Priceline Hotel: Help 8/13-8/16 3*-4* MMA River North in Chicago

[hroberts80]

I am looking for a decent hotel in the Magnificent Mile area. Looking to stay under $100 with the best possible hotel...where should I start bidding? I would love something like the Doubletree for $80 if possible. Help?

[hroberts80]

I am traveling to Chicago and need a room for 8/13 thru 8/15/10, 3 nights. i would like to pay around $80 before taxes and fees. Looking for Mag Mile River North area. Prefer a hotel like Double Tree Mag Mile. Need advice on bidding, never done this before. I have to be close to bus stops as I will not have a car and am arriving via Amtrak. Any suggestions? Any advice? Not sure which is better, Hotwire or Priceline? Where do I start?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please don't double post... keep all posts for the same stay in this thread.

Are you willing to pay more for a higher rated hotel OR is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay?

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

[hroberts80]

I am looking to stay around $80 and get the best deal I can. I would prfer 3* and above.

[AaronJB]

The area of downtown Chicago is actually rather compact; the Amtrak station is on the West side of the Loop area (called "Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park" on PRICELINE, Loop on HOTWIRE) If you were to stay on the far North end of the River North-North Michigan Ave. area downtown (which is the other main downtown zone; this zone is split into two different zones on HOTWIRE), it's still a pretty quick cab ride to the train.

That said, these are expensive dates - not sure why, as there doesn't seem to be any conventions and the air show taking place this weekend doesn't usually appear to bring in that many visitors from outside the area. HOTWIRE is not showing anything within your desired range when looking at these dates - properties in the downtown area are all $100+ (on HOTWIRE), unfortunately.

A 4* for these dates is unfortunately unlikely, although it wouldn't hurt to try at $80. A 3.5* is somewhat more likely, but is still going to be difficult. 3* is probably most likely at $80, although if hotels are not aggressively discounting for these dates - and they do not appear to be - that may prove to be difficult at the $80 mark.

In terms of zone on PRICELINE, the Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park area would be closer to the train, but much of this area can be very quiet at night. The River North-NMA area is further from the train, but has a wider variety of restaurants and nightlife.

Let us know your thoughts on the above and we can proceed with further suggestions.

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