Priceline Hotel: Help with bidding (May 21-23)

[Beginner_bid]

This is my first time using Priceline and was advised to take a look at your website (betterbidding) for tips and advice. I think this is a really genius website however I'm having difficulties booking a hotel at a reasonable price. Our travel dates are from May 21-23, 2011and tried many bidding attempts with no success. I've tried combining areas for more than one bid per day but again, no success thus far. It seems that there is a National Restaurant Show on that same weekend but not sure if it's taking place downtown or not.

Preferences are:

4* or 3.5*

Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area or North Michigan Ave - River North Area.

Would like to stay under 100$.

Are these unrealistic expectations? Is it better to wait last minute (i.e. a few days before the stay) to place the bid?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

The NRA show in Chicago si a big one and i'm sure that's effecting hotel demand (and therefore prices too!) for these dates.

My guess is that you'll likely need to increase your budget and/or lower your star rating.

What is the best rate you're able to find at an acceptable hotel for these dates thru conventional booking channels?

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

[AaronJB]

The NRA show (which is at McCormick Place, so visitors stay nearby in Downtown) is definitely one of the biggest shows of the year in Chicago (if not the biggest.) While some availability may (and that's a big if; the seasonal tourist demand may keep rates high, even if inventory related to the NRA show may open up.) While prices may lighten up closer to the dates, I think staying under $100 is unfortunately going to be extremely tough, even closer to the dates.

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