Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Chicago (Millennium-Loop-Grant Park) Hotel Blake

[ashley87]

Hi, I need some advice. I've already booked our flight to MDW airport for October 20-23. My boyfriend and I want to do all the touristy stuff and plan on getting the Chicago Go Card. This is going to be our first time there, so I know nothing of the area, etc. I've been reading different posts and it seems that the best place to stay is the NMA area. I'd like a 3.5 or 4 star hotel in the NMA area or even the Loop area for $100 before tax per night if possible. I've done a few bids so far. Yesterday I did bids in the $70s and all were rejectd. Today I've gone up to $85. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

The Fall is generally more expensive in Chicago, with conventions, the marathon, weather and other factors leading to higher rates.

The NMA area is preferable if you plan to be out at night, as the Loop area can be very quiet (especially the West/South Loop.) While the Loop is generally a bit cheaper, there is added time and cost (taxi, public transit) if you are going to be out late into the evening.

There is a chance a 4* will accept in the $95-100 range in the NMA area, but I think it will likely take as much as $110-125. If you do decide to go down to the 3.5* or 3* level in the NMA area, there are quite a few nice properties at each of those levels, as well.

Let us know your thoughts and we would be happy to offer further suggestions.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[ashley87]

Thanks for responding! I would be comfortable going to a 3 or 3.5* in NMA area. What do you think I would be able to bid on those levels? I would have to go and pick a busy/expensive time to go..lol.

[thereuare]

Do you not want to bid up to your maximum bid, $100, before considering lowering your star rating?

If you prefer a 4* for this stay do you want to lower your star rating this far ahead of your arrival?

Please remember to start your bids with the PRICELINE links on the board.

[ashley87]

So I should go ahead and do my max bid of $100 on the 4* now? Or should I keep trying to low ball it throughout the month? It sounds like I should just go ahead and try to book a room now since it is busy in the fall.

[ashley87]

Ok, I ended up bidding on the NMA 4* area all the way up to $105 by using re-bid zones. All offers were rejected. Like you said, it's most likely going to take $110-125 to get a 4* NMA hotel. I would like to bid on the 3.5* tomorrow. How would you advise me to bid? I used your PRICELINE link, thank you!

[thereuare]

At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

(NOTE: 're-bid zone1' is not the same as priceline's Zone1, 're-bid zone2' is not the same as priceline's Zone2, etc, etc)

Select 3.5* NMA...

Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone3...

Bid $80, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* NMA...

Bid $85, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone3...

Bid $100

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[ashley87]

Ok after days of trying, I finally won today. I orginally wanted a 4* NMA hotel, but I went all the way up to $122 and no luck :) So today, I ended up winning a 3.5* Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park Hotel Blake $105 ... 10/20/10-10/23/10. Is this a good deal?

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success! :)

This property was previously a Hyatt, but then was going to be turned into condos a few years back, but that never happened. Then it became an independent hotel and while it has seemed to struggle a bit (it was once going to be part of a new hotel chaiin run by Paris Hilton's sister ... but then that never happened), reviews have improved.

This area is somewhat out-of-the-way in the South Loop, but there are a number of public transit options nearby. It isn't a terribly far walk to the Museum Campus, either. This area will be quiet after dark (if you are out elsewhere in the city, I would take a cab back), although there are a few restaurant options in nearby Printer's Row, my favorite being Hackney's Printer's Row. Price-wise, this is certainly a good deal at a little more than half off.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the city.

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start future purchases.

Enjoy your stay.