Angelnot

I've always been lucky with every Priceline bid thus far to have the hotel honor my bed choices. I know my luck will run out one day. Once I figure out the area to bid on in Omaha I'm hoping to get two rooms be it from Hotwire or Priceline. Even on Hotwire I can't get a room for 2 adults and 3 kids. Nothing comes up on the search. Based on the past winning bids posted for Priceline in Omaha it looks like I'll be able to get two rooms on Priceline for little more than the price of one on Hotwire. Unfortunately the prices I'm getting on Hotwire are not that far off from the direct web rates I've found. $10 is not enough of a savings to me, I'd rather book that direct to avoid the mystery shopper aspect. For some reason Priceline is just more fun to me if that makes any sense. For this trip since I'll be satisfied with any nice hotel, I'd prefer bigger savings. Pool and breakfast would be cherries but are not essential.

We are driving to Omaha for a weekend trip to see a show at the Orpheum Theater, 409 South 16th St., on March 1. Hotels close to the Orpheum charge for parking. I'm trying to decide if staying away from downtown would be a good decision since we will have a car. I've never been to Omaha so I do not have a feel for the area at all. I'm not finding much difference between Priceline bids for the areas other than parking. Are there other areas that would be close and not too difficult of a commute? There appear to be lots of hotels within 8 miles of the theater, many with ratings higher than the 2.5* found in downtown. Because this trip is with the kids our only real requirement we have is safety and if possible an indoor pool. Breakfast would be nice but safe and a place we won't get lost on the way to the theater is what's important. Normally I would not consider less than a 3* hotel but on Priceline 2.5* is what you get in Downtown Omaha. Are there areas I should not bid? I read somewhere that Council Bluffs should be avoided. What are good options to bidding 2.5 stars downtown and having to pay for parking? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Right now I'm not worried about the price but $50 a night seems reasonable for a Priceline win. I can go higher but lower is better. Web rates booked direct are running $50 up to $139 at the Embassy Suites.

I've not done the research for events this year but in 2006 and 2007 the Hyatt on Wacker (MP-Loop) about a block off Michigan Ave on the river was won a lot for ridiculously low prices. Last year for many dates in February and March the Hyatt went as low as $45 a night. Those days may be gone but I'd keep trying the MP-Loop area with a back up, cancellable reservation if you are determined to pay less. This year the Hyatt is being won for $60 and up. Truth to tell to stay directly on Michigan Avenue I would pay the extra on Hotwire if I could afford it. The Intercontinental is a great location at any price less than $100. Family members had a wonderful stay at the Hyatt in mid March 07 for $45 a night. Having a birds eye view from a warm hotel room of the river being dyed green on St. Patrick's day was an unforgettable experience. Still I prefer the Intercontinental's location any other day of the year. Not that anything in the area is that far away but when we were there in March it was bitter cold and walking any distance was not fun as none of us had winter parkas with us. My family is from Florida, nuff said. Of course bidding MP-Loop could put you in a hotel that is a bit further away but again nothing is inaccessible in the area although certain areas may be quieter than others after dark. If you pick up a 3 day Visitor's Transit Pass (about $12) before you leave the airport (only available at the airport and CTA headquarters) you'll be set. You will have inexpensive transfers to and from the airport via the train and short hops to different attractions via bus or train. Taxi fare was also reasonable within the Loop and Michigan Ave. area. We relied on public transportation and the Visitor's Pass so did not feel guilty taking a bus a few blocks to get out of the weather. With the Visitor's Pass we did not have to worry about cost. When we could drag the kids out of American Girl Place we took the bus to Navy Pier, to see Wicked, to the Art Museum and Sears Tower as well as to and from the Airport with little stress. Do map out the wheel chair accessible stations if you have luggage or strollers when commuting to or from the airport. One transfer put us walking down a long tunnel then upstairs. We avoided this the next trip. I've been back three times since March and stayed at the Marriott on Michigan Ave, the 4Points Sheraton (right around the corner from the Marriott) and the Omni a bit north on Michigan Ave. all non Priceline/Hotwire stays because I wanted a particular conference location or got a good price direct and there was the fact that the dollars were not coming out of my pocket. I've found scanning earlier posts helpful to get a feel for an area on this board. Have a great trip.

There are a couple of ways to search on HOTWIRE. My favorite is by street address. Right now the address of American Girl Place Chicago (AGPC) is 111 E. Chicago Ave. If you are planning a trip during the fall they are moving about a block away. On HOTWIRE the hotels in the area of AGPC will be in the Magnificient Mile-Streeterville or North Michigan Ave-Water Tower-Gold Coast area. Depending upon how far you want to walk either would be a good option with the NMA-WT-GC hotels going for a bit less (not by much). The hotel that comes up a lot and at lowest rates is the Hyatt on the river at Wacker and it is in the MM-Strville area The Intercontinental, Westin, Omni and Marriott also come up occasionally in the MM-S area. On Priceline the areas are Millenium Park-Loop-Grant Park and North Michigan Avenue-River North. I've done this trip 3 times in the last 6 years and booked through Priceline. The last time was March 14-18, 2007. The location I liked best was the Marriott and the Omni but nothing is really far away. In March family stayed at the Hyatt and had rooms overlooking the river for St. Patrick's Day. Get a multiday Visitor's Transit Pass and you can hop on and off buses or the subway at will and it won't matter if it is for a block or a mile. We rode the bus frequently even if for only 2 to 4 blocks in March because it was bitter cold during our stay. During the spring we would have been happy to walk further. Anywhere in the area is fun. One place that has an AG package (doll bed, cookies, milk, breakfast) that goes at good rates by booking directly is the FourPoints that is a half block off Michigan and a little less than 2 blocks from AGP. Check frequently, they often book rooms at half off. Last year, I got a call when the rates went to half off. I've never seen it on Priceline or Hotwire but when the kids were with their grandparents they stayed at the Park Hyatt which is directly across the street from AGP and costs a pretty penny. View of the river on March 17 from room at the Hyatt on Wacker. http://i135.no_screenshots_please.com/albums/q152/Ar...ip/IMG_0079.jpg

I have no where near the experience of Aaron in Chicago. My take on things is that of a lost tourist. We've made 3 trips to Chicago since March. Twice we stayed on or near Michigan Ave. (Hyatt on Wacker via Priceline $45 and Mich. Ave. Marriott web special $179) and once at a large chain conference hotel ($52 Priceline) that was not too far from OHare. After having to commute from the chain conference hotel, that I can't for the life of me remember the name of, I would try to skip the commute, budget permitting. The CTA station was visible from the hotel and was a well lit, easy walk . It felt like the CTA station was in the middle of the highway if that helps identify the hotel that I think was either a Sheraton or a Hilton. We never felt unsafe on the CTA. We took the CTA to and from the Loop after seeing Wicked so I'm guessing 11 till midnight was the latest we were out. The trains were never empty. Based on my commuting experience in Chicago I would choose staying closer to the attractions or City Center if that was where I was spending my time. I found the 45 minute to an hour commute each way simply took too much time out of our day. Trying to get downtown in the morning the trains were frequent but mobbed, and it was hard to get assistance and easy to get turned around. The other thing to consider is the expense of the commute. Make sure you get a CTA visitor's pass because everytime you get on or off a bus or train you pay. The Visitor's Pass paid for itself within one morning. Chicago is also the only place I've been where I considered cabs within downtown to be an affordable option. Not being from the area I have no idea what station this was, but leaving your car at a well lit busy Park in Ride may be an option. A friend came by CTA train to our hotel and spent the night. Rather than drive into the city and pay for parking she left her car at a Park and Ride used by a lot of airport commuters and workers because the lot was active pretty much 24 hours. The car survived the experience and the price was right.

Since there is so little history of bids, for this area I thought I'd share this. One of the identified hotels for the Madison Children's Museum American Girl Sale that takes place on July 21-22 is the Madison Marriott West. Depending upon when booked the event rate was $119-$129 per night and includes a free shuttle to the sale sight. I have no idea what regular hotel rates would be as I never checked. Three members of group were too late for the event rate and went to Priceline to bid on a 2 night stay. Early Sunday on 7/15 before 8 a.m. one member bid via Priceline for 3* Madison West and won the Madison Marriott West for $54 a night. The next member bid 3* Madison West in the afternoon on 7/15 around 3 p.m.. Her $54 bid got her the Radisson Hotel Madison. The final member bid 3* Madison West at 11:00 a.m on Monday, 7/16. Her $54 bid was rejected. She upped her bid to $55. She won a 2 night stay at the Madison Marriott West for the $55. All three members wanted the Marriott. 2 got it, 1 will be 4.5 miles further away. Go figure. Tried bidding 3* Madison West thru Priceline whenever I thought about it in May and June to arrive on 7/20 and depart on 7/22 with bids up to $90 and all were rejected. This time waiting on Priceline worked out. The last time I tried to wait it out the price almost doubled as we got closer to the date. Can't really predict these things at all. :)

Now that you have your reservation, don't forget to call the hotel directly (not the general Hilton 800 #) to request your room preferences and if this is a special occassion let them know. I would also join the Hilton Club as it is free and give them the number to add to your reservation when making requests. I've found that the earlier requests are made the better. I've yet to be disappointed in a Priceline or Hotwire room when I've done this. I hope you have a great vacation.

Family had great rooms with a $45 bid at the Hyatt with a river view during a stay in mid March. Was hoping lightening would strike again. We were late booking our event hotel (Michigan Ave. Marriott) so had co-worker try Priceline. On 5/2 we were able to book one room for $60 a night 5/11-5/15. On Friday I decided I wanted my own room rather than sharing although we'd called the hotel and requested 2 beds. My work would have had to pay $269 a night at the Marriott or across the street at the Intercontinental but the block rate rooms were not available. I did not do a rack rate search so I have no real idea what we should have been paying. I figured I had nothing to lose if I got a $60 room. May 4 late evening bid history: 4* MP/Loop/GP $45 rejected Added 4* NMA @ $50 rejected Closed down then bid 4* MDW adding 4* MP/Loop/GP @ $60 accepted At one point Priceline would not let me rebid. I'm not sure what I did wrong so I closed the browser and tried again an hour later with the $60 bid with Midway and the Loop as zones. The $60 bid was accepted! Yee haw!!! No 3 women sharing one bathroom. We'll buy the Transit Travel Pass and it is a short hop to the Marriott. I called the hotel, mentioned my gold pass # and asked for rooms next door to each other, nonsmoking rooms, quiet floor, near the ice machine but not next to it, in the West Tower. Well see what we get. I should add the folks at work now think I'm a travel wizard. Things were not looking good cost wise for this extended stay. Priceline was a great deal even after tax and fees.

For those like me who were worried about trying the Hyatt at these ridiculously low rates, this turned out to be a lovely stay with two rooms side by side. Had a warm, birdseye view of the St. Patrick's day festivities on the river at a bargin basement price. Other than "you paid on line, we need a credit card for incidentals only" no issues or comments that we had booked through Priceline. One interesting note, in addition to the credit card, guest was asked for picture ID at check in. Every request as to room, non smoking, next door to each other, near ice machine but can't hear it was honored. Combined cheap room with visitor's unlimited rides transit pass that worked great to get to and from event hotel that was .7 miles up Michigan Ave. No one seemed to mind hopping buses that ran every 2 or 3 minutes up and down Michigan Ave. Had to be fit as it was a long, cold, 1.5 block walk up hill from bus stop back to hotel. Only regrets, no free internet which seems ridiculous when most economy hotels offer internet at no extra charge. Keep your hands and kids out of the minibar, opt out of extras like a refrigerator in the room for $25 extra (bring a cooler) and skip the frequently offered opportunities to upgrade the room to club level or with a view. You really can enjoy a nice stay for the price quoted. We paid not one cent extra at checkout. After dicey reveiws, the Hyatt earned 4 stars this stay and Priceline made the trip doable for family who could not afford $400+ a night at the event hotel. This board gave me the information I needed to bid with confidence. Thank you.

Based on information from this board, I was able to bid and book 2 rooms for family traveling to Chicago. They will be .8 miles (10 blocks) from the event hotel but they are paying 85% less. My first and only bid for 2 rooms 4*, Millenium-Loop-Grant Park at $45 each was accepted. I then called and confirmed with the hotel to request connecting rooms. The Hyatt has no connecting rooms with 2 double beds in each room. The best they could offer was adjacent. We'll see. Your Offer Price: $45.00 Number of Rooms: 2 Number of Nights: 3 Subtotal: $270.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $51.98 Total Charges*: $321.98 *Prices are in US dollars. Your Hotel Information Hyatt Regency Chicago Check-In Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Check-Out Date: Saturday, March 17, 2007 Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area 151 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601 312-565-1234

When looking for Chicago hotels near the Park Hyatt I spoke to a reservation agent 2 weeks ago who told me that he would send me an email if rates went down or a package became available. To my suprise and utter amazement I got the email 40 minutes ago. We will be staying at the Four Points Sheraton Chicago at 630 Rush Street for $115 a night, 2 double beds and breakfast. There will also be special goodies for the kid's at check in. This is $170 less than the $285 rate I was quoted 2 weeks ago. The reservation can be changed or cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours before scheduled arrival. Based on Yahoo maps, the hotel is about .21 miles from the family event hotel (the Park Hyatt) and reviews of the hotel are positive with 4 & 5 stars for service. While a better deal may show up for bid later I think I am officially done. So ends the hunt. AaronJB thanks for all your positive suggestions.

AaronJB's Hotel Indigo is high on my watch list. I even tried to make my back up reservation there but their cancellable best rate was much higher than the Affinia. I do not remember what it was but sticker shock set in. From my review of the board it looks like prices may go down closer to the date of travel. Is this a mistaken belief? As I mentioned earlier, I'm learning the ropes here and watching hotel prices is new to me. It all comes down to my timing question. ???How long should I wait before taking a chance???? $150 *not guaranteed* Hotel Indigo is scary with 3 months to go. The *not guaranteed* is scary not the Hotel Indigo part. Especially since $150 is top dollar for me. This trip is a must do but at the same time a budget buster. Hotwire's Hotel Indigo *not guaranteed* listing has been up and down from $147 - $160 since I've been watching. I should have mentioned we now have two back up plans based on ideas gained while reading this board. If I go the Priceline route and get an inexpensive room that does not have two beds, the kids can room with their grands at the Park Hyatt. Either way breakfast will be at the Hyatt. The grands confirmed a quad room at the Park Hyatt that I assume had a senior and a group discount for around $400 a night breakfast for 4 included. While we'd rather be able to keep the kids with us and out of their grands hair, this back up plan gave me more confidence to try Priceline (using the SavingsBarn link as requested). Another question. If 2 rooms are requested at Priceline, is hoping the rooms will be together or even ajoing a reasonable expection or a pipe dream? Reading past posts and current posts, I've seen winning bids on 3* & 4* rooms 1 month to 1 week prior to travel that were $50 to $100 less than anything Hotwire is now offering-- even when retail prices were as high as I've found. If waiting is a bad strategy, I need to hear that too. I have to admit this new game is rather fun. I imagine this is the way big game hunters feel while tracking illusive prey. At least no blood will be let here.

I made my back up, able to cancel reservation at the 3* Affinia Hotel. Based on the map it looks to be 3 blocks from our target location. The rate was $239 (AAA Rate) for a room that sleeps 4. While not a horrible price, this is still about $125 more than I want to pay. This will be a room with a bed and a sofa sleeper or 2 double beds. I requested 2 doubles. I know nothing about the hotel other than Trip Advisor ratings are 4/5 and negative rating were for lost reservations or overbookings and rooms that need to be renovated. I spoke to the hotel front desk and asked about renovations and was told they were in progress. I am still planning to keep checking Hotwire for a suite hotel and am ready to consider Priceline after seeing rates folks are getting for travel in December and January 2007. Although I am ready to bid now, would it be more sensible to wait until mid February or early March to start my Priceline bids? I've looked at the board from February and March 2006 and it appeared that bids in the $62 - $100 dollar range were being accepted for 4* NMA from about 1-2 weeks before the stay. I also checked and there are no large conferences scheduled for my dates. As March 14 approaches, if I have not gotten at 4* for $100 or less I will rebid on 3* hotels. While a 3* hotel in my price range seems more likely, the 3 star locations are further afield and I might end up far from my target location.. On 12/16 I bid $62 and $65 NMA 4* and was rejected. There appears to be only one rebid zone and that is Chicago Midway with no 4* hotels. Would it be better to go ahead and try my maximum bid now or should I keep trying the lower bids and wait till my travel dates get closer to bid higher? Any strategy help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the information about Hotel Indigo and the surrounding neighborhood. We are looking for activities for our girls beyond the American Girl Place that I understand they will see every time they enter the Park Hyatt. If we stay at a location a bit of a distance from the Park Hyatt it looks like the 2 day CTA Visitors Travel Pass at $9 would make sense. I will check out Hotel Indigo while continuing to watch Hotwire to see what turns up. While I can tell immediately when an airfare becomes a great value and how long to wait before purchasing, I do not have any experience watching hotel prices. I wonder if there will be more than 3 options in the NMA/Water Tower/Gold Coast on Hotwire as we get closer to the date of the trip on 3/14. I figure I can wait because trying to beat $400 seems doable. Does anyone know if the Park Hyatt works with any discounters. I will continue to watch Hotwire and TravelZoo but I will also make a backup reservation. I do appreciate all the help and advice. Thank you.

TravelZoo is a site I've never watched. Thanks for the tip. Is the main page updated frequently or do I have to follow links to find the deals?

I have a family event at the Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 North Michigan Avenue March 14-16, 2007. Our quoted rate including breakfast is almost $400 a night. Yikes! This may be a deal and while I would love to stay in the family's hotel, this is NOT possible on my budget. I have no back up reservation as I've not been able to find anything for less than $225 + tax a night at nearby 2 or 3 star hotels. My goal is to keep hotel costs to as close to $100-$150 a night. Is this at all possible?? Airfare is done as I was able to book at $143 each directly from Frontier. I will use Priceline only as a last resort because I need a room that guarantees more than one bed for two adults and two kids, both under age 10-years but way beyond the family shares a bed stage. I would prefer a suite hotel like the Omni because these rooms will almost always sleep four. I also noted here that the OMNI was very flexible and accomodating to hotwire bidders. Either of the Embassy Suites would be OK but based on the map they feel far away from my target area. I am open to considering other hotels in the area. We will not have a car and will be walking. I need to keep things close to the Park Hyatt so we can make activities that are scheduled early and in the evening. I also need to keep complaints from the grandparents and kids to a minimum (however unlikely that will be). I've been watching hotwire for a month and have not seen any hotels with an 'S' or a coffee cup for breakfast icon. I noticed winning bids for the OMNI in October but there have been no mentions of getting the Park Hyatt off Priceline or Hotwire for a couple of years. Can anyone tell me how much before the actual trip date they were able to actually get the Omni based on "S" in the description from Hotwire? I know if a suite hotel appears in NMA - Water Tower it pretty much has to be the OMNI. Does anyone know how the Park Hyatt would be described if it were to come up. I've checked both EasyClickTravel and Savingsbarn. Is there a 'best' time of day to check Hotwire? If all else fails I am open to a Priceline bidding strategy. Any help would be appreciated.