chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Looking to go to Chicago this week, planning to stay for 2 nights. For a nice hotel can spend upto $110-120 per night. Will be using the priceline bidding for the first time so need tips. I will be driving from Minneapolis to Chicago so my dates are flexible but will need parking for my car. Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Welcome to Betterbidding. :) I'm seeing next-to-no availability downtown for these dates (the few hotels that are available are $350-400+) Hot.wire actually has no availability downtown - there is one 4* in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for $310. I'd be more than happy to suggest hotels in the North suburbs, which are a nice area with a lot of shopping and restaurant options. The Metra trains (which are very nice and comfortable) would then be what you would take downtown - you would drive to the nearest Metra station (which usually charge about a buck fifty to park), then take the Metra in. If you're coming in from Minneapolis, the North burbs would work well. Plus, these hotels are going to offer free parking. You are likely looking at around $65-85 for a 3.5*-4* in the North burbs. Hot.wire has a 4* in the Northbrook-Glenview-Deerfield area for $101 w/:Free ParkingPet friendlyIndoor pool(s)Smoke Free RoomsFitness CenterPool(s)Restaurant(s)Business CenterSelf service laundryInternet accessGolf NearbyAccessible for the blindAccessible for the deafAccessible path of travelIn-room accessibilityAccessible bathroomHandicapped parkingRoll-in shower This would be a possible match for the Sheraton Northbrook. If the Sheraton Northbrook, great location at the end of a very nice mall, with a Metra station up the road. Great area. There is also a 3.5* in the Evanston-Skokie-Niles area for $110 w: Free ParkingFree InternetIndoor pool(s)Fitness CenterPool(s)Restaurant(s)Business CenterSelf service laundryInternet accessAccessible path of travelIn-room accessibilityAccessible bathroomHandicapped parkingRoll-in shower This is likely the Doubletree Skokie. Again, nice area. The problem in this case is that, while this property is literally closer to downtown, it's not as convenient to public transit to downtown. I'm also seeing what may be the Crowne Plaza Northbrook for $86. Rates are usually less expensive in the suburbs, but given that there's next-to-nothing downtown, higher rates in the burbs are due to overflow from downtown. Lastly,PRICELINE EXPRESS is showing what may be the Renaissance North Shore or Hilton Northbrook for $77. ------------------ Do any of the above PRICELINE EXPRESS or Hot.wire options appeal? I actually think the PRICELINE EXPRESS listing that I'm seeing is a very good deal, given how busy these dates are. Or would you rather bid? The benefit of PRICELINE EXPRESS and Hot.wire is that you can make an educated guess as to which hotels are showing, whereas if you bid, you have to be willing to accept any hotel at the star rating chosen in the zone chosen. Bidding is usually slightly-to-moderately cheaper tha PRICELINE EXPRESS or Hot.wire, although given how busy these dates are I'd guess the difference may be less significant. The prices you see on Hot.wire and PRICELINE EXPRESS may differ slightly. Please let us know if you have any questions before booking. Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Yes seems like there is some convention in Chicago going on, i can go next week in that case. I see that between 08/04-08/06 there are some downtown hotels available, can you check out those and suggest which one seems to be a good option. Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 For 8/4-6: I'm seeing a 4.5* in the Mag Mile N-Water Tower area for $134 w/: Free InternetPet friendlyBoutique HotelSmoke Free RoomsFitness CenterRestaurant(s)Business CenterInternet access This would be a possible match for the Ivy, which is a newer (a year or so at this point) property in a terrific location off Michigan Ave. This is a small building with only a few rooms per floor and, as such, more personalized service. A little more than your desired budget, but awesome location and smaller, more personalized boutique with great reviews. If you stay here, you'll find a number of parking lots nearby and Navy Pier is another parking option not very far East. Neither of these options are going to be vastly cheaper, but they will be cheaper than parking at the hotel. I'm seeing a 4* in Mag Mile N-WT for $119 w/: Free InternetPet friendlyBoutique HotelSmoke Free RoomsFitness CenterRestaurant(s)Business CenterInternet accessGolf NearbyTennis NearbyAccessible for the blindAccessible for the deafAccessible path of travelIn-room accessibilityWheelchair accessibleAccessible bathroomHandicapped parkingRoll-in shower This is a possible match for the Public. I've stayed at this property before and really quite liked it. That said, there's some limitations to the building itself - it's a fairly significant renovation of an older, classic property with major history - primarily, the walls are thin. There's not quite as many amenities as some other downtown 4*'s, but the hotel's attempts to be more reasonable (free wifi, room service that is still a bit high but cheaper than most hotels) are a plus. This is at the very top end of the NMA zone - it's in a really nice neighborhood (the Gold Coast area, which has a lot of nightlife), but it's not centrally located in the city as a whole. Still, there is a subway station a few blocks away, though. I'm also seeing what appears to be the Sheraton on HOTWIRE for $127, but for $7 more I'd rather recommend the nearby Ivy (the Sheraton is very much a "big city convention hotel".) The prices you see may differ slightly. Let us know if you have any questions before booking. Would either of these potential options be of interest? Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 The Ivy seems to be a good option, can i bid through PRICELINE and maybe get it at a lower price? Although parking might be an issue since i will need a 24 hr parking service in that case but guess for a good hotel i can compromise on that. I will be with my wife and 2.5 yr old son so need the hotel in downtown where all attractions are nearby. Link to comment
thereuare Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 When bidding on PRICELINE you may be able to get a better price, but there is no way to target/guess the hotel you may receive, so you may or may not receive the same hotel as above... are you willing to accept a different hotel in this zone? Also, note that PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the discretion of the hotel, and you could receive a room with only one bed. While you can call the hotel you win and request a room with two beds, the hotel may not be able, or willing, to honor your request. If this is not a risk you're willing to accept, HOTWIRE would still be an option as they allow you to search for up to quad occupancy and ensure sleeping accommodations for everyone you include in your search (although this usually means two beds, the second 'bed' could be a sofabed, rollaway, etc) Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there. PS- and please read your messages. Thanks. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Yes i am willing to take the risk of having one bed. PRICELINE EXPRESS deal is showing me a 4 Star Hotel Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area for $114/night, amenities mentioned are: Free Internet Pets Allowed Fitness Center Restaurant Business Center any idea which hotel this might be? Link to comment
thereuare Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 I'm not seeing any 4* hotel offered in this zone when searching for your dates (7/28-7/30)... are you still seeing this on your own PRICELINE EXPRESS search or are you searching for different dates? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 Oh..i changed the dates to 08/04-08/06 since this week Chicago is busy, can you change the dates in the heading too? Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 27, 2014 Report Share Posted July 27, 2014 If you bid through PRICELINE, you may get any of the 4.5*'s in the zone - you can see the list of hotels reported to the board (changes may happen at any time) at that star level in the NMA area here: Priceline Hotel List Illinois. I don't think there's a bad one in the bunch, although the Intercontinental gets the most mixed reviews. The Intercontinental is a nice property with a fascinating history and a great location, but it is effectively a massive convention/business hotel - it's not going to offer personalized service. The other note I have about this property is that some rooms in the North Tower really have next-to-no view, looking square into building next door. You may get any of the potential properties when bidding at the 4.5 level, although I will note the Intercontinental has probably been seen the most often. I'll take a look at the PRICELINE EXPRESS listing. Edited to add: I'd guess the Blackstone Renaissance as a possible match for the PRICELINE EXPRESS listing. That is a very nice property, but it is at the very South end of the zone. That Intercontinental/Ivy area not far from the river is a nice, central area with a lot of activity, restaurant/dining options and easy access to public transit. Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Checked out Hotwire and i think Ivy is currently at $171 which is pretty high for my budget. Link to comment
thereuare Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 For your new set of dates i'm seeing a few 4* hotels on HOTWIRE in the $110-$130 range... what is it that you're looking for from this stay and what is your maximum budget per nite for your new set of dates? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Still seeing the Public for this afternoon for $115, the potential Ivy for $136. Some of the other listings seem to be a few dollars higher in general when searching today for these dates. Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 For your new set of dates i'm seeing a few 4* hotels on HOTWIRE in the $110-$130 range... what is it that you're looking for from this stay and what is your maximum budget per nite for your new set of dates? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Just want to visit the Chicago attractions which are in downtown and want to stay close too..budget remains same upto $130 per night for a 4*+ hotel Still seeing the Public for this afternoon for $115, the potential Ivy for $136. Some of the other listings seem to be a few dollars higher in general when searching today for these dates. Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.I am not able to see the potential Ivy for $136, its around $170 i think...if i change date to Tuesday 8/5 i can see the potential Ivy for around $130 Edit: Ok just saw your reply on the other thread and my son loves a visit to the zoo..so i can stay close to the zoo too and don't mind driving to downtown for a day and then visit the attractions there while my car is parked in a public parking...i might also have some work related meetings near Chicago so need my car close by which i can use immediately as needed. Link to comment
thereuare Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 ... my son loves a visit to the zoo..so i can stay close to the zoo too and don't mind driving to downtown for a day...The Lincoln Park zone may be over your $130 budget for your dates... is this the only zone you're looking to bid OR which other zones (if any) are you looking to include?? 'Downtown' seems somewhat cheaper for your new set of dates. How is it that you want to proceed? Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 The issue with the Lincoln Park zone (while a very nice area) is that there's only a few hotels there and, with less competition, it's often cheaper to stay downtown. The top end of the NMA area is a short taxi or bus ride from the bottom end of Lincoln Park/LP Zoo. I'm seeing a 4* in the Mag Mile-WT area on HOTWIRE w/:Free InternetPet friendlyBoutique HotelSmoke Free RoomsFitness CenterRestaurant(s)Business CenterInternet accessGolf NearbyTennis NearbyAccessible for the blindAccessible for the deafAccessible path of travelIn-room accessibilityWheelchair accessibleAccessible bathroomHandicapped parkingRoll-in showerThis is showing for $115 when searching for 2 adults, $145 when searching for 2a/1c. This would be a possible match for the Public, which is at the very tip-top end of the NMA area, in the Gold Coast neighborhood. I'm seeing a 4* on PRICELINE EXPRESS for $103, with restaurant, internet, fitness. and an 8+ rating. This listing has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board, but given the amenities and star rating, the Dana, Raffaello, Hotel Chicago, Westin Michigan Ave and MileNorth would be among the possibilities. Beyond that, looking at the rates for the suburbs on these dates, I don't think the difference in rates is enough to warrant staying outside the city. Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Ok then i will keep looking at downtown hotels for now..do you think the rates might drop further or i can go ahead and book the hotels.. Edit: I dont see $103 on Priceline Express deals When i select North Michigan Ave - River North and 4* hotel i see one for $120Free Internet Restaurant Business Center and one for $158 Free Internet Indoor Pool Pets Allowed Fitness Center Restaurant Business Center Both have 8+ rating On Hotwire i see Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower area - $116 AmenitiesPet friendly Boutique Hotel Smoke Free Rooms Fitness CenterRestaurant(s) Business Center Self service laundry Internet accessGolf Nearby Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower area - $115(Book soon! The last person got the Dana Hotel and Spa.) AmenitiesFree Internet Pet friendly Boutique Hotel Smoke Free RoomsFitness Center Restaurant(s) Business Center Golf Nearby Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 The deal that I saw for $103 this morning is now unfortunately up to $120. There is no way to know if rates will come down last minute, but they appear to be somewhat higher this afternoon. Additionally, this is effectively "last minute" and I do think hotels likely have a very good idea of occupancy/demand. For the HOTWIRE listings: If you repeat your search using our BiddingHelper.com.com tool... use the HOTWIRE EASY VIEW tab and then click the GREEN BUTTON next to this listing, do you see more amenities then what you have listed above? Are you searching for 2 adults and 1 child or 2 adults? Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 I am searching for 2 adults Ok using the tool i see for $115 FULL AMENITIES: Free Internet, Pet friendly, Boutique Hotel, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Internet access, Golf Nearby, Tennis Nearby, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower for $119 FULL AMENITIES: Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Self service laundry, Internet access, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Roll-in shower I also am trying different dates so if i checkin on Sunday i think hotels are cheaper, so for 8/3-5 i see 4.5* for $128 FULL AMENITIES: Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Internet access do you think this can be the Ivy? I dont see any more amenities for this listing though Also for $110 a 4* hotel FULL AMENITIES: Free Internet, Pet friendly, Boutique Hotel, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Internet access, Golf Nearby, Tennis Nearby, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower and one for $109 FULL AMENITIES: Pet friendly, Boutique Hotel, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Self service laundry, Internet access, Golf Nearby, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Roll-in shower Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Well went for the $125/night deal on HOTWIRE , seems like a good deal? Restaurant, Pool, Indoor Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business Link to comment
thereuare Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Congratulations on your success! Glad to see you're pleased with the outcome and looking forward to your trip. Thank you for sharing your win with the board. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Enjoy your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
AaronJB Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 This is a very good deal for a superbly located property that's a block off Michigan Ave. Larger-than-average rooms at this property and there's a Corner Bakery on the opposite corner - Corner isn't the best option when there's so many great food options in the city, but I think it's a fine "room service alternative" that's right there. Let me know if you have any questions about Chicago. Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches. Link to comment
chaturvedi.ankit Posted July 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Thanks guys , just looking for a parking now nearby hotel, any suggestions? Link to comment
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