Priceline Hotel: 3* Chicago (NMA-River North) Residence Inn Mag Mile

[giants21]

So I've been trying to bid on a 4* (even went down to 3*) and have gone as high as $90 (started around $75 and used the free re-bid methodology), but was rejected each time. Would prefer the hotel be in the Millennium Park area and 4* but willing to expand to NMA area and 3*. I've seen that some people have won as low as ~$60 upwards to ~$110. I'm hoping that i can find something at $90 max. Check-in 6/09 and check-out 6/12.

What would be a good range to bid in?

Thanks for the help!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Rates are date specific and for your dates are a little higher then we've been seeing of late. I'm guessing a 3*-4* property is likely going to cost about $110-$135 at this point (closer to the low end for a lower rated property... closer to the high end for a higher rated property)

To confirm, you have already bid for a 3* or higher in the NMA and Loop zones up to $90?

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

[giants21]

Yup, went as low as 3* and as high as $90 to include the NMA and Loop zones. Is it better to wait as the date gets closer? I was thinking of booking a regular room (that offers free cancellation if cancelled beyond 24hrs) then trying the bidding with about a week or so left.

[thereuare]

Is it better to wait as the date gets closer?

There is no definitive answer to this, it all depends upon how actual reservations (and cancellations) come in relative to expectations. If hotels get fewer reservations (or more cancellations) then they typically expect over the next week then you could see rates go down.. but if they more reservations (and fewer cancellations) then you could see rates higher from here. See the related "Bid Early or Late" link in our PRICELINE FAQ for more info.

I was thinking of booking a regular room (that offers free cancellation if cancelled beyond 24hrs) then trying the bidding with about a week or so left.

No harm in doing so as long as your back-up is something you could live with should you need to. For instance, no sense in booking a back-up at $229 if you have zero intention on using that reservation even if you're not successful on PRICELINE / HOTWIRE... if there is nothing reasonable thru direct channels then i would sooner bump your bids a little higher at this point in time... ~$125 for a nice hotel in downtown Chicago is still a pretty good deal, imo.

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

[giants21]

I had been trying for a couple weeks now, was hoping to to get a 4* and in the Loop, but can't complain. Finally got the 3* Residence Inn By Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile for $110/night. As an added bonus, they have sofabeds in each room, free breakfast as well as dinner/beer/wine Tues-Thurs, which is great for me and my 2 buddies! (now we don't have to ask for and upgrade or rollaways)

Anyone have suggestions on parking? Marriott told me their valet is $45/night, which I find to be high. We plan on leaving the car in the lot for the entirety of the trip, so location can be a little flexible.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad you found something that works well for your plans and 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.