stoudts

Have been bidding for WEEKS on 3.5* and 4* up to $127/night without any luck in MNA and MP/Loop. I know there's a BIG convention in town that weekend, so I was starting to get nervous. :) Finally decided to drop to a 3* in those areas. Had bid about 2 weeks ago up to $120 for a 3* without any luck. Tonight I tried again and after again being rejected on all bids up to $127/night for a 3.5 & 4* in MNA and MP/Loop, my first 3*-level offer of $105 was accepted. I was a bit surprised, since nothing was there 2 weeks ago for $120/night with those same specs, but I'll take it! It seems the regular rate for a weeknight at this location is $189, so I definitely saved. Was hoping for a bit nicer of a hotel, but at this point, I just wanted to get something in our price range of less than $450 (total w/ tax) for 3 nights. The total cost was $373.41, which included $58.41 in taxes. It's also interesting to note that on hotel's website, no rooms are available for my actual dates. Thanks Priceline and Better Bidding! (I did use the Better Bidding PRICELINE link to attain this bid.)

I've booked our non-refundable flight, so we will be visiting Chicago 9/14 to 9/17 (Tue to Fri). We want to stay in downtown, close to all the attractions. Is MNA or Mil Park a better location using Priceline? How much of a difference will I see between a 3.5* and a 4*? Should I book now or wait? I'm really hoping for <$100/night, with a nice view of the city. (I know, I might be hoping for too much?) Has anyone else here considered an apartment rental instead? What have y'all found are the pro's and con's to that? Thanks, everyone.