Priceline Hotel: Advice for Memorial Weekend Trip?

[Embrey]

Good morning! I'm planning my FIRST trip to Chicago for Memorial Day Weekend, and I'm completely unfamiliar with the neighborhood options on Priceline/Hotwire...

We won't be renting a car, and we'll be there from Friday (5/28) through Tuesday (6/1).

Probably want to hit some of the touristy stuff and nightlife. Would like to be near some hot spots and I have a friend who lives near Lake Shore Drive in Lake View (and again, I have NO idea where that is in relation to any of the fun stuff!)

Any tips/advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Ideally, I'd love to find a 3.5*

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I'm sure AaronJB will add more later, but to get you started...

The NMA-River North zone is general the most convenient in terms of sightseeing and nightlife. If prices are too high in the NMA zone, the Loop is often a more reasonably priced option, as it's close to the NMA zone (a short walk, bus, or taxi ride between the two) and is often just a bit less expensive than the NMA zone. HOWEVER, this zone gets very quiet at nite after 'office hours' and won't have nearly as many restaurants and nightlife to choose from. I would suggest bidding the NMA zone first, up to your limit, then if rejected, evaluate if you want to try just a bit higher or consider the Loop zone.

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[AaronJB]

As noted above, the NMA area is the best choice when it comes to having shopping and restaurant options nearby. The Loop is fine during the day in terms of shopping and restaurants, but once it gets later in the evening, the Loop area really does get very quiet - especially in some parts of the area. The Loop is closer to museums, but it's still quite easy to get to museums from the NMA area.

The lakeview area is further North, and is about a 10-15 minute trip away by public transit - certainly quite easy to do. There is are VERY few hotels in that area though, and I would not recommend staying there - you'll get more hotel for your money downtown.

Is your budget $80 "all-in" per night (w/tax) or $80 + tax?

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.