Lefty

Checked 3* on Hotwire before bidding; 3* in La Crosse offered at $110; the Radisson.com rate was $125. Total costs with expenses was $81. Not a bad deal for IMHO the nicest hotel in La Crosse. Received 6th floor with River View room. Asked for any additional add on up grades as this property does have a nice top floor executive level. Front desk noted that no upgrades, even for $$ were available for Priceline/Opaque reservations. Hotel restaurant was decent; free computer access was painfully slow - didn't ask about wifi. Free parking, pool. Thanks for the service Better Bidding- you need to get you twitter account going! -Lefty

3.5-star hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - River North Hotwire hot Rate Amenities Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center High-Speed Internet Access See all amenities Check-in Check-out Sun, Aug 12, 2012 Tue, Aug 14, 2012 Adults Children Rooms 2 2 1 Rate per night: $84.00 Nights: 2 Rooms: 1 Tax recovery charges & fees: $37.06 Subtotal: $205.06 Trip total: $205.06 Doubletree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile See ratings guide 300 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL, 60611 (312) 787-6100 Map Check-in Sun, Aug 12, 2012 3:00 PM Check-out Tue, Aug 14, 2012 12:00 PM Thanks Better Bidding - had been bidding on Priceline for about 3 weeks - hoping for Sat, Sun, Mon night, but that Saturday night availability is pretty low. Great price at a really fun property, especially for kids. Not many, if any, other places in Chicago where you can swim in an outdoor, rooftop pool, downtown....?

This thread relates a bit to the discussion: Priceline Boston I too am looking at that weekend, for the same 1918 re-cap madness. I've been bidding for 5/19-5/21, going as low as a 3* and as high as $111 for the last week including all of these zones: Boston Harbor Front - Aquarium Boston Waterfront - Convention Center Copley Square - Theatre District Fenway Park Quincy Market - Faneuil Hall - Financial I'd still like to stay under $111, so I began trying to get a Logan 4* (I want to make sure I get a property either on site or with a free shuttle, and it looked like some of the 3 or 3.5 don't offer a shuttle), without any luck. I've got a Hilton Back up, but it looks like i'll probably burn some UAL points on this trip - paying $250+ for 2 nights in Boston is just too much. Good luck bidding, and go Cubs!

Thanks for all the great feedback! Yes, i've been outed as a Cubs fan! Just getting my Buchner Jersey out of moth balls for this trip (we'll see if I can make it out alive!). Somehow I got 4 seats in L43 - the face value is pretty low, so hopefully it's not splinterville. But on Stubhub they are close to $150, so who knows. I'm becoming a bit more optimistic in getting a PL deal - i've spoken to a few Hiltons, and they seem to have lots of capacity- i'm guessing that while it will be a busy weekend, it won't be a super premium weekend. The cheapest online rate i've found is via Club Quarters; I spoke to their rep too, and they said the hotel isn't even half full; so I'm hoping that deals will start popping up. Any go Cubs, and good luck bidding!

UW-Madison Graduation Weekend. Very happy with this deal - it's a busy weekend in Madison (maybe the budget protests at the Capitol will be done by then....who knows?) IMHO the properties on the square are over priced for what they have. Hyatt Place is a nice style of trendy-looking Hyatt's but I haven't stayed at this particular property. Began at $60 for a 3.5* for Madison. Wanted to stay downtown, to attend the CAKE concert, so was a bit limited in getting re-bits, bargaining. Build up in $2-3 increments over four days. A few properties are already sold out, and the www.hyatt.com listing for this property on this date is $330! On PL it pays to start early sometime. From their website: * The Madison hotel features spacious guestrooms each with the Hyatt Grand Bed™ and a 42" flat panel HDTV * Complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel * Complimentary continental breakfast daily * 24/7 Guest Kitchen serves made-to-order snacks and entrees * Intimate Bakery Caf

Fenway new Region in Boston Looking to bid in Boston for 5/19-5/21; hoping for 3* or better. Noticed that there is now a new "Fenway" area listed on Priceline. Any advice on what hotel/s this could be, and bidding strategy? This may be a busy graduation weekend, so I do have a back up at a Hilton by the Airport. But would like to stay close to Fenway, or downtown/Theatre district near a T stop. Thanks, L

Looking forward to a new hotel in a new city for me. Please post any tips on must dos in San Diego (main focus will be lounging on beach/pool)! Really wanted to stay on Coronado; either Loews or the Marriott. From previous posts was hoping for around $115, but i'm very happy w/this price for a resort-type property. On Marriott's Website: $229 advance purchase; -Loew's at Coronado listed, Hotwire (via Hotels.com) $219 advance purchase for these dates; Wednesday 8/20/10 thru Saturday 8/24/10 (4 nights) Long and slow bidding history for this one: #1 Bid: $101, Coronado, 4-Star Deluxe, Declined #2 Bid: $115, Coronado, 4-Star or 3

Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness Center, Pool(s) Traveling w/2 adults, 2 kids - may be why the rate is a bit more than other recent wins. Looking forward to this stay, right by IKEA, Woodfield Mall. Thanks BetterBidding!

Looking forward to this stay - always bid by starting with BetterBidding's PRICELINE link About $130 total with tax. The best rate directly off their website is $299. They do have a saver rate advertised at $159; but not for 7/31/10. An OK deal for a busy weekend - not much availability from what I can tell - even the Hyatt if full..... Began bidding at $79 with $5 increments - I had time so didn't try the re-bidding zones. Bid #1 $79 - NMA River North, declined Bid #2 $84 - Added MP-Loop-Grant Park, declined. Next day, Bid #1 $84 - NMA River North, declined Bid #2 $89- Added MP-Loop-Grant Park, declined. Next Day: Bid #1 $89 - NMA River North, declined Bid #2 $94 - Added MP-Loop-Grant Park, declined. Next Day: Bid #1 $94 - NMA River North, declined Bid #2 $101 - Added MP-Loop-Grant Park, Accepted.

Bid $70 *4 Chicago - Loop Failed - offer to increase bid to $85 for free re-try. Passed on this. Re-bid, $80 *4 Chicago - Loop & River North Zones Accepted - $203 total w/taxes. Their online nightly rate for those dates starts at $209 before tax, etc. Very excited about this hotel, which I haven't stayed at yet. The rooftop looks particularly nice, but not sure if it can top the Roof at the W. Bid via BetterBidding PRICELINE link. Thanks!

Help ID 4* Downtown Harbor Island San Diego Dates: Aug 24-28; 2 adults, 2 kids. This long string of amenities seems to be new - and when I go through all the Tripadvisor ratings, none are exactly at 75% - some within 10% above or below 75%, but none right on. What's your best guest? Thanks - for helping with a new city for me - and as always, always bid via betterbidding PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links! Offer: $99 Amenities: Fitness Pool Restaurant Business Internet Golf Tennis Spa Tripadvisor 75% approval rating

Just completed two night stay at Palmer House Hilton in Chicago 8-1-9 to 8-3-9. At check in, inquired about upgrade availability to Club level. No availability on Sat night, but encouraged to ask again on Sunday. On Sunday AM, given details on $29 or $39 upgrade offer to the 23rd floor. I chose the $29 upgrade; included deluxe room on the club level, express elevators, 24-hour free coffee & soda, 2 queen beds with two bathrooms, great view of the city, complimentary continental breakfast and evening appetizers. A very nice upgrade; i'd highly encourage anyone staying at Hilton properties to inquire; even if they've booked through a 3rd party.

In many midwestern cities, this Red Roof Inn would probably be a 3 or 3.5 star. It's biggest problem, is being compared to so many other amazing Chicago NMA and Loop properties! Recently-partially renovated. New tvs, light fixtures, furniture and paint. The wallpaper is very dated, and does detract from the overall ambiance of the room. The bedding and linens also seemed pretty worn. Overall: A great value, 1/2 block from the stores of N. Michigan, with many many great dining, grocery, coffee, bar options within a short walking distance. IE: Don't be afraid to go to a 2* in the NMA area in Chicago! Seems to be a known destination for school, large youth and budget travel convention goers. Small lobby, but with some decent seating and large screen tv. Very friendly and courteous staff. No Priceline stigma, and a bad remote control was replaced within 10 minutes of a call down to the front desk. Staff mentioned that a full renovation was planned for November 2009. Bare essentials: Basic Red Roof Inn tolietries; 50+ tv stations including HBO, HBO 1 & 2.

Has anyone had any success, tips at requesting Upgrades (free or for a fee) at hotels in Chicago? Many properties now have "executive" or "club" levels that the will frequently use as free upgrades if you belong to their frequent customer programs. I've never heard of anyone getting a "free" upgrade through a Priceline reservation, but I have been asked at check in (I always handover my frequent customer/points cards when I check in if I have one for the specific chain). I've seem some random online posts (not here though...) about paying $10-45 for room upgrades that can include free meals, honor bars, nicer rooms, etc. Anyone have any comments on experiencing upgrades for Chicago Hotwire/Priceline rooms, recently?

Heading downtown for a one night, last minute event. Looking to explore how low of a hotel * rating one can get in Chicago. I guess after this I'll have to try for a 1*! Will definitely post a hotel review, since I believe this is a new one for the boards, NMA-River North, and the Tripadvisor reviews are fair to horrific. Should be exciting. Always bid through BetterBidding.com PRICELINE link! Thanks for the great service. Winning Bid: $45, 2*, Loop, NMA Subtotal: $45.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $14.08 Total Charges*: $59.08 Cheapest advertised rate from their homepage: STANDARD 2 FULL BEDS NON-SMOKING, 25"TV $89.99 Previous No Bids: 7/3 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5 - Max Bid $45 all the way through Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area Details North Michigan Ave - River North Area 7/4 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5 - Max Bid $45 all the way through Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area Details North Michigan Ave - River North Area 7/5 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5 - Max Bid $51 all the way through Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area Details North Michigan Ave - River North Area 7/7 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5 - Max Bid $48 all the way through At 3.5, offered $14 for free re-bid. I passed. Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area Details North Michigan Ave - River North Area

Woops: Saturday 8/1 thru Monday 8/3. Two nights, two rooms.

Over 3-4 days, slowly increased bids from $55-up to final win of $68. Hoping for a *4 in Loop or NMA. Nice, if not overly interesting property - a great feature is that the free tourist shuttle stops right outside the side entrance. Always bid using the PRICELINE link from Better Bidding - thanks for the great forum! Two Rooms: Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $68.00 Subtotal: $136.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $28.98 Total Charges*: $164.98 Considering that the Air/Water show starts on 8/15, and its a Cubs game weekend, I was very happy with this deal.

This is getting too easy - seems to be a very loose availability for Chicago this summer. Researched Hotwire/PL/ and the wonderful Better Bidding boards before attempting. Very happy with this win. Attempted as low as $40 for 3 and 4* in Loop, River North, before biting the bullet and hitting 3* in Loop/NMA for $61. "Upgraded" to the 4* Palmer House. Any advice on whether paying for the upgrade upon check in is worthwhile for this property? I'm a HH member, and usually go for the $20-30 executive level upgrade if the benefits are worth it - but info seems scant on the club level for this property. Thanks, Lefty

Monday May 15th - Tuesday May 16th Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 1300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-370-1234 First bid at $41, and they took it. Great rate for a great city! Your Offer Price: $41.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 1 Subtotal: $41.00 Taxes and Service Fees: $12.55 Total Charges*: $53.55 Their corporate website quotes: Total Price Per Room: 156.75 USD Always bid through BetterBidding PRICELINE Link! Thank you.

Does anyone have information, on any free re-bids for Madison? Did these new zones just pop up? Madison South and Madison Southwest? Thanks, L

i'd be hesitant to go w/that - that's just such a low price, you'll probably end up in one of the motels off the beltline. not a good scene.....

Double Tree Mag Mile 3* $83 a night, 2 nights, 2 rooms Cheapest online rate listed, $199 on Double Trees site. The Sheraton and Hyatt are booked full this weekend, so I'm very pleasantly surprised that anything came up. Also, on the day of winning bid, Hotwire was listing a 3.5* for $89 a room, total of $420. Which, is also a very good deal! It's probably one of these 2 hotels: 3.5* Club Quarters Chicago - Central Loop (previously 3*) Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Laundry 3.5* Hotel Allegro (previously 4*) Amenities: Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business Previous Priceline bids: 1. 4*, Loop, $81. If declined, add 2. 4*, Loop & River North, $81. If declined, add 3. 3*, Loop & River North, $83, ACCEPTED 6/18/8 4*, Loop, $75, declined 4*, Loop + River North, $76 declined 3*, Loop + River North, $77 declined. Had been varieties of up to $85 for the prior 1-2 weeks.

Marquette $55.00 Subtotal: $110.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $22.21 Total Charges*: $132.21 I really wanted a 4*, right downtown, and I had time to burn, so my bidding was pretty straightforward: $51, 4, downtown, declined; waited 2 days $51, 4, downtown, declined; waited 2 days $51, 4, downtown, declined; waited 2 days $53, 4, downtown, declined; waited 2 days $53, 4, downtown, declined; waited 2 days $55, 4, downtown, ACCEPTED At first, bummed there was no pool, but the location, and style, made up for it. Plus, the other Hilton, down about 4 blocks, is in much rougher shape (but that location does have a pool). I'd highly recommend the $40 upgrade to the executive club, w/evening drinks and morning breakfast.

Stoney Creek Inn *2 La Crosse / On Alaska Area Winning Bid 10/12/06 First Bid $61.00 Subtotal: $61.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $15.13 Total Charges*: $76.13 This is an old winner, but thought I'd post it since I'm new to the board and it was a great deal. If you have kids, and want a nice pool, i'd go here over the 3* Radisson downtown. This is a brand new property, with a newer themed chain. Wilderness type decor. I believe they are also building a new hotel in Galena, IL. Much more like a 2.5-3*. But, the location is off the beaten track.

New Hotel Listing, Sorry, couldn't find where to post this, info. Hopefully the mod can move this, add it to the Wisconsin hotel list: 2* Stoney Creek Inn La Crosse Area 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650 608-781-3060 Plus, this is really closer to a 3* - it's a bit out of the way, but much newer, and a better pool than the 3* Radisson in Downtown La Crosse.