Viz79

I didn't win, but I thought I'd share this with anyone looking to find accommodation in Chicago for this upcoming Easter weekend. This would be the second part of my 2013 Easter Long Weekend US Road Trip -- the first part is Detroit. What I wanted: less $40USD/night for a 3.5-star hotel, since Expedia has the Hyatt Rosemont O'Hare International Airport for $50CAD/night, and Priceline has it for $69USD/night. I figured $40/USD plus taxes and fees would be the breakeven point against Expedia. How I negotiated with the Negotiator: - 3.5-star in Area 10 - O'Hare Airport (ORD) South @ $27 -- rejected!! - 3.5-star in Area 9 - O'Hare Airport (ORD) North @ $30 -- rejected!! - 3.5-star in Area 8 - North Michigan Ave - River North Area @ $31 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 7 - Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area @ $32 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 6 - Midway Airport North @ $33 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 5 - Midway Airport Area (MDW) @ $34 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 4 - Lincoln Park @ $35 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 3 - Hyde Park @ $36 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 2 - Greater Chicago @ $40 -- stalled, then rejected. - 3.5-star in Area 1 - Franklin Park Area @ $41 -- stalled, then rejected. In the end, after about 50-minutes of intense negotiations, no deal was made. Thoughts: having 11 zones to bid against is beneficial in getting the lowest price, but it was a bit time consuming. Might try again tomorrow or just go with Expedia. ~V79~

Thanks for confirming the free breakfast for me (wasn't sure). :) ~V79~

I wanted the best-value for $50. Would've settled with 3-star but gambled on 3.5-star since I still have a few days to play around. This is what happened: - Started with 3.5-star in Area 4 - Southfield @ $41 -- rejected - Added either Area 1 or 3 (I don't remember) @ $41 (no change; still at 3.5-star) -- rejected - Added Area 2 - Detroit Airport (DTW) @ $46 (3.5-star) -- accepted! $46 + $13.60 (taxes & fees) = $59.60 Embassy Suites Detroit Metro Airport: - 4/5 on TripAdivsor - 3.5/5 on Hotels - 4.5/5 on Yelp - 4.5/5 on Expedia I have this feeling I could've gotten it for a few bucks less. Knowing this, I would suggest starting with Area 2 first! ~V79~

Definitely not getting what I bargained for (quite literally)... Tried checking in at around 10pm after being up and about for 16 hours, and was REALLY looking forward to some R&R. That was until I was told the hotel is overbooked (due to an "unfortunate" computer/reservation glitch) and that I will be staying at a nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites (4.5mi/10mins away -- east of downtown) courtesy of the Crowne Plaza hotel (gee, thanks)! Apparently, they had to find alternative accommodation for eight (8) other guests too. My problems: 1. I am no longer downtown. 2. I don't think the Holiday Inn Express is considered by Priceline as a 3.5-star hotel, as per my bidding criteria, so I might potentially by overpaying for the room. 3. I am dead tired and sleeping on a pull-out sofa because the HIE no longer has any two double bed rooms to accommodate. ~V79~

Shoot! Forgot to use BB's PRICELINE link to do the bidding. Next time, I promise!! ~V79~

Syracuse, NY has 8 zones with only one zone (#8 -- Syracuse University) at 3.5 star rating. Started at $50, was rejected and advised that $71 would be accepted. Fine, $71 less $50 divided by my remaining 7 bids is $3 per increment = win at $62 (plus $17.14 in taxes and fees) with Crowne Plaza Hotel Syracuse. Was hoping for the Genesee Grande Hotel but whatever... ~V79~

Call back and ask politely if you can be switched to a 2 double beds room. Try a couple of times on different days at different times. You never know... ~V79~

Been at it for a while now... Started a few weeks ago with 4-stars, but with only a few days left, lowered it to 3-stars. Started at $120 for the following... Rejected! 02. Central Park South 04. Downtown