jasonchicago

Does this site include information about Travelocity "Secret Hotels?"

Thanks. I ended up figuring it out, but as of right now, there doesn't appear to be anything in my price range. If I try again later and win, I'll be sure to post it.

Hello. I've used Priceline and Better Bidding to stay at the downtown Philadelphia Marriott twice for a price in the $60 to $70 range. I'd like to try to do the same, or end up somewhere else near the Reading Terminal. I am familiar with the rebidding zone strategy, but I can't seem to find the posting that helped inform me about which geographic zones in Philly do not have 3 1/2 or 4 star hotels. I don't want to end up in a far suburb or in NJ--any advice for which specific zones I should rebid would be appreciated. I would like to keep it at $80 or under. Thanks!

Hello. I started with a $61 bid for 4* downtown. When that was rejected I added City Line and upped my bid to $66, then added Gloucester and upped to $71, then University and upped to $76, then Trevose and upped to $81. After all of those were rejected, I closed the browser and re-entered through your PRICELINE link, added $62 for 3.5* downtown and got the Marriott. The price on Marriott.com was $149. $87 off, not bad! Thanks Better Bidding! Jason

Another good room rate thanks to Betterbidding! I got this one first try--selected 3.5* Morristown-Florham Park, NJ and bid $35. 3

Sorry about that: This was in Downtown Cleveand, and the ameneties are Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness Center, Business Center, Laundry Facilities, and High Speed Internet Access. Make sure you get very good directions. Cleveland is in the midst of a major renovation of their public transit systems, so much of downtown is under construction, including the block that the Holiday Inn Express is on. My GPS let me right to a "Road Closed" sign! Jason

Looked like this one had good reviews...will come back and let everybody know if it isn't good. Thanks, Jason

Good point! Sorry...I'm a newbie to this. Thanks for the help. I'll post the results of my Cleveland Hotwire as well. Best, Jason

Hello. Based on some of the recommendations here, I decided to try out Priceline in addition to Hotwire. I started out looking for 4-stars in Lincoln Park and North Michigan Ave for $75. Then I added the Millenium Park area, and upped the price to $80. Then, finally, I added Greater Chicago, and dropped the price to $70, which was accepted by the Hyatt. I'm not sure how crazy I am about the location--but the price is right, and I'm sure the kids will love the pool and being close to the Field Museum. Thanks for your help--of course, I used the link from BetterBidding.com. Jason

Sorry I disappeared. I thought I found a room a hostel in town, but I've read several reviews about bedbugs, so I want to back out! I'm willing to use either PRICELINE or HOTWIRE. My kids are 12 and 9. If we could swing 2 beds, they can sleep together in 1, and I can sleep in the other. I'd also be willing to bid both NMA and Loop. I'll check out the burbs as well...and then come back when I have some ideas. My stay is coming up in only 5 days--so I might not have enough time for an elaborate PRICELINE bidding strategy--please let me know your thoughts! Thanks, Jason

I'd probably rather stay in the city--we lived here in 1996-2000. My children were young (or unborn) then, but when we come back, we always enjoy roaming around the city. On prior visits we stayed with friends--now that they've moved away, this is our first time doing a hotel in Chicago. Thanks for your help. Jason

Hello. I'm coming to Chicago with my children (1 dad, two kids 9 and 12) for the Mini Cooper rally occuring Friday night at the UIC campus, and Saturday morning at the Lincoln Park Zoo. I'm trying to travel on the cheap--right now I've got a room booked at a Youth Hostel for $68/night. However, if I could get something where the room and tax was $100 or under, I'd rather "upgrade" for the extra $20 to $30/night. Ideally, I'd like to find something with access to reasonable parking since I'll have my Mini with me. Looked like the best I could do on HOTWIRE is $112/night for 4-star hotel in Museum Campus - McCormick Place - Soldier Field, although that pops up to almost $130 when you add up the Tax, etc. Do you think I'd do better on PRICELINE? Thanks in anticipation of some advice! Jason