angelmum3

Trying to decide between a 2 1/2 * at $34 a night with amenities Pool Laundry facilities (self serve) recomendation 50% or a 3* at $37 with amenities Fitness Center, Pool, Business Center, High speed Internet, Laundry Facilities (self service) any help or ideas appreciated - just one night...

I apologize for my blunder in posting - and I appreciate your patience and kindness in fixing my errors! Thank you

using the betterbidding HOTWIRE link we got the Jamesons in Carmel It was listed on Hotwire $36 2 1/2 * this one had a fitness center icon as well as breakfast, swimming and internet. it was a Jameson's Hotel, formerly a Signature Inn Hotel. Great stay, near the Clarion Hospital, near I465 on Meridian Rd (sorry I didnt manage the topic correctly - thank you for your patience and great site!)

Formerly Signature Inn Hotel. Won on HOTWIRE using link from betterbidding. $36 for 2 1/2 * internet rate was $79. The Fishers/NE Indianapolis Jamesons was older, but still a nice clean room. The vent/heater/ac unit was old, on and off, no fan, it was either hot or cold... the bathroom was extremely small... the width of the toilet and tub (side by side) the sink was seperate. There was a fridge, microwave, coffee maker as well hair dryer, iron and ironing board. The Jamesons had a free continental breakfast, as well as free internet service. The Carmel hotel was on north Meridian street, much closer to the hospital where we were visiting a patient. These rooms seemed newer, the bathrooms were larger... and the vent/heater/ac unit was newer, a fan and temperature gauge. Same breakfast and amenities. The staff at both Jamesons were very pleasant and kind. The rooms were clean and we would stay here again for $36 it was a deal. (Do know Indianapolis in particular Carmel has gone to using "roundabouts" in their roads - not 4 way stops or traffic lights - but not on the major highways!)

Using the link from betterbidding - we had to make a sudden trip to Indianapolis - from HOTWIRE $36 2 1/2 * I thought we needed Fishers area - we won the Jameson's Hotel (formerly a Signature Inn hotel btw) It was listed with breakfast swimming and internet we had to extend our stay, but found out Carmel was closer to the hospital. Again, using the betterbidding HOTWIRE link we got the Jamesons in Carmel another $36 2 1/2 * but this one had a fitness center icon as well as breakfast, swimming and internet. Again it was a Jameson's Hotel. I'll add a quick review in your hotel review section

You have created a very special board here- and it is appreciated! My 21 son came out of a hospital stay saying he wanted to do the tri - the therapists thought it a goal - but werent sure he could achieve it - He has done more than we expected~ and w/o the priceline and the hints posted here - we wouldnt have the opportunity to stay - for lurkers - I was able to click on links to find successful bids for my stay - as well as read posts of winning bids - for the time frame The Avenue popped up and I went to the website and realized the chances were high that we'd get a 1 bed room... I've noticed how the Chicago bidding zones have changed over the years - thanks for keeping us up to date!!

Going for the Chicago Triatholon - Started bidding a few days ago based on tips and hints from this board - I only felt I had 1 rebid zone (Mdw) didnt want to risk getting the Avenue Hotel at River North zone - so I stuck to the Millenium Park - The Loop - Grant Park zone. Went thru the PRICELINE link provided here (on another post) (also saw that others staying this same weekend won Hyatt for $65) First day bid $55 rejected rebid $60 rejected This morning bid $59 Accepted Hyatt Regency on Wacker Drive accepted my bid for a 2 night stay! Thanks for all the tips, hints, and topics to help with my bidding!!

Going thru the HOTWIRE link you posted in another thread to Hotwire This came up for a 3* at $59 (in addition to the Fitness Pool REstaurant Internet and Business Icon it says "customer Favorite" silkHotPrice5: $59 per room, per night silkHotSolNeighborhoodName5: 3-star hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville *Fitness Pool Restaurant Internet and Business Icons * * * * Hotwire hot Rate Area map and details Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville area details We're having trouble displaying the map for this area. You might want to try reloading the page in a few minutes. Stroll to the city's upscale department stores and boutiques along the Magnificent Mile. Points of interest: * 1. Water Tower * 2. Cultural Center * 3. Motorola Close Customer FAvorite So Then I go to your Hotwire Hotel List and see that it could be??? 3* Hilton Garden Inn Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business While I usually bid with wonderful results on Priceline, this is my first Hotwire bid - I'm going to a Bachelorette Party and think this would be a good local - and then really are there any bad hotels in the Mag Mile area?? (also the Hilton Garden Website lists lowest internet price for this night at $109 per night) TIA

Had an electric outage and a daughter needed to email a teacher a book report - so we pricelined the hotel at the Library - Wanted a Vernon Hills Hotel, checked that area, only 2* was available, won at $40 the Extended Stay America, and altho there is an ESA in Vernon Hills, this was for one listed in Buffalo Grove - which made a bad day go worse, if your familiar with morning traffic, and of course knowing ESA usually gives one bed to pl wins... I tried to call PL as BG is outside the bid area I requested - they agreed to "cancel" but the cancellation fee is $35! Again, apparently Buffalo Grove is in the Vernon Hills map area, but the library computer wasnt loading correctly, and I felt pressured to help dd get her homework done - it was a nightmare - - I called the BG ESA and they felt they could transfer my ressie to Vernon Hills, I called VH ESA to find out they only had a smoking King room... which went from bad choice to worse possible choice - at this point I knew my $50 was done, and dd just would skip school... I called BG to see if they had transferred the ressie, they hadnt, and I explained the smoking room, he was very kind and patient, and I appreciate his listening to the ramblings of this old woman!! We got to ESA at 7pm (its located off of Milwaukee/45 and near a new hospital - we missed it) and the Front Desk Manager swapped the key out of the card, and explained he was giving me an upgrade!! So I post this long diatribe to others that you do have to be cautious and wary of 2* hotels with ESA - but never look beyond the kindness of strangers!! As for the room, it was a room, we needed more blankets, and tried not to notice the stain on the bedspread - we were able to go to the front desk for towels and blankets. we were there just for one night. I believe you have to request for housekeeping in advance...

June 9 - 11 (Sat and Sun night stay, check out on a Monday - we were there for the Chicago Distance Half Marathon Weekend, so it was a busy weekend, the other Hilton was the host hotel - $199 a night rooms tho) I came in on the train from the suburbs, got there before 9 am, to check in with a request. The front staff was very friendly and kind (and joked I was there a tad "early" for check-in - - I assured him I did not expect a room available but needed to "shop" as my future daughter in law and I were looking for dresses, then running 13.1 mile - and btw was there a possibility of a room with 2 dbl beds, and away from the "el" line? If not, I completely understood) We were given a room on the 14th floor - facing (sort of) State Street - it was a HUGE room - 2 baths, a sitting area, a very tiny TV - but it was much appreciated after the marathon - I agree with previous posters about the location - going out the 'back way' (not State Street) to the left the Corner Bakery - to the right and up a street was the way to the Marathon - on a Sunday, please note that most places, for whatever reason, close early on SUNDAYS!! I think Corner Bakery closes at 6pm, but most others were already closed!! Also, on our very slow walk from the finish line to the hotel, we passed a liquor store, and we were quite willing to share a beer with our Bakery sandwiches we had togo!! So I will mention that little liquour store had the large size Red Stripe beers for $1.99, a definate bargain to our way of thinking!! My bid I believe was won at $90 (I get confused with the fees tacked on in the end )

Thanks Thereuare - and I so appreciate your dedication to this site - that is the link I used!! (from a different post) and I am indeed "wogging" (a walk/jog) and I'll take all the luck I can get!! This site is AWESOME - - information invaluble - saved me $200 this trip alone!!

Followed the link from a previous post to PRICELINE. Started bid at $75 NMRNA added MPLGP $85 added Midway $90 accepted at Palmer House!! Thanks for the site! (going for Chicago Distant Classic Half Marathon - staying Sat and Sun - marathon is 6am Sun - Marathon Hilton quote rates $199 using their links, $189 Hotels.com for Palmer House, )

Won this hotel on Priceline - it was during a doctor convention and the Shamrock Shuffle March 28 - 30, 2008 With taxes the two nights came to around $400 (compared to Hotwire and hotels, this was a great deal!! Most hotels were coming up in the $400 per night, this hotel didnt come up on any site, their own site said they were sold out for this weekend) As it was a sellout I was pleasantly surprised to win this 4* - I also concur with all that has been said previously. the staff was kind and helpful. I arrive in Union Station, take the 151 Sheridan Bus to Michigan Ave/ upper Wacker Drive and walk the 3 blocks to the hotel. Check in was smooth, and uneventful. I arrived at 11am, and requested a room with 2 double beds. The room wasnt ready (as expected, it was a sellout week according to the desk staff) they held my suitcase while I went out for lunch, when I returned at 2 the room was ready. We walked to Navy Pier, across Wacker, down by the sign - follow signs to Navy Pier.. Plenty of shopping, and food courts there... Sat March 29th was the turn off the lights night for the environment and the Hotel participated. They kept hall lights and elevator and stairwell lights on... they closed the pool and the hot tub, but provided wine and fondue in the darkened lobby - hotel staff had flashlights. It was a unique experience to see the lights go off on Michigan Ave and Navy Pier's Ferris Wheel. I have pictures of the room I can upload to the photo area.

Thereuare - again, I thank you for your help and for providing a forum. I know I'm not as ignorant as my posts lead me to believe - I have and continue to read the information you provide - and I appreciate you taking the time for my requests. I continued to check hotwire, Hotels.com, etc and bit the bullet and bid $160 rejected added rebid zone and $165 - accepted~~ (and this was higher than I wanted to go, but decided it was worth the expense to stay downtown - and I had been bidding every 24 hours...) Swissotel March 28 - 30 Which surprises me - I fully expected to get the Hyatt as I saw it listed somewhere at $199, as I checked the sites, neither were listed today!

Also can I not use MDW as a "Free rebid" as the list on here doesnt show a 4* in the midway area?

I followed your instructions, closed browsers, came back, went thru your PRICELINE link... rebid.. but Priceline said it was a "duplicate request" even tho I followed adding the rebid zone and upping the request to $130, they didnt process it, just got a screen Duplicate request" Thought I'd just try again in 24 hours ? Again, I think the biggest obstacle is the doctor convention at McCormic Center so less rooms available... and Hotels.com is showing rooms going for $299 and up for each of my nights... Thank you for your help and experience!! I really appreciate it!!

I do appreciate your help, and thought I was bidding on a good approach - thanks for noting there is a better way... My maximum bid... $140 - with taxes it bumps it up, but because we are running the Shamrock Shuffle and it would save us getting up and driving to the city at 4AM - and then having to find parking, etc... However, if that doesnt work, I may chose one night in a hotel and finding a friends couch for Friday night!

I'm re reading the bidding strategy - do I need to close the browser and start all over to add the Bid 2 etc? Should I be increasing my bids by $10 instead of $5? TIA

I'm starting to bid now... Bid 1 - 4* NMA $100 rejected bid 2 - 4* added Millimium Park, Loop, $105 rejected Bid 3 - 4* added Midway $110 rejected So in 24 hours I guess I'll increase my bidding and start at $110 - I'm not comfortable with a 3* in the NMA and Mil Park areas...

I've just been watching the Hotels.com site - and I have an Entertainment Book with discounts, I called Hyatt, Hilton properties a month ago, no vacancies... Last night I noticed vacancies are popping up, so now I thought would be a good time to start bidding. I am willing to bid those zones. I've only bid 4* hotels in Chicago Reading these boards I realized that the weekend I want is low availabilty so I'll have to bid higher to get something, and I am willing to do that! Thanks for your wilingness to help!

I've been watching Hotwire and Hotels.com - and finally some 4* hotels are showing up in the chicago area! Due to the sheer number of runners, and hotels have 200 - 400 4* "deals" I'm wondering how to proceed in bidding!! I've always been comfortable getting the Hyatt for under $100 a night, but I've never gone during Cubs games, or conventions.... I'm thinking a max bid would have to be around $200 - if I dont win a bid, my running partner has a friend who lives downtown.. but I'd really like to have at least one night downtown... any help I'd appreciate it! I thought I'd start bidding Saturday...

Thanks, as per your suggestions, knowing Hyatt would probably come up in Loop - started bidding today: 1. $55 came back and asked for $15 rebid (I admit I forgot what to do at this point!! I tried to find a thread here - but ended up closing the browser, opening up a new browser and started over again - was this right?) 2. $62 in Loop area Bid accepted 2 nights 3/30 - 4/1 2006 accepted Taxes & Service Fees: $26.94 Total Charges: $150.94 Great Deal - just sad no pool!! :) but like I've posted if a pool was a big deal we would bid thru Hotwire, the price was the big deal!! Last time we got this hotel we had a view of the Chicago River, and of course the lake to the righ!! Awesome!! I should add that Hyatt has a "Best Rate" on their website hyatt.com and the same night they are offering a total of "Total Price Per Room: 408.00 USD " and that price is before taxes and survice fees!! While Hotels.com is showing a $204 price per night, again no taxes!! So yes, were happy!! Thanks again, much appreciate the site, and help!!

OK - thanks, will try tomorrow and add Loop - wouldnt mind those hotels, but we were hoping for a pool, not a must have, which is why we're doing Priceline, not Hotwire. I did check out easy click travel... it has a 4* loop hotel at $108 (off the record) "Facilities on property include 24-hour Gym, 24-hour complimentary business center featuring Wi-Fi access and work-pods. Concierge, valet parking, Meeting and Special Events facilities, IT Concierge, in-house audio visual services." which I was thinking might be the Hyatt. They list a 3* at $130 (just stating Chicago) a night but it has a pool, and compl. bkfst Again, thanks for any input!!

Listed at $75 on Hotels.com for same date Used bidding techniques, and link from this board. My bid was based on posts for this 3* status, and $46 was my first bid, and accepted right away. The hotel was not ready when we arrived at 2:15 Indy time (1:15 Chicago time) no worries, check in was 3pm, went to lunch took their business call, called back room ready. Manager very kind and apologetic - a smoking room was available, we chose to wait. When returned manager was very personable - (which came into play next day!!) Also there was a high school boys team staying - they didnt use the pool, and never made any impact - only noticed them from time to time in lobby, esp when they checked out - I had no idea they were a team!! Room was around corner from elevator, and ice machine, no noice detectable - was long room with 2 dble beds - non smoking. Flat screen tv with HBO, and 3 ESPN channels. (went with teenage son!) Beds very comfortable, lots of soft and medium pillows (4 on each bed) Best bargain of the weekend - teenage son used car to call his gf, locked car keys in the car! Sunday morning, I went to front desk to ask for a locksmith number (thinking around $65 to get car unlocked, but with Sunday - dbl price?!!) Manager called Security Officer (there is a hospital right next door, this Security officer appears to make rounds of both properties? not sure) The officer had the tools to get into my '05 Chrysler minivan!! I was thrilled to say the least!! (sorry this became a "review' feel free to move it)

I think my problem has been in the rebidding again after 24 hours - I think Wanting a 4* in NMA used link, and bidding tips adding Skokie and Midway upping bid $5 (starting at $75) After reading more information, decided to go to a 3* Should I again begin at $75? ( I originally only wanted one night, decided with Spring Break to add another night making it a Thurs - Fri night stay - should I do 2 bids, 2 different hotels?) With 3* strategy is there any "free rebids" (or would adding a 4* option be the only 'free rebid' choice?) Since I decided to drop to 3* do I need to wait 24 hours? ( I started bidding at 8:30am) Thanks for any information!! ( I've only bid 4* and have been successful - but in a different zone)