Priceline Hotel: 3* Chicago (Millenium-Loop-Grant Park) Essex Inn

[mberube]

Looking for a 4* in one of the following zones from 5/20 to 5/23. I have already bid 66, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90$ today adding new zones without 4*.

Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area

or

North Michigan Ave - River North Area

I am wondering if I should continue and bid higher or wait a few days before trying to re-bid. Looking for feedback to when is usually the best time to bid to get best prices, as early as possible or close to the date to get last minute deals?

[AaronJB]

The issue in this case is the NRA (National Restaurant Association) show, which is one of the year's biggest conventions in Chicago - rates are very high, with HOTWIRE showing discounted rates downtown around $225-250.

There is no way to know whether or not rates will cool off closer to the dates, but with a large show and Spring traffic, rates will likely remain elevated. What would be your desired max budget per night?

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

[mberube]

Don't really have a budget, just want to get the best deal for a 4* downtown. I will continue to increase my bid by a few bucks every day. Hopefully, I will not have to go too high. Unless you have a better suggestion?

[AaronJB]

You can definitely try bidding higher by $5's each time, but unfortunately I think a winning bid may take quite a bit (possibly as much as $150-175+) higher. Unfortunately, with Spring traffic and the convention, rates downtown will remain high. The suburbs are cheaper, but require a trip into the city on the train and are really not recommended if you're not driving.

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

[mberube]

Looks like you are right. My wife tried tonite at 95,101,106,111,116 and 121$ (always using your PRICELINE link btw! ;-)) and still haven't been successful. Enough for today, I will keep trying tomorrow. Thanks for your quick replies, very appreciated !

[mberube]

Kept bidding today trying the following bids:

4* ... 125$ (refused)

4* ... 130$ (refused)

4* ... 135$ (refused)

4* ... 140$ (refused)

4* ... 145$ (refused)

3.5* ... 145$ (refused)

3* ... 145$ (accepted: Chicago's Essex Inn).

More than I was expecting but still much better than any other prices available online. :-)

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to see you got this stay, for these difficult dates, settled. Hopefully you're pleased with the outcome and this works well for your needs.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board.

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

Enjoy your stay.