Alex in MI

The Allegro is a Kimpton hotel, a very well-run chain with good amenities. I've stayed at Kimptons in Chicao (but not the Allegro) and DC and have never been disappointed. If you join Kimpton InTouch (free), the hotel is likely to allow free in-room wi-fi even though you booked through Hotwire. No offense to Aaron, but the Allegro is in the far west (northwest, actually) part of the Loop--not in the neighborhood called the West Loop. It's on Randolph between LaSalle and Wells. That places it about a half mile to Millenium Park or the lower end of Mag Mile shopping, and about 1½ miles to the Hancock Building or Navy Pier. Wrigley Field, Chinatown, or Lincoln Park are easy rides on the El (or bus, if you prefer). Estimate the number of public transportation rides you'll be taking; that'll give you a good idea whether the three-day pass is worth it. Remember, it's $20 per person. Either way, it's good to get your Ventra card ahead of time. All the info you need is on, or linked to from, the CTA web site. Re nickel and dime-ing, as you mentioned, Chicago is a big city, with lots of business travelers, so if you stay downtown (vs. the suburbs), yeah, it'll be harder, but not completely impossible, to locate those free services. For example, the Blackstone Renaissance on S. Michigan Ave, where I stayed last time (via BB/Hotwire), offers free wi-fi. And in many (most?) places that charge, there's free wi-fi in the lobby or other public area. Some places do offer a free breakfast; Embassy Suites, which can appear on Hotwire, is one. Parking, well, that's another matter. Occasionally you might spot a parking-included (or reduced-fee) deal on Travelzoo or the like, but generally it's just something you need to figure in to your total cost if you want to stay anywhere in or near downtown. The only free parking I know of in that area is the HoJo in River North. Are you driving there? If so, I can post a couple of links to Chicago parking information, plus clue you in to a couple of places I tend to use--depending on where you'll be staying, of course. Also, as you know, where to go for deep dish pizza is a matter of furious debate. Do you have a place or two picked out? Regarding other food, if you'd like some input, post what kind of food you'd prefer and I'd be glad to offer some suggestions, as would others, I'm sure.

Topaz is a Kimpton Hotel, so if you're not already a Kimpton InTouch member (free), I recommend doing so. At the very least, it gets you free wi-fi and the ability to request certain room amenities in advance. It also gets you on their mailing list for special rates. It's also on a very pleasant block. I highly recommend the recently re-opened and re-done Iron Gate restaurant, which is right across the street. (Check out the reviews under the "Press" link on the website.) Next door is the Tabard Inn, which used to be one of *the* places for brunch. However, there's been serious turmoil and turnover there over the past year, so no guarantees.

This is a new addition to the BB Hotwire Hotel List. Based on the "95% recommended" and the 4.5 on TripAdvisor, I had a notion this might be the place. Nevertheless, I was absolutely thrilled to get this stay at this price (via the BB Hotwire link, of course). FYI, I first looked at a check-in date of August 6 instead of 7, and this listing didn't show up. Full amenities list: Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, Internet access. It's odd, though, that "free breakfast" wasn't there. Perhaps they thought it then would be way too easy to identify the hotel before booking it.

Actually, the Metro station (Red Line) is right in Union Station. It's a bit of a walk from the Amtrak and MARC gates, but at least you don't have to go outside.

Greetings, dc. I'm not with BB, but I do travel to DC semi-regularly. I'd be willing to bet that your hotel is the Willard Intercontinental. As far as the best area in which to stay, I guess it depends on which tourist attractions most interest you this trip. There's so much to see, and three days, plus or minus, is just starting to scratch the surface. For walking around at night, I'd certainly choose Dupont Circle. The White House-Downtown area is pretty centrally located. The Union Station thing is a minor consideration. Cabs are abundant, and there's a Red Line stop right at the station.

Complete amenities (new list for this property): Free Internet, Pet friendly, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Self service laundry, Internet access I used the BB Hotwire link, of course Based on the BB Hotel List, I was pretty sure it was going to be either the Kinzie Hotel or the Westin. As of today, only the Kinzie was listed as having a laundry, while only the Westin was listed as being pet-friendly. However, the lack of a complementary breakfast made me lean toward the Westin. That suspicion was pretty much sealed when I read a guest's comment about an extra-late checkout time on Sunday, which was mentioned on the Westin's website. (It would be hard to go wrong with either hotel, though.) Thanks again, BB.

I needed to add a night (the 19th) at the beginning of the stay of my previous priceline win. I specified 4*; there also was a 4½* available. I bid 60, then 68 (my former winning bid), then was accepted at 72. I used the BB PRICELINE link, of course, and made sure to follow the procedure that thereuare mentioned in the earlier post. Thanks, as always.

The method there makes sense. Thanks for the reminder.

Thanks for the reminder. I keep forgetting about that. Here's the complete list: Free Internet Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Restaurant(s) Business Center Internet access Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Roll-in shower

1) I started with a lowball bid of $50 for 3½*. As expected, it was rejected. 2) The next day, I put in a bid of $60 for 4*, which I knew was the Hyatt because the BB guide told me it was the only 4* in that area (on Priceline; it's 3½* on Hotwire). 3) The bid was rejected. Priceline countered with $76, which I knew was too high. 4) I added the Algonquin area, which I knew was OK because the BB guide said it had only one place, for 2½*. I countered with $68, which was accepted. I've stayed at the Hyatt Lisle before; it's a nice place. I used the BB PRICELINE link, of course.

This isn't quite as much of a discount as the last time I won this property, but I'm very happy nonetheless. Amenities = Internet (+ free Internet), Smoke-free, fitness, restaurant, business center, accessible: blind, deaf, path of travel. Used the BB HOTWIRE link, of course.

The 4* Downtown looks like The Blackstone Renaissance Chicago, which I just booked (see my Hotwire hotel thread below). If the listing said 95% recommended and 4.5* on TripAdvisor, that's almost certainly the one.

I was thrilled with the price. I used the BB HOTWIRE link, of course. We've eaten several times at the restaurant in the hotel, Mercat a la Planxa. The hotel manager told me that the Hotwire default is a king bed room. Amenities = Pet Friendly (not yet listed in the BB guide), Restaurant, Smoke-free, High-speed Internet, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower.

Right you are! Three more amenities show up in My Account: Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower. We've stayed at the Sax several times. It's indeed very well located. Bin 36, right next door, is reliably good for wine, cheese, and food, and is open early until mid-late (9-11 p.m., depending on the day of the week).

Yes, I know about "See all"; what I entered was indeed the complete list.

Amenities = Boutique, Smoke Free, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Accessible for the blind, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility Used the magic BB HOTWIRE link, of course.

Aaron is correct that the rooms can be small (although not all are; given that it's a slow week, if you're nice to the desk person you might get an upgrade-type of room if you ask) but the lobby is wonderful. It's also *very* centrally located in the Loop, at State and Monroe. The entrance to the Red Line is pretty much literally right outside the door. Millenium Park, Michigan Ave, Art Institute, Chicago Cultural Center (don't miss it!), etc. are just a short walk away. A good website for researching restaurants is LTHForum.com.

Using the BB HOTWIRE link to check on prices, I saw that a 4* was $91/night. Based on BB's Hotwire Hotel Guide, I was pretty sure this was the Hyatt Arlington. So, using the BB PRICELINE link, I bid $75 and was startled (and thrilled) to have it accepted. Thanks, BB. (And Go Blue!)

An interesting (and delicious) alternative for breakfast (or lunch, if you're still in the hotel then) is Hannah's Bretzel. You don't even have to go outside to get there; the Hyatt Regency and that branch of Hannah's (open M-F) are part of the Chicago Pedway System. The concierge or front desk can direct you there.

This was a great price for this very well located hotel--and even $4 less than my last Hotwire win there. I used the BB HOTWIRE link, of course. Amenities (same as listed in BB): Restaurant, Pool, Indoor Pool, Fitness, Smoke Free, Free Internet, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry

Amenities: Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower (same as in the BB listing). Used the BB HOTWIRE link, of course.

I got inspired by xnow89's thread, so I decided to try my luck. Started at $35, declined, so I had to rebid $9 higher. Still, I'm thrilled with the price. Used the BB PRICELINE link, of course.

I've stayed here several times. They've done some upgrading over the past few years; it's a nice property--doubly so for $42! If it's not crowded, and you're nice to the check-in person, they might be able to upgrade you to a "CleanAir" room for a modest cost (or free, but that's never happened for me).

Amenities = Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business (same as listed on BB). $81 is a good price for this property ($101 with tax and fees). Used the BB HOTWIRE link, of course.

This was a great price for this very well located hotel. Used the BB HOTWIRE link, of course. Amenities (same as listed in BB): Restaurant, Pool, Indoor Pool, Fitness, Smoke Free, Free Internet, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry