Priceline Hotel: Boutique Chicago (NMA-River North) Omni Ambassador

[AaronJB]

Needed a hotel to take a break while waiting for air conditioning to be put in during a particularly nasty Chicago heat wave.

After starting off at $65 and using a few re-bid zones (Evanston, Grant Park/Loop, etc), we were given an offer of upping $22 after bidding $80. We were so hot and tired after 4 days of the heat that we were willing to accept it. $102. We probably could have done better with different stratgies, but I was so exhausted from the heat that I could barely get my name out when we checked into the hotel.

A few things to note:

Very nice room. Some people have complained of Priceline users getting the worst rooms here. We actually got a very nice one, with a large bathroom and nice view. I'm guessing that, since this is an old hotel, room size may vary pretty heavily.

There is definitely some work going on at this hotel, and it is not mentioned on the hotel website. Most noticable is the tuck-pointing. Anyone who has experienced tuck-pointing going on outside will know that the noise is LOUD inside. Luckily, we did not have to deal with it much just given the time we were there.

Seriously though, during first the half-hour or so of our stay, we could clearly hear the work going on in the distance and we were not even on the side (West) where they currently appeared to be working. After that, we were okay (we were there Friday Night into Saturday; work was Mon-Fri 9-5pm) So, a word of warning for those looking to bid Botique for River North/North Michigan Ave.

We had room 838. Anyone looking for a good basic room should choose this one.

Will write a longer review for the review forum, and post there, as well.

[thereuare]

Thank you for sharing your win with the board.

I certainly know how you feel (felt)... we've been getting the heat wave here in NYC just a day or two after you, it's been hazy, hot, and humid for a few days now. Just heard though that it will be in the 70's by Thursday, so hopefully you'll cool down in the next two days or so. Now that your A/C is installed it probaby won't break 85 the rest of the summer! :)

Thanks for the report and the hotel review.

[lawdeda]

We stayed at this hotel June 2 - 4. When we got this hotel, I immediately signed up for their frequent stay program. In the packet, they sent me a free upgrade coupon (to a suite). So, when I got to the hotel with my priceline reservation, I asked to be upgraded to the suite - AND THEY DID!

I was really pleased with this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the room was great and very clean. I also liked the location but it is a bit north of main tourists areas (except of course for Lincoln Park). I would definately recommond the hotel.