Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (Millenium-Loop-Grant Park) Blackstone Renaissance Hotel

[captnamo]

Thinking 3 to 4 star at or under $100 this Thurs. and Fri. nights. Downtown or near downtown. Suggestions?

[AaronJB]

Which zones would be acceptable? In terms of the downtown area of Chicago, once you leave the city, there are few hotels until you get out into the suburbs. The suburbs are very nice, hotels are cheaper and most offer free parking, but it is a trip into the city and the hotels are tough to get to in some cases unless you're driving.

[thereuare]

... and please click this PRICELINE link before replying.

Thanks.

[captnamo]

Yes, we're driving into town. Zone 7 Millennium Park would be first choice; Zone 8 North Michigan Ave./N. River would be second choice. Zone 3 Hyde Park would be third choice (I think access to public transportation (the El) is good from there).

[thereuare]

... and please click this PRICELINE link before replying.

2x

[captnamo]

2x

2x??????? :)

[captnamo]

Left on my own, ended up at:

The Blackstone Renaissance Chicago Hotel

Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area

636 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

for a bid of $95/night; 2 nights; ($114/night with fees/taxes).

Perfect location 3 or 4 blocks from where we sail on a Fri. afternoon jaunt on a 30 ft. Catalina (semi-private charter). Just travel north (walk or taxi?) to magificent mile shopping/people watching.

Warning, valet parking is $47/day.....YIKES, with the other option being public parking "nearby." Haven't found that map yet.

I put in 3 bids between 80 and 88; their instant price reply on the first bid was $125/night. I fiddled with dates (one night instead of two) and stars (4 then 3.5) and areas (Loop and N. River/N.Michigan Ave.) Then came back a little later with my two nights (8/18-20), Loop only and $92, then added Hyde Park area and bid $95 and bagged the deal.

Hotel site rates start at $229. Not sure how that rates in everyone else's eyes, but considering I'm booking the night before, I don't think this is too bad. :) I used the site's PRICELINE link, now, if I can just find that public parking......... :)

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Looks like well under half price so a very nice deal. Glad to see you're happy with the results and this should work well for your plans.

Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.

[AlexF]

I've stayed at the Blackstone before. It's a nice hotel and close to Buckingham fountain. The Red line isn't too far away which you can take up to the Magnificent Mile. You could also walk as it's a little over a mile to the river.

[AaronJB]

I think it's a nice walk up Michigan Ave to the North Michigan Ave. area. Additionally, there are some shopping options on State St (such as the former Marshall Fields - now Macy's - flagship store not too terribly far from the hotel. If you don't want to walk, it's not far at all to public transit.

If you're looking for a burger, I do like Hackney's nearby in the Printer's Row area, and there is a coupon if you sign up for their email program on their website (http://www.hackneys.net/)

Parking - there's the Millennium Park lot nearby for $24, and there's public lots in the area for $30-35 or so.

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