Hotwire Hotel: Help Identifying Mag Mile Hotels - 5/24/2015 - 5/29/2015

[ianold]

Hello,

 

We would greatly appreciate help identifying the following hotels. My wife and I will be staying from 5/24 - 5/29. We would like to stay in a fairly nice place but would like the best possible value for the dollars spent. The $200 option is a little steep but will consider if it is terrific value. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. 

 

 

4.5* Mag Mile N-WT $161:  Free Internet, Indoor pool(s), Fitness center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access

 

4* Mag Mile N-WT $137:  Boutique hotel, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower

 

4* Mag Mile N-WT $159:  Free Internet, Pet friendly, Boutique hotel, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Golf nearby, Tennis nearby, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower

 

4.5* Mag Mile RN $200: Pet friendly, Indoor pool(s), Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower

 

4* Mag Mile RN $164: Boutique hotel, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access

 

4* Mag Mile RN $175: Free Internet, Boutique hotel, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Spa services, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Roll-in shower

 

 

Thanks again, Ian

 

[AaronJB]

4.5* Mag Mile-WT $161. Likely Hyatt (on St Clair)

 

4* Mag Mile-WT $137 Likely Allerton

 

4* Mag Mile-WT $159. Likely Public.

 

The 4.5* Mag Mile-RN would likely be the Intercontinental. While well-located and offering a fascinating history, it's not worth $200 when there are better options available.

 

4* Mag Mile-RN $164 Possible W Lakeshore

 

4* Mag Mile-RN $175 I'm guessing a new amenity set for the Felix.

 

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Of what you mention above, the Hyatt is broadly appealing from the standpoint of location and reviews. It was a very nice hotel when it was the Wyndham and looks like it has been updated. 

 

Wouldn't recommend Allerton or Felix.

 

If you are looking for a more "boutique" feel, the W was recently renovated. The Public is at the very top end of the zone, but the Gold Coast area that it is within is a very nice part of the city (and transit is conveniently located nearby.)

 

You mention the $200 listing, which I think is likely the Intercontinental. If you are going to spend $200, I'd rather recommend the 4* Mag Mile-RN w/Fitness, Complimentary Breakfast, Free Internet, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Spa, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Roll-in Shower, Pet Friendly for $201 (you may see a slightly different price.) 

-- This is likely the Kinzie, which is in a terrific River North location, plus offers the benefits of free breakfast on each floor and an evening reception.

 

Let me know if you have any questions before booking (and if you have any city questions.)

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

Thanks very much for the valuable insights. We're weighing up our options although leaning toward The Hyatt as the overall winner. Have to say that The Public is a second close contender.  Would you say that the posted prices are reasonable in terms of value? We are wondering if it is worth watching to see if they move down a little. Thanks again. We will likely purchase soon and will do so through the HOTWIRE links on this website.

[AaronJB]

Edited to add: a new contender appears: I'm seeing a 4* for $148 in the Mag Mile N-WT area w/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. You may see a slightly different price. **If you click on the listing then scroll down on the detail page you should see a 4.5/5 tripadvisor rating (4.5/5 circles shaded.)**

-- This would be a potential match for the MileNorth. If the MileNorth pick this over the Public. In terms of location it's around the corner from the Hyatt.

 

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I stayed at the Public last year and had a very nice stay. The issue with the Public is that this used to be a very historic hotel called the Ambassador East (it was THE place for visiting celebrities for many years as an independent hotel, then as an Omni property.)  The restaurant (The Pump Room) was as famous as the hotel (history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pump_Room,_Chicago.)

 

I stayed at the hotel when it was the Ambassador and then more recently as the Public and they did a terrific job with what they had to work with. The rooms and public spaces look completely different. The issue is that the core of the building is still an old building. I didn't have any trouble at all with noise. That said, given the nature of the building, I definitely think that there's a chance one might. Additionally, the hotel doesn't have tons of amenities, but it does offer free wifi and reasonable room service (although there's a lot of nearby dining options.)

 

I liked the Public and had a solid stay, but it does have some limitations given the age of the property.

 

The Public is also fairly unique from the standpoint that it is effectively surrounded by residences. It's in the high-end Gold Coast area and the restaurants and nightlife start a block or two South. It is an easy walk from here to the top end of Michigan ave and Oak St shopping. You're not going to get much in the way of views, given where the hotel is situated.

 

The Hyatt used to be the Wyndham and I stayed there multiple times. The location can't be beat - it's a block away from the center of the Michigan Ave area and easy walking distance to a CTA station.  While some have noted street noise from the hospital next door, I actually have to say that this stands out as the absolute quietest hotel I've stayed at downtown. Noticeably larger-than-average rooms, as well. I've never had a view here and I'm not sure that there is any sort of decent view beyond looking up and down the street. 

 

The Public is a nice hotel and they are value-oriented, but I do think for about the same price the Hyatt does offer somewhat more hotel for the money.

 

There is no way to know regarding prices coming down - it all depends on how well demand for these dates comes in. This is not a slow period traditionally, as once nicer weather (finally, Winters just seem longer and longer) starts then prices ramp especially into late May. You may run into a graduation or two around this period, as well.

 

Please keep us updated on what you decide and let me know if you have any questions before booking.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

Thanks again for the insights. I tried finding the Mile North listing using the Bidding Helper and have not yet been able to see it for my dates. Maybe I need to try another search method. We find the Mile North selection is interesting and the price is a little more in line with what we would like to pay. Unless the Hyatt is significantly better, I think that Mag Mile would be a likely choice. Is there a way to see all the amenities on the HOTWIRE site? Thanks.

[thereuare]

If a hotel is not appearing in the EASY VIEW you can do the following to see the complete set of amenities:

Search using this HOTWIRE link (or use the HOTWIRE tab at BiddingHelper.com) and...

• click the offer
• on the next page click the BOOK NOW link
• in the TRIP SUMMARY box click the 'See more' link at the end of the amenities

Let us know if you're able to see the desired property using the method above and how it goes.

Good luck!

[ianold]

Thank you. The search method worked very well and enabled me to see the full list of amenities. Will continue weighing up the hotel options in Chicago and will use the links above to make the booking.  

[AaronJB]

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

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

While we really like the Hyatt, the price is close to the top of our range. To make sure we looked at all the possible options, we looked at the following Four Star hotel in the Lincoln Park area. We would like to be able to walk reasonably easily to the most scenic and interesting parts of Chicago. Would a hotel in the Lincoln area provide any disadvantages? Also, is the hotel below recommended. The amenities for the Hotel are we are looking at are as follows;

 

4 Stars - Lincoln Park Area

 

Free InternetPet friendlyBoutique hotelSmoke-free roomsFitness centerRestaurant(s)Business centerInternet accessGolf nearbyTennis nearbyAccessible for hearing impairedIn-room accessibilityAccessible bathroomRoll-in shower

 

 

 

Thanks again for any help.

[thereuare]

The Hotel Lincoln would be my best guess for this one.

AaronJB knows this area best, but if you're try to stay closer to most of the major tourist sites, i would sooner look south of here and look at the NMA and/or Water Tower zones.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[AaronJB]

This Lincoln Park listing really looks to me like a slightly different amenity set for the Hotel Lincoln, as well. However, the one element that concerns me a bit is that I'm seeing a 3.5/5 tripadvisor rating on the detail page. The Hotel Lincoln has a 4.5/5. While the tripadvisor ratings showing on HOTWIRE pages are not always up-to-the-minute accurate, this is different enough that, if it is the Lincoln, it would be an error, as I don't believe the Lincoln has had a rating that low.

 

In terms of the potential Lincoln, I guess I view Lincoln Park from the perspective of someone being very familiar with the area. I think it's a very nice area, it's something "different" vs staying downtown and more neighborhood-y, with unique shops and restaurants (vs downtown, where Michigan Ave. is pretty much all major chains.)

 

There are Divvy bike rental stations throughout the area. They are quite popular. I would not ride a bike downtown, but that's just me. That would be a scenic transit option from Lincoln Park and you could ride along the lakefront.

 

That said, that's looking at it from the view of someone familiar with the area. If I was looking at it from a tourist perspective, I think it's a very nice area - zoo's right there, Old Town nearby, lot of restaurants in the vicinity.  However, in terms of the city as a whole and getting around, you either have to A) walk a fair ways West to the Fullerton "L" stop or B )walk South on Clark until you get to the Clark/Division Red Line stop, although by that point you're in the Gold Coast and can just walk to Michigan Ave if that is your destination. It's a trek - not a quick walk - but I think it's a visually pleasant trek in terms of either option. If you're going to stay out later at night, then you will probably want to cab back, which will cost. There are bus routes that go from here downtown, but it is a trek from here to the "L" or if you wanted to just walk from here to the Gold Coast (and at that point you're almost to Michigan Ave.)

 

So, very nice area and has a lot of things going for it, but when you're looking at the city as a whole it's not very convenient.

 

Again, the tripadvisor rating on the detail page for the potential Lincoln is a bit concerning to me, as that would not be a match for the Lincoln. However, I can't imagine what else this may be, so there is some risk there.

 

I'm seeing this for $120. The Hyatt is $161, which is understandably expensive. Lincoln Park is a very nice area, but there is going to be time, effort and potential costs of getting back-and-forth if you are going to likely be spending much of your time downtown (and moreso if you are going to be staying out late and taking a cab back.

 

I like the Lincoln Park area, but from a tourist perspective, it's not the most convenient.  I'd be more eager to recommend it if the spread between it and downtown was a little larger for these dates to make up for the effort it takes to get around from here to the rest of the city.

 

In terms of prices "in-between":

 

I'm still seeing the potential MileNorth Hotel on HOTWIRE (4* Mag Mile N-WT 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) for $144. Are you seeing this listing when searching? I'm also seeing what may be the W Lakeshore for $145 if that would be of interest.

 

You could also bid for a 4* and possibly get something in the $115-125 range for a 4* in the Mag Mile-RN area, but it may be the Allerton.

 

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Or, an entirely different idea:

 

If you search for 5/24-27, there is a 4.5 in the Downtown-MP-GP area for $103 w/Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower, Pet Friendly

-- This is likely the Blackstone Renaissance. This is at the bottom end of the zone and isn't the most convenient, but for this price, it's an easy walk from here to the Art Institute and a mild but visually pretty stroll to the Museum Campus. 

 

For 5/27-29, I'm seeing a 4* in the Mag Mile-WT area for $147 w/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. 

--- Would likely be the MileNorth. So you'd spend the first portion of your trip on the South area of downtown, second portion on the North area. I will note that prices for the second portion of your trip do appear higher, so a listing like this may disappear or go up in price at any time.

 

$121 per night average for two really nice hotels, but the first three nights are not extremely convenient (but at least you are downtown and can walk from here to some sights, plus much easier access to public transit vs staying in Lincoln Park.)

 

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Split idea 2

 

5/24-26, there's a 4.5* Mag Mile-RN for $107 w/Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry, Pet Friendly. 

-- Would be a likely match for the Westin River North, which is an extremely nice property.

 

5/26-29, I'm seeing the 4* Mag Mile N-WT for $146 w/ 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

--- Likely the MileNorth

 

$130 per night average for two really nice hotels, but have to switch hotels. Both hotels North of the River, but one quite convenient to River North restaurants and nightlife, the other right off Michigan Ave.

 

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Let me know if you have any questions before booking.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

Thanks very much for some very compelling options that I am definitely going to consider today. Before I heard your split idea suggestions, I was thinking of booking a refundable option directly then waiting to see if the Hotwire prices came down in the meantime. However, the split ideas are appealing to us. We quite like the idea of switching hotels as it might add some welcome variety to our trip. At the same time, we would hope that the hotels would be reasonably close together. We definitely prefer the second option and feel that it would be worth the extra cost if both hotels are in a better location. If I can make the second option work today, I may well pull the trigger on this one. As always, I'll be using the links above for all searches and subsequent purchases. Thanks again.         

[ianold]

When I do a search, I am finding that the 4.5 for 5/24-5/26 is going for $105. Amenities on the Hotwire link are below. If you can please confirm that I have likely found the The Westin, I would appreciate it. 

 

 Pet friendly

 Smoke-free rooms
 Fitness center
 Restaurant(s)
 Business center
 Self-service laundry
 Internet access

 

 

I am finding that the 4 for 5/26-5/29 is going for $146. Amenities on the Hotwire link are below. If you can please confirm that I have likely found the The Mile North, i would appreciate it. 

 

 Free Internet
 Pet friendly
 Boutique hotel
 Smoke-free rooms
 Fitness center
 Restaurant(s)
 Business center
 Internet access
 Golf nearby
 Tennis nearby
 Spa services
 Accessible for visually impaired
 Accessible for hearing impaired
 Accessible path of travel
 In-room accessibility
 Accessible bathroom
 Accessible parking
 Roll-in shower

 

 

Would you say that the location of these hotels are reasonably close together for purposes of moving from one to the other? 

 

Thanks again for your valuable insights. .

 

 

[thereuare]

For the HOTWIRE offers above, which zone(s) are they located in?

If you do choose to wait (or for your future travel plans):

...I was thinking of booking a refundable option...

Note that we have a sister site RefundableRates.com set up just for this purpose and makes it easy to compare rates on a refundable basis. (but always check the terms during the check-out process)

...waiting to see if the Hotwire prices came down in the meantime.

Our (free) RateDrop service will monitor rates for you for your specific travel dates and let us know if/when rates drop.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

"I'm still seeing the potential MileNorth Hotel on HOTWIRE (4* Mag Mile N-WT 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) for $144."

 

I do not believe I am seeing MileNorth Hotel right now for 5/24-5/29. If anyone can see this hotel currently, would appreciate hearing. Thanks again. This website and all the tools and expertise are very valuable.  

 

[thereuare]

If you use this link to search HOTWIRE and filter to only the Water Tower zone and 4* hotels... how many 4* properties do you see and how many 4.5* hotels do you see?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

Thank you. using the link provided, I am now seeing three 4* and two 4.5*.  There is one listed at $145 that I can now see might be the Mile North Hotel. Amenities are copied below. I am definitely putting this one on the list with the understanding that it might be better to make a move sooner rather than later. Does this hotel come highly recommended?     

 

AMENITIES:

Free Internet,Pet friendly,Boutique hotel,Smoke-free rooms,Fitness center,Restaurant(s),Business center,Internet access,Golf nearby,Tennis nearby,Spa services,Accessible for visually impaired,Accessible for hearing impaired,Accessible path of travel,In-room accessibility,Accessible bathroom,Accessible parking,Roll-in shower.

 

Thanks again.

[AaronJB]

The MileNorth used to be the Chicago location of the boutique Affinia chain before it was sold. It still gets mostly first-rate reviews, with a 4.5/5 tripadvisor average.

 

Basically, I consider the Chicago/Michigan Ave. intersection kind of the center of the Michigan Ave area and this is 2-3 short blocks away.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[ianold]

After much thought, I think I am going to attempt book a split stay between the Westin - 5/24 -5/26 and the Mile North 5/26-5/29.  Provided the prices remain unchanged, I think I will give it a shot. I would like to ask  if would be possible to verify, one more time, that the following amenities are a likely match for these two hotels. 

 

 

WESTIN - Magnificent Mile Area - RN  $105  5/24-5/26

Pet friendly,Smoke-free rooms,Fitness center,Restaurant(s),Business center,Self-service, laundry,Internet access

 

 MILE NORTH - Magnificent Mile North - WT $146  5/26-5/29

Free Internet,Pet friendly,Boutique hotel,Smoke-free rooms,Fitness center,Restaurant(s),Business center,Internet access,Golf nearby,Tennis nearby,Spa services,Accessible for visually impaired,Accessible for hearing impaired,Accessible path of travel,In-room accessibility,Accessible bathroom,Accessible parking,Roll-in shower

 

Thank you.

 

[AaronJB]

Correct:

 

5/24-26

4.5* Mag Mile-RN Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry, Pet Friendly. This amenity set has been seen previously with the Westin RN. I'm actually seeing this for a few bucks less this morning at $102.

 

5/26-29:

4* Mag Mile N-WT 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. $143.

-- This amenity set has been seen previously with the MileNorth. Definitely click on the listing to go to the detail page, then scroll down and you should see the tripadvisor logo and 4.5/5 circles shaded.

 

Let me know if you have any questions before booking. Also, let me know if you have any city questions.

 

I looked again at 5/24-29 this morning to see if anything has changed but unfortunately it looks like pretty much same options/same prices.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

 

[ianold]

Thank you very much for all the valuable information. Unfortunately, it looks as though we may not be able to make a trip to Chicago in May. We’ll let you know if circumstances change and would definitely like to return here for future trip planning through the website and the links provided. Our last trip to Canada was very successful thanks to the help provided. We'll be recommending. Thanks again for all that you do.

[AaronJB]

Thank you for keeping us updated - please let us know if things change and we'd be happy to take another look at what is available.

 

Glad to hear that your Canada stay went well and we look forward to helping with future stays.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.