Baldrick

I don't know a whole lot about the area, but if it helps I just got a 3.5* in Oak Brook for this weekend for $49 from Priceline.

I'd also tried the 4* level but gave up at $57 as I could get a 3.5* for that amount from Hotwire.

Ok winning details below, slight change of dates to originally specified above too.

With so many free re-bid zones this was the absolute minimum that was accepted. It was kind of interesting that all the way from $42 thru $48 Priceline kept offering a free-rebid that was at exactly $15 more each time, ie $42 -> $57, $43 -> $58 etc all the way to $48 -> $63

6/11/11 to 6/13/11

Chicago Suburbs: Oak Brook - Downer's Grove

3.5*

$49

Doubletree Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook

1909 Spring Road

Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

Used the PRICELINE link (many times!)

Can an admin update the thread with winning details? I can't seem to edit it

Thanks for the details Aaron. We're definitely leaning towards the burbs this time around given the price differences involved. It does sound like a bit of a trek via Metra though, hmm! Given that I think we'll spend all Sat around the Science & Industry museum and then probably base ourselves at Navy pier Sun I'm tempted to just drive in anyway.

I've been looking to stay downtown Chicago for the weekend of 6/10 thru 6/13 but the rack rates seem pretty high ($250+), I guess it must be a busy weekend?!

Anyway so I'm doubting I'll be able to get anything particular cheap (low $100s) via PRICELINE as even on HOTWIRE the cheapest quoted are around $200

As I'm driving in from the south I'm now considering looking into the Chicago Suburbs area and driving/train downtown as needed. I'm thinking of something around the Naperville/Oak Brook/Bolingbrook/Willowbrook zones but I'm not at all familiar with them at all. Any advice on what areas to target/avoid would be appreciated!

thanks

Palmer House Hilton, 07/25-07/28, $90 through Priceline.

What floor did you stay on?

I was just there from 7/23 to 7/25 and interestingly at checkin they only had two doubles available and couldn't give us a king. We ended up on the 10th floor in what I would call a double-wide room complete with two armchairs and ottoman, no doubt one of the newly renovated rooms. Certainly much larger than what I'd expected.

Overall I was happy with the price we paid ($95) given the regular rate and cost elsewhere for downtown Chicago

I'd say you're getting pretty close, The Palmer House in the loop often can be had for around $90-$95

Was really hoping to stay in NMA but had no luck up thru $120 so instead went back for another round including the Loop.

First bid of Loop @ $90 rejected, offered the "raise $22" option to win.

Declined and instead rebid @ $95, accepted.

Used PRICELINE link

thanks!

3.5* London (Kensington-Earls Court-Knightsbridge) Thistle Kensington Park

Amenities: Restaurant, High Speed Internet

This was a last minute booking (literally the day before!)

Tried on Priceline in the 4* range but no takers up to $170, so we took a flyer on this!

Rate on Travelocity for same dates was $233 per night, and interestingly at checkin the room rate printed out at

Dates of stay: 6/16 thru 6/19, booked thru Priceline @ $88 per night

I was a little apprehensive about the room type and size having read a number of negative reviews, but no problem here at all in the end. I initially called the hotel direct a couple of days beforehand to see if I could request a particular one but that was a no go.

However I did learn that Hilton now has a policy of giving you a non-smoking room unless you specifically request a smoking one. The booking that came through from Priceline actually specified non-smoking so that was a welcome relief. :)

At checkin time we just asked for a "quiet room" and ended up getting a one with 2 double beds and 2 bathrooms on the 15th floor, very nice! Yes the rooms are smaller than the more modern hotel but it wasn't a problem for us.

For the price and location you can't argue - would stay there again no problem.

I never actually went through with the booking, I ended up going with Priceline.

See this post

4* Chicago (Millennium-Loop-Grant Park) Hilton Palmer House, $88 ... 6/16/06-6/19/06

So I can't confirm it one way or another for sure, but my gut says that's what it is

This same hotel was going on Hotwire for $96 for the same date range. Thought I might try and undercut it a little, plus I had a slight preference to stay in the NMA-River North Area.

Pretty happy anyway....just hope we don't get the tiny room!

Bid History:

$60 NMA

$67 NMA, Midway

$74 NMA, Midway, Skokie

$60 Loop

$67 Loop, Midway

$74 Loop, Midway, Skokie

$81 NMA, Loop

$88 NMA, Loop, Midway - Accepted

Number of Rooms: 1

Number of Nights: 3

Subtotal: $264.00

Taxes & Service Fees: $50.42

Total Charges: $314.42

Used SavingsBarn.com link

Thanks!

Shows up as having:

Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center, Business Center

TripAdvisor Rating 4.0 out of 5 based on 60+ reviews

From the hotel list my most likely guess is the Palmer House Hilton as that did have a pool showing up before. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Total in taxes and fees $102.53

(5 x $17.95 + $12.78)