ddks

So you can have your happy resolution ... I ended up booking with Expedia. Round trip flight cross country and 7 night stay at Hampton Inn Soho for $1150.

Oh dear. Actually I didn't post results with my previous threads because I ended up not going with PRICELINE. But of course if I do end up booking with Priceline I would post my results. I appreciate the advice. I'm looking for the least expensive 3.5 option in either of those three zones. At this point I think my maximum bid would be $100/night.

I will be in New York City from 3/17/09 - 3/24/09 and I would like to stay in a 3.5 or 4 star hotel in one of the following areas: Chelsea, SoHo, or the Upper West Side. Could you please recommend a bidding strategy? Thanks in advance!

1. Two beds are not necessary. One bed will work fine. 2. I do not have a back-up. I will proceed to book 5 rooms immediately. Any ideas better than Travelocity to do this? 3. Should I abandon the bid idea? I do need all 5 rooms in the same hotel. Thanks.

I need to reserve 5 rooms that will each have 2 adults in Las Vegas. We will check in January 5th and check out January 7th of 2006. Would appreciate any advice in obtaining multiple rooms in high quality accomodations (4 or 5 star). Thanks.

Whoohoo. We thought there would just be all the standard Chicago things to do. Now, we find out we will be there for Digestive Disease Week :) I made a quick detour. I have made a cancellable reservation at the Embassy Suites - Lakefront. For the 3 of us, the cost is $299 per night + tax. Kind of spendy but, it includes breakfast and has 2 rooms for some night time privacy. With the cancellation available, it does free us up if a bidding strategy turns up. We will be anxious to hear if any further ideas. Thanks again.

I like your thinking, but . . . The Holiday Inn Executive room has limited availability. I probably just have another day or so (the breakfast rate was available last night but now is gone.) To reserve this room on an "advance purchase" which is non-cancellable, the cost is $1,108. The same room with cancellation privledges is $1,385 - an extra $277. So, if the confidence of a 4* at the NMA or RNA at $125 is quite high, it may be worth the $277 gamble. I think I would like to rule out the Loop unless it was a real last resort. I'm concerned that there may be a convention or something that is sucking up the rooms and waiting won't pay off. I'm ready for your best opinion knowing the Holiday Inn cost premium. Thanks!

Rejection!!! :) The mechanics of the bid process went fine but the $115 bid was not high enough. Is the Loop worth adding or is the area just not as good as the NMA and RNA? Here is a note from a website regarding The Loop - Grant Park: Chicago's central downtown zone is actually less desirable than the zones north of it, because many Chicagoans avoid this area at night and on the weekends. It's not unsafe

This will be my first time in Chicago. We are just going for fun. From what I've read, the preferred zones are NMA or the River North Area. Either of these zones would be great. Further if you would recommend adding a 3rd based on your experience, that would be fine too. In terms of maximum amount, I am already prepared to spend $222 per night for one room. I would like to stay at that amount for the maximum for 2 rooms. However, I would go to $250 per night if that is what it took to get the 2 rooms.

Thanks for the advice so far. I am not aware of any conventions or special events that would be driving up rates. We are just going for fun. Regarding splitting hotels, I'm thinking I won't be very popular with the family if I try that. I do think you are right that 2 rooms makes the most sense. That way, we can hang out together but split when its time to sleep. So, I'm very interested in your counsel on Priceline for 2, 4* rooms at the same hotel for the duration. PS - This will be my first time in Chicago. Is it best to rent a car or use Taxis and Mass Transit? Thanks!

Hi, I have a slightly complicated question. I'm looking for a 4* hotel in Chicago for 3 adults (wife and adult child) from May 12th to May 18th in the North Michigan Avenue area. One option is a direct reservation at the Holiday Inn Chicago City Center at an average nightly rate of $222. This hotel would work well because it has a great fitness center which appeals to my wife. It is an "executive" room so the 3 of us may fit OK +-. The second option would presumably be Priceline for 2 rooms. I'm guessing from reading the posts that this would save money. It would also be more comfortable for me but I hate to send my Child, even though an adult, off to a room alone. Any recommendations? What would one expect to pay for 2 rooms at a 4* during this period? Thanks!