cntrfieldsmom

Sorry, duh. I was entering Chicago, not Evanston. I'm still waiting for the okay from the kids to give this a go. Thanks so much for your continuing help.

Aaron, I'm not seeing the 3.5 star (assumed Orrington) on Hotwire?

Aaron, How far is it from the midway zone to downtown zone? Is their transportation between the 2? The rates are very high downtown and since they aren't particular about the hotel they are wondering if the Midway zone would be adequate? What are your thoughts? I just re-read your post about about the midway zone. so, hmmm, still pondering. the split might be the ticket Am I correct if we bid 2.5* in Evanston we will have 2 rebidding zones (Millenium and Greater Chicago?)

Aaron, thanks for the terrific help, and your time. I will talk to them today, I'd like them to secure something soon so would like to start bidding late this afternoon. I will of course let the board know.

Okay, we've secured there flights. They decided to drive to MSP the night before and take advantage of $123 round trip tickets. It flies into Midway. So...downtown rates seem high for these days. They are young and not yet used to nice hotels so comfort inns etc are fine with them :) I'm willing to give the 2 downtown zones a try, but will about $75 be enough? If not, what do you suggest. Is Evanston too far from Midway? They have a 7:00 am departing flight. Any other suggestions for a safe, clean area? The cheaper the better of course. They had to pay a premium for Cubs tickets due to Bonds breaking the record soon.

I forgot about that, probably not a good idea since it's a short trip. Now the airfares are way higher only a couple of hours later, geez. Now I really don't know how to help them. Even the hotwire package wouldn't guarantee them an early flight, correct? United flys non stop from FSD and NWA but NOT non stop, is there anyway to know which they use? Aaron....great advice thanks. I'm assuming you're talking about public transportation? I like the Evanston idea a lot. As far as budget, it now will depend on the airfare. I think they'd be thrilled with $50-75 a night, is that even possible?

Okay, I checked that package for them, and I think I can do much better for them without it. Airfare: FSD-$275 Omaha-160 MSP-114 Even at the highest airfare bought direct it leaves $430 dollars between them for hotel. If they want to drive to MSP (4 hours) it's really cheap. They said they would do this Omaha is 3 hours. I'm thinking we should try a priceline bid for FSD tickets. Then hotwire or priceline for a hotel. My problem is I think downtown will be too expensive??? After that, which zone should they be in? Thanks again

My son and friend are going to Chicago July 18 checking out the 22nd. They (as I am) are unfamiliar with the city. A Cubs game is their first priority. Would like to see Sears tower too. They think they will rely on public transportation or cabs. There is a package on hotwire for $462 (then 617 & 492 they change by the hour I swear) including airfare and 4 nights at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston or Holiday Inn Schamburg. I'm trying educate myself on the zones of Chicago but it seems confusing. The Evanston listing says 6 miles to Wrigley and about the same to downtown. They don't need a *4 star, just something clean and safe. This will be a budget trip for 23 year olds. Not sure if priceline is an option as the airfare may be higher without a package? I guess I could try airfare bidding (I haven't before) There's no history from our city that I can find. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Venetian rate dropped for 7-8 to $179. Tried $79, $99 and $110. I got a counteroffer of $133 with the first bid. Used SavingsBarn.com PRICELINE link

His title says July 7th, that is a weekend night and a big difference. I've been trying for that 4 day period and many of the rates are 3-400.

This is a new priceline offering which makes 2 Holiday Inn's in the same zone. I got the other one (Central) last time and it was disgusting. Location is off Dodge and 115th, the other HI is 72nd and Dodge. It is in an office park area. These areas are still under major construction. About a 5 minute drive to Westroads Mall. Probably 10-15 to the hub of 72nd and Dodge. I tried to check in at 12:30 and was told they had no rooms (what she meant was no rooms clean) and check in was at 3:00. I returned and was given a king non smoking. She did mention priceline so I was a little worried about the room I would be assigned. However I was pleasantly surprised. The hotel is set up in a square with a courtyard pool in the center. I got a 2nd floor room overlooking the courtyard, with a small balcony and a chair. The pool must not be heated as it was freezing (or just opened, because it really wasn't clear) Hottub indoors overlooking pool area. The room had recently been renovated (their entrance was under construction) Seperate vanity area with marble top. marble tub surround, new tile floor. New carpeting, tasteful bedding, new tasteful furniture including desk, sofa, coffetable and side tables. Free and easy wireless internet access. Coffee pot, ironing board and iron. Full restaurant which I didn't use. I did use the fitness room which had 5 machines a great flat, bigscreen and a small kitenette with microwave. The only thing that was a negative is the old style room heat/AC. Still the old "on the wall" units that are very loud. I would definately stay here again, was very quiet and nicely renovated.

I might have misunderstood the part of your post about the $5 priceline cancellation insurance..but, I'm pretty sure you can not use this unless you have written DOCUMENTATION from your physician you can't make the trip. It's use isn't for people who don't like the hotel they get and want to try again. Correct me if I'm wrong thereuare.

Sure, and I of course will use the link in the future. Thanks for the terrific site. Complimentary Breakfast Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities

First time using Hotwire. This was the only hotel listed on Hotwire with my criteria. Looking at maps, ect, I guessed this to be the Holiday Inn (attached to the Ameristar casino) as it had a restaurant. It was the area we needed to be. I was right, (relief.) 2 rooms, one night. I didn't know if I was to use a link for Hotwire bookings like savings barn?

I took a risk and bid on a zone I knew I could get stuck at the Holiday Inn (I got a refund from priceline last time) I was disgusted when Holiday Inn came up...UNTIL, I realized it was a different one and new to the hotel list. It's the one on Miracle Hills Dr. Looks nice on the website, I'll post a review. Bid $35 on Central/NW, got a counteroffer for $9. Added rebid at $37-declined Added rebid at $40-accepted. Used savings barn.

How do you compare the Flamingo and the Luxor? Trip Advisor has the flamingo rated higher, but here's the deal I found for Luxor: comes to about 113.00 per night with a few extras, like a room upgrade, 4 free drinks, reserved pool seating. Flamingos pool may be nicer, but how about the rooms? Anybody stayed at both?

I'll check it out, thanks.

Update. I've bid a few times with no success. I booked a backup at the Flamingo for 4 nights =490.00. I wasn't impressed with the reviews but liked the great pool, and we could upgrade to their new GO rooms when we get there. (if available) Seems all the rates went way up the last few days. Even the Flamingo is 200.00 highter. I wouldv'e thought since it's hot and after a holiday, they wouldv'e gone down? Maybe they'll go down again as it gets closer. Any thoughts? Thanks

I would like to spend $600 total for 4 nights, so about $140. Is it even possible that the venetian would accept a thur, fri bid?

What do you think of the following....try bidding on the venetian for the Thur & Fri only, and then booking the Flamingo ($160) as a cancellable backup (based on the proximity to the Venetian and their great pool, which I plan on using a lot) I'm wondering if the 4 day stay is going to be a problem at the Venetian?

Thanks, I was thinking that was the case. Venetians rate went up today, I'll keep watching. I'm worried about bidding *4 because I really don't want the Westin and that seems to come up a lot!

When winning a price through priceline.....do ALL accepted bids receive a "add a night" offer? Are they restricted to 1 night? Wondering if I should bid 1 or 2 nights and then use this feature? Would they likely accept a shorter stay vs. 4 nights? Thanks

Secured flights for 7/5-7/9 ($450 total for 2) We added a night due to early departure time. Bid *5 Strip $99 rebid $110 rebid $120 rebid $130 All rejected, current rate is $219. Will keep trying, have a long time to work on it. Question....venetian website is 219 but priceline (non opaque) is 275 why?

I am going to secure our flights and then will be set to bid. With the return flight so early, hubby might want to extend a day. I will keep you updated.

7/6-7/9. I would like to spend about 150.00 but may consider some higher since it's only 3 nights and a special occasion.