Hotwire Hotel: 4* Chicago (Loop) Hotel Allegro

[Dr.Mini]

Hello. This is my first post. I am attending a conference in Chicago 10/28-10/31. The rate for the conference hotel (Hotel W, The Loop) is $199 plus taxes/fees and I have until Sept. 1 to reserve at that rate. While I realize that is a good rate for that hotel, it will still break my travel budget.

I am hoping to find a 4* in the area for $125 max. Rates on "regular" sites for that weekend range from $240-$340. Does it seem feasible that I will be able to find something at my price point? Or should I take the $199 conference rate and call it good?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[comet52]

You have a ton of time. Unless there is a huge convention in town at that time you should be able to get something a lot cheaper. I'd start bidding for 4* at $70 and if you just want that one area, go up in 2 dollar increments. Find rebid zones that don't have 4 stars (sorry I'm not up on these right now but they are out there) and you can put more than one bid a day in. I would think you'll land something pretty quickly; I'd be surprised if you even got to $100/night - look at recent posts here to see what people are paying lately but be aware that timing can change those things radically- conventions, holidays, etc.

I'm not keeping up but other posters have put stuff out there, it's the popular destination for Chicago tourists and I spend more time in the suburbs doing work but I've stayed downtown for events and you can work the system there just like anywhere else.

Typically on non-busy weekends in the last couple years, the few times I stayed downtown I paid around $85/night for 4* in that area. Also be aware that if you bring a car into the loop you will have to pay $30-50/day to park it. Also if you haven't ever done Priceline bidding which I'm guessing maybe you haven't? - no offense if you have, but know that it's a you buy it you own it system so get your dates right when you bid(!!) and if you think anything is going to change, wait till closer to the time you are coming to make your bid/buy so you know everything is set for the trip.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Are you looking for the W specifically, or would you mind a hotel anywhere in the Loop?

Rates do vary by dates, and with HOTWIRE rates showing at $150-160+ for a 4* and regular rates at $250-300+ for 4*'s, $125 may be difficult for these dates for a 4*. September/October is a busy season in Chicago, as well.

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

[Dr.Mini]

Thanks for the info and suggestions. I don't believe there are any large conventions that weekend, but prices do seem pretty high. Maybe something to do with Halloween???? Comet, I have not bid on PRICELINE before, so I will be careful to pay attention to dates, etc. I recently booked a plane ticket to the wrong city (not a Priceline thing) and didn't realize it until I was at the airport! That was a pricey mistake, LOL!!

Aaron, I am not at all wedded to the W, just anything in the area will do. Are the 3.5*'s in that area pretty decent? I would be okay with that if I can't get anything in the 4* range.

[thereuare]

At the 4* level you have FIVE 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.

Select 4* Loop...

Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125

Any questions feel free to ask (especially regarding re-bidding and confirming your re-bid zones since you stated you're new to PRICELINE bidding)

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Dr.Mini]

Wow, I had to change my dates from 10/29-11/1. Have tried the bidding strategy suggested here, and went all the way up to $145 with no luck. Tried 3.5 star in North Michigan Ave area up to $120. Nada.

On hotwire, I see a 4* in The Loop for $159 - Boutique, fitness, restaurant, business center, wireless. Is this The Allegro? This would not be a bad location - easy walking distance to conference hotel.

Also on hotwire - 4* in Magnificent Mile for $169- smoke free, fitness, pool, restaurant, business center, wireless. Any thoughts on what this would be? Sheraton?? Would it be relatively easy to get to conference hotel (W Chicago City Center)?

Thanks for the help.

[AaronJB]

The 4* Loop is likely the Allegro, while the 4* is likely the Sheraton. The Allegro would be a very easy walk to the W, while the Sheraton is definitely a longer walk - probably about 20-25 minutes (but a nice walk through the city.)

I'd say try again - starting lower - for these dates on PRICELINE for a 4* in the Loop area. If not accepted up to a certain point, you could then go to the HOTWIRE options.

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

[Dr.Mini]

Well, after trying again yesterday and today, I decided to ahead and book the Allegro via HOTWIRE for $159 plus fees. Way more than I had hoped to spend, but $40 per night less than the conference hotel rate. All in all, pretty satisfied. Thanks for all your help.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing your results with the board.

While perhaps a little more than you originally wanted to pay, glad to see you still saw some nice savings and are happy with the results.

Thank you for sharing your results with the board.

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

Enjoy your stay.