  I know people will find goofy things to complain about, but it seems some of them would be deal-breakers for me too.  I realize the prices are great for what you do get, but we were hoping for the most bang for our buck...spacious room, view of some kind, updated and refreshing!  Breakfast would be wonderful too, but I don't see that offered much.  (gratis)  

 

My next question for you is if you have stayed at any of them and if so, of the ones you mentioned, are any of them stand-outs?  (I forgot which one does not offer a mini fridge in the room, but we would rather not consider that one.)

 

OR is there a hotel not listed in your summary that is a stand-out to you and perhaps you see it available on Priceline Express?   

 

We LOVED our stays with Hotel 71 (now Wyndham), Marriott Renaissance, and Residence Inn.  Would love an experience much like that.

 

Thank you in advance for any other suggestions or comments you have!

 

 

[Citygal]

And one last question....would anyone have a guess as to the 4-star River North hotel for $81 that is only listing a 7.0 guest score?  (Priceline)  Amenities listed:  Restaurant, Business Center, and "bed choice" assigned at check in.  

 

Mega-thanks!!

[AaronJB]

I've stayed at the Indigo and thought it was a very cute property. I've been in the MileNorth a while ago when it wasn't the MileNorth and seemed like a very nice property. Reviews overall have only improved since.

 

"view of some kind"

 

You mention view and I will note that there are few properties in Chicago that offer strong views and when available, it's often a paid upgrade. It becomes whether or not the substantial price difference between a discount rate reservation and an upgraded regular rate room is worthwhile. I've tried some upgraded rooms in the city that I thought weren't worthwhile and only thought one was pretty exceptional - a high floor river view room at the Westin River North. It was really a "postcard perfect", classic Chicago view looking up the river, with the lights on over the bridges at night. There is no guarantee a hotel will let you upgrade upon check-in.

 

Breakfast is - unfortunately - not offered at too many hotels downtown.

 

Unfortunately, the 4* PRICELINE EXPRESS has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board and with only two common amenities it could be a number of properties. However, with the 7/10 review rating, that would be a lower review rating than the above possibilities.

 

I steered suggestions towards appealing lower priced options, but moving higher up, I see:

 

4.5* Mag Mile-RN Restaurant, Pool, Indoor Pool, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower, Pet Friendly. $128 on Hot.wire. This would likely be the Intercontinental.

 

4* Mag Mile-RN Boutique, Restaurant, Pool, Indoor Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry, Spa, Pet Friendly. $150. This is likely the W Lakeshore, which was recently updated. You may get a view here, given the location, but I just think the MileNorth is a better deal for about $50 less. 

 

I do see the Westin River North river view room on Price.line regular rate for $151.  Price.line has a sale on the new Homewood Suites ($105 studio suite, $122 1BR)

 

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

 

If you do book regular rate, please use the site's Support Page links to start your purchases and searches.

 

Let me know if you have any questions before booking.

 

 

[Citygal]

Thank you again, AaronJB.  Loved reading your comments and advice.  After discussing everything with our group of ladies, we decided on a direct booking with Residence Inn to guarantee a "suite" set-up.  The reservation agent made a mistake on my booking of two rooms, so the manager of the location took care of us and gave us a great deal.  We're all set for that trip.

 

Now hubby and I are considering a trip to Chicago on 11/28, so I may begin another search.  As always, I will be sure to use the BB links, and may consult the pros here again if I'm stumped.  Thanks again for everything.  :)

[Citygal]

In our Express Deal searches (Hotwire or Priceline) for downtown Chicago hotels, I tend to put "River North" just to be sure we don't get stuck in an area south of the river where they roll up the sidewalks in the early evening.  ;)  However, before I knew of the possibilities of where we could end up, we were lucky to book some Express Deals with the "Renaissance," "Hyatt on Wacker," "Fairmont" and "Grand Wyndham" (when it was "Hotel 71") and those areas were wonderful.  

 

Could you tell me if there's another search box I could check that might include THOSE hotels, or is the "Loop/Grant Park/Millennium Park" always grouped together, therefore we run the risk of getting in an area extremely quiet at night?

 

Thank you!

[AaronJB]

There is no specific zone for the hotels along the river, as the Downtown-Millennium-Grant Park and Loop zones both include some of these hotels but stretch further South and West. With PRICELINE, you are either looking at North of the River (River North-NMA) or South of the river (Millennium Park-Loop-GP.) With HOTWIRE, one can make an educated guess as to which hotels are showing based on amenities, so an ID could be possibly made if one of the riverfront/near-river hotels are showing.

Do you have an upcoming trip that you need a hotel for? If so, what are the dates of your stay and maximum budget per nite?

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

[AaronJB]

Thank you for closing the thread. Please start a new thread and I would be more than happy to help with the 11/28 stay. I'm very familiar with the area, definitely let me know if you have any city questions, as well.

 

Which Residence Inn did you select? If the one on Walton, I'd suggest asking for a room on the top one or two floors looking North. You may get a partial lake view.

 

Enjoy your stay

[Citygal]

The Residence Inn that we selected is the one on Dearborn.  

 

Thank you for clarifying the zones for me.  I will most definitely come to this site for searches and input before I choose a PRICELINE EXPRESS Deal.  I really appreciate all of the help!

 

If we decide to come to the city on 11/28, I will start a new thread for my questions.  :)

 

 

[AaronJB]

Thank you for closing the thread and please do let me know if any Chicago questions come up.

 

The night of 11/28 seems quite reasonable downtown - thank you for keeping us updated.

[Citygal]

I apologize if this question is not in the right spot.   We will be staying at the Residence Inn on Dearborn and are going to have two vehicles...that adds quite a bit to the cost of the weekend!  ($47/day)  Is there a more reasonable lot that we could consider somewhat near the hotel??  (We don't need in/out privileges over the weekend.)   Thanks for any suggestions you may have for us!  

[AaronJB]

Parking downtown is unfortunately expensive at hotels, with some as high as $70. Parking at garages is plentiful, but not cheap either, and probably not a whole lot cheaper than hotel parking in this case. City garages are somewhat cheaper, especially Navy Pier.

 

Navy Pier isn't right near your hotel, but it's not an awful walk. From the NP website:

 

Discount Parking Rates at Navy Pier
November 1 – March 22
Save 24% - 33% on parking!

$14 Monday – Thursday
$19 Friday – Sunday

 

http://www.navypier.com/visit_us/parking.html

 

I don't drive so haven't parked here - not sure if there's city tax on top of those rates (probably is), but even if there is it would still be quite a bit cheaper than $47.

 

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

[Citygal]

Thank you so very much!  We will research the Navy Pier parking!!

[AaronJB]

Happy to help - you may want to give them a call regarding the specifics of multi-day parking, but should be fine. If you walk back to your hotel, bit of a trek but certainly a lot to see (including Eataly) along the way.

 

Let me know if you have any Chicago questions.

 

Enjoy your stay.