moe0907 Posted June 12, 2011 Report Posted June 12, 2011 Newbie here!!We are looking to travel to Chicago 8/19 - 8/21. During our stay, we are planning on going to the Shedd Aquarium and the American Girl store. We also hope to go to Navy Pier also. Unfortunately, looking at the maps, I don't know what zone is the best for us since we want to walk to as many of these places as possible.Traveling with me will be my husband and 3 kids. I noticed on Hotwire two kids was the max and they don't ask for ages. Will this be a problem? I am hoping for a 4* but after looking at the list of hotels on this site, a 3 or 3.5* would probably work, too.Let me know if you need any other info!!!
AaronJB Posted June 13, 2011 Report Posted June 13, 2011 Welcome to Betterbidding. :)The NMA area is further from museums, but has more in the way of shopping and more in the way of restaurants/nightlife. The Loop area is closer to museums and has some shopping, but the problem with the Loop area is that it can be very quiet later into the evening, as a large portion of the Loop is a business district and when the offices let out, the area can be pretty quiet. One big recommendation/suggestion: Navy Pier is a popular destination, but it is - I think - a tourist trap. The rides are expensive, the restaurants are expensive, it gets rather hot during the day (direct sun) and there's really not too much to it. I highly recommend heading up to the Lincoln Park area and the Lincoln Park Zoo (free), the Farm in the Zoo (free), the Peggy Notabert Nature Museum (admission and this is more of a family-friendly museum), Old Town, the Chicago Historical Society (admission), the Green Farmers Market and more.The Shedd is worth seeing, although I'd definitely go there early as it can get plenty crowded at times and it's really most enjoyable when it's not jammed. HOTWIRE does have a max of four and the service does consider children 2-17 yrs. Five people is a risk, but if you do book, you could not make it too apparent at check-in (not have everyone come to the desk.)What would be your desired budget per night/star rating?Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases adn searches.
moe0907 Posted June 13, 2011 Author Report Posted June 13, 2011 I am hoping to stay in the $125/night range (before taxes) at a 3.5 and up star range. Hotwire has a 4* Magnificent Mile hotel, I believe, for $129. IBut, if I can get something cheaper on PL, then I am willing to go that route. The only amenity I hope for is a pool.I agree that Navy Pier is a tourist trap!! I have been to Chicago a couple of times but the rest of my family has never been. I thought it was a nice place to walk around. I will keep that in mind at check regarding the kids.Thanks for the help!!
AaronJB Posted June 13, 2011 Report Posted June 13, 2011 The only concern with PRICELINE is that it guarantees double occupancy/1 bed; the hotel may not be willing to offer two beds or may charge more. Additionally, no way to guarantee a particular amenity via PRICELINE, and there are a number of properties in the city w/o pools.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
moe0907 Posted June 13, 2011 Author Report Posted June 13, 2011 I will probably end up going to HOTWIRE to book (and use your link!!). That way I can at least get double beds!!I will post when I book it!!!
AaronJB Posted June 13, 2011 Report Posted June 13, 2011 Searching for more than 2 on HOTWIRE guarantees bedding for the party (while that is commonly 2 beds, it may in some cases be 1 + sofabed or rollaway.)Additionally, I believe the Air + Water show is going on this particular weekend, and is free to go see.Edited to add: the air/water show is 20th/21st; if you are walking around in the North tip area of the North Michigan Ave. area on the 19th, you may see planes flying over doing practice runs. The show on the 20th/21st is at North Ave Beach.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
moe0907 Posted June 14, 2011 Author Report Posted June 14, 2011 4* NMA-WT-GCAmentites:Boutique HotelSmoke Free RoomsFitness CenterRestaurantBusiness CenterHigh Speed Internet AccessGold NearbyThe dates are 8/18 - 8/21 and the price listed right now is $132. I am wanting this area or in the Magnificent Mile/Streeterville area for the dates above......3.5* or higher.What are the chances that this hotel might have a pool even though it isn't listed as one of the amentities??
thereuare Posted June 14, 2011 Report Posted June 14, 2011 This property has not yet been reported to the board, but it's been previously guessed that this may be the Whitehall with the addition of a new Smoke Free icon... but this has not been confirmed.If a Pool is a must-have or is very strongly desired, i'd suggest purchasing a hotel which shows the Pool icon (but this is a major city, and pools are typically not that common at Downtown properties)Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Let us know how it goes or if we can be of further help. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
moe0907 Posted June 15, 2011 Author Report Posted June 15, 2011 The room is booked!!4* Magnificent Mile/Streeterville8/18 - 8/31Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers $130/nightLooking forward to our trip!!!
thereuare Posted June 15, 2011 Report Posted June 15, 2011 Congratulations on your success!Glad to see you got this stay taken care of and are pleased with the results.Can you confirm that you used Hotwire for this stay, and if so, please include the amenities shown before your purchase... you can still view this information by going to HOTWIRE and clicking the MY ACCOUNT link near the top right of their home page.Also, previously you mentioned your check-out date as 8/21... is the above a typo and we should edit the topic title to reflect the 21st (and not the 31st??)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. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
moe0907 Posted June 15, 2011 Author Report Posted June 15, 2011 Check out is 8/21....sorry!The amentities are:Smoke Free RoomsRestaurantFitness CenterBusiness CenterPoolHigh Speed Internet AccessI did use Hotwire for this stay. In fact, I used your link!!
AaronJB Posted June 15, 2011 Report Posted June 15, 2011 Thank you for the follow-up. There is a Dominicks Grocery on the opposite corner from the hotel - good choice for cheaper snacks/drinks than from in the hotel. I also recommend Fox and Obel Market and Cafe, which is a couple of blocks East at the corner of McClurg and Illinois.
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