Priceline Hotel: 3* Chicago (NMA-River North) Holiday Inn at the Mart

[amberlo]

First of all, I used the Priceline link from BetterBidding.

Having stayed at the Hyatt Regency (4*) and the Hotel Cass (2 1/2*), I was eager to try something different. I put in $45 for 5/8 - 5/9, 3 1/2* and up, River North only, and came up empty - so I went down to 3* (which this property is) and bumped it up to $49. Currently, in Chicago, that seems to be the magic number as there are hotels at all star levels that will accept a $49 bid. I'd never heard of this one but the reviews sound very positive. It's a bit further from the most attractive tourist areas, but stands high over the river and so I'm hoping to get a great view.

[yellowdog]

Congratulations on your success!

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and using our PRICELINE link to begin your bidding :)

We hope you'll enjoy your stay.

Yellowdog.

[AaronJB]

The difference between a river view and regular room, if I remember correctly, is surprisingly reasonable - I think it's somewhere around $10 (actually now that I look at the website, it is $10.)

Given that this property is that the bend of the river, some rooms may have particularly good views. PRICELINE reservations are not eligible for upgrades, but you could ask and if they say no, offer to pay the difference between regular and upgraded ($10.)

This property was renovated not long ago and I believe it won renovation of the year for the chain.

[amberlo]

Huh. I was told $20 at the counter for a view room. No matter - the way the hotel is situated, my king room overlooks the river toward the west, and I just watched the sunset through the large windows. Quite picturesque but not that "ideal" view overlooking the bend in the river and the downtown buildings.