Hi there, Firstly, thanks for a good forum - have been lurking in the background reading the posts re Chicago and they are very helpful. Boyfriend and I are heading to the US for a long overdue holiday between 26th to 30th May and cant wait to dive headlong into all that nice food, sunshine and everything there is to see and do in Chicago! I have put a couple of bids in via Priceline without success so far. Latest today was the following - started separate 4 star bids for each of Loop, NMA, RNA using Evanston, Midway, Lincoln Park and Skookie as my free re-bids for each zone. Bid between 55 to 75 on these. Then, finished it off by adding in Loop and NMA on my last round of RNA bids taking the total to 85 but no luck. Having taken your advice re getting a standby room, I have booked a studio room in the Palmer House Hilton for $124 per night plus tax. This can be cancelled up to 4pm on day of arrival. As we havent been to Chicago before we dont have a preference between Loop, NMA and RNA - should we have? Should I lower my hotel category from 4 star to 3 star or wait longer and try again for a 4 star on Hotwire/Priceline? I have also been keeping my eye on Hotwire and the 3.5 star in the Mag Mile/Wacker for 78 seems interesting?????? Anyone have any ideas what this hotel is? Right, better go and let someone else get a word in edgeways *laughs* Yours hopefully in sunnyish Scotland! M