Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (NMA-River North) Marriott Chicago MagMile

[onehaehyuk]

Hi all,

This is my first time posting but I've been browsing the forums quite a bit and must say some people did a great job getting some really great deals in Chicago! I'm hoping to get a similarly good deal (or as good as possible). I'm heading down with my gf for a couple nights from Oct. 8th - Oct. 10th and were looking to stay in North Michigan/River North area.

Does anyone know what the typical price points are for this time period for a 4* hotel in that area? It'd be great to get something for under $150-$160 if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Unfortunately, the serious issue with these dates is that the Chicago Marathon is 10/9, and that is (traditionally) one of the worst nights of the year for hotels. HOTWIRE doesn't look as bad as I'd expect, given the marathon, but prices are still very high (the first night being particularly bad, the second night is cheaper but if you were able to find a cheaper rate for the second night, my concern would be availability during the first night, with the marathoners coming in). Unfortunately, my guess is that you're likely looking at $175-200 for a 4* for these dates, although I'd start at $140 and work higher by $5's using re-bidding.

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

[onehaehyuk]

Hi Aaron,

Thanks very much for your response and help. That's such a bummer about that weekend being the Marathon weekend, I had no idea :)

Oh well, I'll keep trying. So far I've bid up to 165 and have had no luck. Was thinking of trying up until about 200 or so and if I still have no luck I'll just book a hotel through PRICELINE or HOTWIRE using the "non-bid" option as I don't want to keep having to wait 24 hours.

Thanks again!

[AaronJB]

Regular rate 4*'s are definitely on the high side; I'll note that the Public Chicago Hotel is $245 on Expedia; that property opens 9/12; it's a renovation of one of the most historic properties in the city by famed boutique operator Ian Schrager, who was behind the boutique concept, creating such boutique properties as NYC's Morgans Hotel. This property is on the lower end of the price range for 4*'s, and I do believe this property is more low priced for a good portion of the Fall season in order to try and get people in the door. There is no way to know if/when this property will participate on PRICELINE/HOTWIRE

The Public is in the Gold Coast area, which is a few minutes walk North of the North tip of the NMA area, so it is not particularly central, but it is a nice area with a lot of restaurants and nightlife. There's also transit, and it's an easy walk to NMA.

The Talbott, which is a more European-style/cozy boutique 4*, is closer to Michigan Ave, and in a very nice location. That's a bit more expensive at $255 on Orbitz (20% off sale), but ORBITZ5 coupon code takes 5% off. This property has rarely ever been seen on either discount service.

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

[slruud]

You've got time, so why not see if you can get the 4* River North/Magnificent Mile hotel...probably the Doubletree... on Lastminutetravel.com for $172. It comes up as "on request" so you might have to wait a day or so to see if they can finaggle (sp) another room at that price.

[onehaehyuk]

Hi Aaron and slruud,

Thanks again for your tips. I ended up getting a successful bid to the Marriott downtown for $190/night. It's pretty good considering it's regular $299/night on their website.

Pretty excited since the location is so great. Any tips on getting a King size bed room instead of 2 double beds? Is it just based on how early you check in that day or can you request arrangements beforehand?

Thanks everyone! Excited!!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to see you received a nice deal for this stay and are happy with the results.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board.

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

Enjoy your stay.

[AaronJB]

This is a terrific location a block or three North of the river. The restaurants of the River North area are an easy walk West, and you're right on the NMA area. I'd contact the hotel to make any basic requests (1 bed instead of 2; high floor may not be a bad request in an attempt to see if you can luck into a view, etc.) No guarantees, but I'd attempt any requests ahead of time.