Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (NMA-River North) Hotel Sax

[StephanieY]

This is a great board. I've managed to navigate to it several times I hope you all can help.

I'm using hotwire and the area is Mag Mile

Searched for 1 room (for me and my boyfriend).

Based on recent posts I can guess what the hotels are - but I'd like comments regarding the following:

1) Parking costs

2) Does the hotel cater to business/convention or tourist

3) Proximaty to shopping and museums

Thanks in adavance folks!

$69- 4* Mag Mile - Streeterville: Bed Choice/ Fitness/ Food/ Business Cener/ Internet

$89- 4.5* Mag mile - Streeterville: Non smoking rooms/ fitness/ food/ business center/ internet

$55- 3 Mag mile - Streeterville: Fitness/ business cener/ Internet

$73- 3.5 Mag mile - Streeterville: Fitness/ Pool/ Food/ Business center/ internet

Finally - do you think any of these hotels can be accessed on priceline by bidding a few bucks lower. A girl has to save money where she can.

I have been to Chicago once and stayed at the Hyatt for $45 during the summer. The hotel was OK - I don't mind large convention, but I found the location less then desirable (Far from everything it seemed - not interested in the Loop). I also didn't have a car so didn't realize parking would cost so much!

[StephanieY]

Also - Found a post about The Dana...where would you rate that in the above choices. I can't figure out how to enter the promo code though. Not familar w/ Expedia.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you go to Expedia after you click "Book It" on the next page you'll usually see an advertisement for their branded credit card in the middle of the page... directly under that is a link "I have a coupon" which when clicked will open up a box to enter a coupon code.

For this stay, what is more important... the lowest price or having a guess before your purchase as to which property you may receive?

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

[StephanieY]

The most important thing for us during this stay (well me..boyfriend isn't picky) is getting the best deal. I'd like to be at a nice hotel (Equivilant at least to the Hyatt Regency on Whacker) for minimum bucks..and proximity to theatres and museums would be good. I also want a hotel w/ newer ammenities, such as flat screen tvs. One that doesn't nickle and dime you for parking and internet would be cool too.

[AaronJB]

If you are driving in, expect $35-50 parking at hotels in the city - some hotels may be slightly higher than that. Public lots are around $25 per night.

The 4* Mag Mile would be a possible match for the Hard Rock, Sheraton, Westin River North or Hyatt.

The 4.5* Mag Mile would likely be the Intercontinental.

3.5* Mag Mile = likely the Doubletree

3* Mag Mile = possibly Holiday Inn Express Cass or Inn of Chicago.

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

[StephanieY]

Yikes. I bid $62 through PRICELINE and got The Sax Hotel. I've never heard of that. Did I get a good deal? Where should I report this deal - is in this thread OK?

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

This is a boutique hotel run by the Thomson group, formerly the House of Blues hotel. I'm sure AaronJB will be able to give you more particulars about the area, but at $62 this is a very nice deal and i'm sure will suit your needs just fine. (although with valet parking at $52 you may want to look for parking elsewhere nearby)

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

Enjoy your stay.

[AaronJB]

I think this is just about the lowest the Sax has ever been reported at. The Sax is formerly the House of Blues Hotel, and the HOB is still right next door.

The Sax is a boutique recently bought by the famed Thompson Hotel Group boutique chain, who runs a famed series of properties in NYC, LA and elsewhere.

The property is in the River North area; there are tons of restaurants in the blocks to the North of the hotel - everything from casual (Portillo's hot Dogs) to higher-end fare and everything in-between. The famed restaurant from Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill, is not far away.

Overall, this is a really terrific deal.

I've never parked here (I don't drive), but this is a popular lot right nearby. They likely have raised rates since the prices below were posted, so I would definitely call first.

The Sterling Self-Park Garage

(located between Clark and LaSalle on Kinzie)

312.341.3463

$24 per day

In by 7 a.m. out by 7 p.m. - $14

In by 9 a.m. out by 7 p.m. - $18 per day

After 3 p.m. and weekends - $6