Priceline Hotel: 3*-4* Chicago 5/19-5/25

[CassieF]

A friend and I are travelling to Chicago and looking to stay in the Loop area or NMA area. We could split our stay but ideally would rather not. I know it's a bit far out and I'm wondering if I should wait or start bidding now. We are looking to spend a max of $75, possibly up to $80/n.

Thanks in advance...

[AaronJB]

Unfortunately, the big concern with these dates is that the NRA (National Restaurant Association) show is going on during this period (21-24) and that is probably the biggest convention of the year in the city - hotels often become sold out during the time period. The end of May/Spring is generally a bit expensive as is with tourist traffic, but these dates in particular are going to be extremely busy. There is a 2* on HOTWIRE for these dates for $75, but everything else is generally in the upper $100 range or over $200. Unfortunately, I think $80 isn't going to be enough for a 3*/4* and it may get worse as the dates get closer.

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

[CassieF]

It appears as if last year there were a couple of 4* (Hyatt Regency for one) that went during the NRA for $60-80. The bids were placed closer to the date, in April and early May. Should I try splitting my bids to before the event starts and during it?

[AaronJB]

What would be your desired budget per night? I'd suggest waiting a little before considering splitting your stay (unfortunately, trying to split the stay results in largely similar prices - at least at this point - on HOTWIRE) or other alternatives. Some last-minute wins were able to be had last year, although the stays in question appear to take place during the latter portion of the convention.

I'd try bidding for a 4* in both downtown zones (River North-NMA/Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park) starting at $75 and then going to $80 if $75 isn't accepted. If $80 isn't accepted, then you can wait and try again to see if inventory opens up over time, or consider trying for a 3.5*, although as a whole I'd recommend the 3.5*'s in the River North-NMA than the 3.5*'s in the Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park area.

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

[CassieF]

I guess we could go up to $125/n. Do you think that would be good enough for a 4*? How low do you think we might be able to get a 3.5* in the NMA area? We'd be okay with a 3.5* or even a 3* depending on how much cheaper it would be...

[Romelle]

I guess we could go up to $125/n. Do you think that would be good enough for a 4*? How low do you think we might be able to get a 3.5* in the NMA area? We'd be okay with a 3.5* or even a 3* depending on how much cheaper it would be...

What I do when I'm ambivalent about the star level is bid them simultaneously. First I figure out what the difference in amenities and ambiance is worth to me personally. If there is plenty of bidding evidence, I also get a general idea from that what the differences might be. I'm just making up numbers here since it varies from city to city and for all sorts of things, but maybe I decide a 4* is worth $15 more than a 3 1/2* (to me), and a 3 1/2* is worth $10 more than a 3*.

Then I bid - say - $80 for the 4* after I decide this is a good low starting point.

If that doesn't work, I bid $55 for the 3 1/2*.

And if that doesn't work I bid $45 for the 3*.

All in the same bidding session.

The next bidding session (24 hours later) I up all three numbers by the same increment and try again. If I hit the top of my budget for the 4*s, I just keep bidding that number while I increment the lower star levels.

Have you looked at the Calendar of Wins (just above) for results on your dates? Both Priceline and Hotwire. Hotwire usually is a little more expensive, but it will still give you an idea.

And another good check to make is to look up your dates in Hotwire. Lots of bidders use this to figure out where to start bidding via Priceline. While most people figure a discount of maybe 10%- 15%, bidders with lots of time and patience will start their bidding with even a 25% discount.

Romelle

[thereuare]

I guess we could go up to $125/n. Do you think that would be good enough for a 4*? How low do you think we might be able to get a 3.5* in the NMA area? We'd be okay with a 3.5* or even a 3* depending on how much cheaper it would be...

Based upon current rates i don't think you're expectations are realistic... at the moment i think you'll be lucky to get a 3* for $120/nite. Rates may change between now and your stay, but you have to realize that the convention mentioned above is one of the largest of the year for Chicago, so there is little reason for hotels to offer deep discounts if they think they'll likely be able to sell rooms at full price to those attending the convention.

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