blackc2011

This was won using PRICELINE EXPRESS Deals. I came across this deal by mistake after clicking the wrong link on PRICELINE and had a strong feeling it was the Hyatt Regency (since this seems to be the most popular hotel in this area). Gladly, I was correct, and I got a better deal than any I've seen on that app. So for getting something this late at this price, I'm not complaining! And yes, I used the site's PRICELINE link. Hyatt Regency Chicago Chicago (Millenium Park, Loop & Grant Park) 4*, $108 - Express Deals Amenities: Restaurant, Airport Shuttle, Business Center, Fitness Center

I'm staying in the Chicago suburbs for a night to hit the Premium Outlets in Aurora before heading for a few days in downtown Chicago. I thought I'd be getting the Country Inn & Suites - Naperville based on the stars and amenities, but ended up with this one. It's pretty well-reviewed and in the same area, so it's not the worst win I've ever had. I forgot to use the Hotwire link (unfortunately it's been a while since I've used Hotwire or Priceline), but I'll be sure to remember it on my next go around. ;) Best Western Naperville Inn 2.5* Chicago (Lisle - Naperville) - 80% Recommended Amenities: Free Parking Free Breakfast Fitness Center Business Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access Golf Nearby Accessible path of travel Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking

I don't generally use Hotwire, in favor of Priceline, but I procrastinated and was unable to play the "bidding-war" game that usually lasts a few days on Priceline. So I took a risk here. I thought for sure I was going to get the La Quinta Inn Bayshore, as the amenities seemed to be the same. But to my surprise I was given this, but it's certainly not bad. I just need a place to sleep so I didn't have to drive back and forth from my city at extreme hours for a conference. I'm certainly not complaining for the price. On a side note, there were also no really attractive AirBnB or Couchsurfing places nearby where I'll be going for a conference, UW-Milwaukee. Amenities: Airport Shuttle, Smoke Free Rooms, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center. Laundry Facilities (self-service), High-Speed Internet Access

Heading to Chicago for the listed weekend as a treat for a summer's worth of killing myself studying for the GRE. Will primarily be going for shopping and visiting the University of Chicago and Northwestern. I did so many bids throughout the month I'm not going to mention them. To essentially sum them up, I did everything combination of 3.5* and 4* for hotels that would be located in the Loop or NMA zones under $100 (I wasn't willing to go above). Nothing was ever granted to me. On this round, I did this: Bid 1: $100 Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park (Accepted) Am I happy? Absolutely. Should I have started out bidding lower this round? Perhaps. Could I have gotten a better deal? Probably, though not likely. But considering this hotel is going for $250/night on Expedia, I think I got a steal. And of course, I used the Priceline link.

1st Bid: $30 3* Madison Downtown 10/29/08-10/31/08 Rejected 2nd Bid: $35 3* & 2.5* Madison Downtown 10/29/08-10/31/08 Rejected 3rd Bid: $40 3*, 2.5* & 2* Madison Downtown 10/29/08-10/31/08 Rejected ***Totally New Offer*** 1st bid: $40 3* Madison Downtown & Southwest 10/29/08-10/31/08 Rejected 2nd Bid: $42 3* Madison Downtown, Southwest, & South 10/29/08-10/31/08 Rejected 3rd Bid: $45 3* Madison Downtown, Southwest, & South 10/30/08-10/31/08 Won Add-A-Night: 10/29/08-10/30/08 Rejected Add-A-Night: 10/31/08-11/1/08 In Process - Update Later This was the hotel I wanted (and I thought I'd get after reading articles on this site) and am happy to have gotten it at such a great price. First time doing this and all of the resources on the site have been more than helpful.