Priceline Hotel: newbie with ??

[thebergs]

Would love to say I got a great deal, but will my expectations may make it impossible for me to use these sites? Chicago for Dec 11-13, arriving by train. Want to walk to attractions (Shedd) and a view. Would like a 4 star. I feel the Hyatt is too far, and seems to be one that gets listed as successfull. Researching, would like something fun like the Hard Rock, but the Embassy Suites Lakeshore seems like a great value. Is this the way for me to go or should we just book a room and be done? yep, I want it all!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

A few notes:

There is no way to ensure a view (which is usually an upgrade) via either service. Most hotels in Chicago do not have a whole lot in the way of view, given how densely built the downtown is.

With PRICELINE, you are bidding for a star rating in a particular area or areas. For example, if you bid for a 4* in the Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park zone, you have to be willing to accept *any* 4* in that zone, as there is no way to ensure or increase the odds of a particular property.

HOTWIRE is a better bet, as while not 100% guaranteed, one can make an "educated guess" as to which hotels are showing.

What would be a "reasonable" walk to the Shedd? In the warmer months, walking to the Shedd from the Hyatt is not terrible, as it's largely through Grant Park and along the lake. However, in the middle of December, I've done shorter versions of that walk (exiting the subway at the Harrison stop and then walking East on Congress to the lakefront and then walking along the lakefront for the remainder) and it's not fun. Unless it's an unusually warm (well, for December) day, I'd suggest considering public transit to the Shedd (or really making sure you have warm clothes for the walk along the lakefront.) The ES Lakefront would be a bit further from the Shedd and Amtrak than the Hyatt on Wacker.

I'd be happy to make suggestions both in terms of regular rate deals and discounted deals. Given that you may not be able to get all of what you are looking for via a discount service (and the trade-off being the discount), what would be your desired budget per night when considering HOTWIRE or PRICELINE (although HOTWIRE may be a better bet in this case.) What would be your desired budget in terms of regular rate (looking for a hotel that offers exactly what you are looking for?) Additionally, how many are in your party?

I'll also note that Orbitz has the Embassy Lakefront for $79, which is definitely a reasonable rate for that property. Coupon code ORBITZ5 takes an additional 5% off.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE, PRICELINE, Orbitz or Expedia links.

[thebergs]

Walking is of course weather permitting. We do hike on vacations, Looking at a map, and actually walking it are not the same, so please advise if that is unreasonable. Willing to use public transportation, and will have to research that as well. 2 adults this trip, and while we are usually rustic, budget travelers, this is a bit of a splurge trip for us. That being said, we love a deal! Hoped to get a nice room, with maybe a lake or river view for $100, but would expect less if not "choosing" the hotel. Would love something unique and fun like the Hard Rock, and very willing to have suggestions and recommendations. Thanks!

[AaronJB]

It's definitely different for everyone and I think it's great that you're hikers - if you are used to somewhat longer treks, then you'll likely enjoy the trek to the Shedd, which is on the museum campus (Adler Planetarium and Field Museum are next to it.) When you do select a hotel, I'd be happy to offer any directions.

The closest hotels to the Shedd are still a walk - these hotels are in the South Loop and include properties like the Hilton Towers and Blackstone Renaissance. The issue with being this far South in the Loop, however, is that there's not a whole lot going on in this area later in the evening. If you're closer to the river, you can walk North to the North Michigan Ave and River North neighborhoods, which have a wide variety of restaurants and shopping and are generally busier late into the evening hours.

I definitely would recommend the Embassy Suites Lakefront for $79 (-an additional 5% via Orbitz), as that's a nice Embassy Suites property, and in a very good area of the city, with restaurants, Michigan Ave and the river nearby. This property is usually considerably more expensive, and $79 is really at the low end of its usual range. Plus, larger room, free breakfast and evening reception. Not a 4*, but a good value in a great spot and if you're going to be out much of the day, this is a great rate.

The Hard Rock is about $150 for these dates, but if you're looking for a similar property, the Hotel Sax is $109 regular rate on Orbitz - that property is not too far from the Hard Rock, and is actually a little preferable in the way that it is in the River North area, which has a great deal of restaurant options. The Sax used to be the House of Blues hotel, and the House of Blues is still next to the hotel.

On HOTWIRE, I see what are possible matches for: The Palmer House ($89), The Intercontinental or Conrad ($113), The Felix ($77) and possibly the Allerton or Whitehall ($76), Hyatt on Wacker ($82) and the Indigo ($83), as well as the Doubletree ($72). The Doubletree is next to the Embassy Suites, and I think the ES would be preferable for a few dollars more. The Indigo and Allerton/Whitehall would be too far North. The prices may differ from user-to-user slightly - please let us know if any of these are of interest and we would be happy to offer further guidance.

On PRICELINE, you may be looking at the possibility of a 4* as low as in the $55-65 range, but you would have to be willing to stay at any 4* within the zone you're bidding on, which could be anywhere within the zone. If this is of interest, please let us know.

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

[thebergs]

I tried Orbitz, and it was not available- the site, not the hotel. I will read up on the Sax, it wasn't on our radar. Field Muesum is also a possibility, looks like we could walk easily from one to the other, correct? I think for us, we want to be pickier than we can on PRICELINE & HOTWIRE, so when a decision is made, I will be checking for additional help! But in the future, I am sure I will be using this info for another trip, where we are more flexible. Thanks for the great site! I was sent here from Trip Advisor, by the way.

[AaronJB]

The Sax is one of the cheapest 4*'s for these dates, and would be most similar to the Hard Rock in terms of boutique property. Both hotels do have their share of positive and negative reviews on tripadvisor, but both have a 4/5 overall rating. Personally, I find the area around the Sax to be preferable in terms of having restaurant options. Additionally, the Sax would be a touch easier to walk to the subway.

Please let us know what you decide and if you have any city questions (restaurants, etc) at all.

Thank you for using the site's links in the Support/Travel section to book directly.

[thebergs]

I think the husband would prefer the Hard Rock over the Sax, just for the "feel" of the hotel, but thanks for that suggestion. We hadn't looked at it, and knowing the options is great. Looking for deals for the Hard Rock, I saw one for $99, talked to husband to finalize, but when we went back to get it, it was gone :( Not sure what our next step is- we seem to be so worried about getting what we want at a good price, that we seem to be shooting ourselves in the foot! Assuming we end up at the Hard Rock (e-mailed hotel, just in case we can get the $99- person on phone was difficult to understand and not at all helpful with any information) you can start thinking of suggestions for eating out. Nothing too unusual- do like fresh seafood (not sushi), good steaks, prime rib (although that is a tough one- prepared so many ways). Probably not Italian, Chinese or anything. A good late morning breakfast spot, maybe near the Field? We tend to eat 2 meals a day when traveling. Thanks for any suggestions.

[AaronJB]

It's different for everyone, but I think one issue is how much are you going to be in the room. While a 4* hotel is (hopefully) nice and provides added amenities, if you're going to be out for much of the day, it may be worth considering "the most for the least" (a 4* that may be not exactly what you want style-wise, but works well location-wise and leads to savings that can be spent elsewhere - and if you're going to see the Field and the Shedd, it adds up.)

Looking today on HOTWIRE, I'm seeing what appears to be the Westin RN, Hard Rock, Hyatt or Sheraton (although I'd definitely lean towards the latter two) for $69, the Doubletree for $69, Intercontinental or Conrad for $94 and Palmer House for $89. The ES is $79 + 5% coupon on Orbitz.

Once you select a property, I'd be happy to offer suggestions and directions. Given where the Museum Campus is, there's really nothing right next to it - I'd rather recommend a breakfast spot near your hotel or on the way.

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

[thebergs]

We did end up with the Hard Rock for 2 nights for $99 each :) So, while it might net be the biggest bargin, we can get that experience, and next time go for the biggest deal. Hotel said Bus 151 from Amtrack. We don't plan to be really earlier risers, so a breakfast place serving later near the hotel or on the way to the Shedd would be good. As for evening, plan one night to do Willis Tower, so eating near there? Not a fan of "Chicago Style" Pizza or Hotdogs, sorry. And we think that the ChicagoPass would be about a wash for us, with only 3 on the list we will probably get to. Want to be able to wander and check out the windows, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, not be pressed to fit everything in. Any must see inside stores? I saw there is Zoolights, but decided it probably wasn't worth the crowd and the travel, since we are not taking any kids. Again, thanks for any suggestions.

Since we didn't get it thru Hotwire or Priceline, I haven't posted our booking.

[thereuare]

Since we didn't get it thru Hotwire or Priceline, I haven't posted our booking.

Even when you don't use PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, please do conclude your post with your decision for that stay (as you have now done)... it helps keep the board better organized and useful for future readers (who now know that you booked direct, rather than be left wondering if you were ultimately successful thru PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, canceled the trip, booked direct, etc)

Have a good trip (and i'm sure AaronJB will answer your other questions)

[thebergs]

Even when you don't use PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, please do conclude your post with your decision for that stay (as you have now done)... it helps keep the board better organized and useful for future readers (who now know that you booked direct, rather than be left wondering if you were ultimately successful thru PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, canceled the trip, booked direct, etc)

Have a good trip (and i'm sure AaronJB will answer your other questions)

Summary: Although we did start by going thru PRICELINE link on this site (purchase side, not bidding) for the Hard Rock Hotel, due to difficulties we ultimately Booked Direct with Hard Rock Hotel, Chicago for $99 a night on an advance purchase, Dec 11-13, 2011.

[AaronJB]

From the Hard Rock - if you walk - I'd recommend walking South on Michigan Ave to Congress. Once you get to Congress, walk East on Congress to the Lakefront. You will pass by the Buckingham Fountain (although it won't be on) right before getting to the Lakefront and both the Art Institute and Millennium Park earlier on the walk. Once you get to the lakefront, walk South to the Museum Campus. For steak, I'd go to Gene and Georgetti or Keefers; both are good, although the latter is closer to your hotel and Morton's is a couple of blocks away from the Hard Rock.

There is a Corner Bakery at 224 South Michigan Ave, which is a quick stop for breakfast/lunch/dinner on the way to the Museums. Pittsfield Cafe is a popular, although cash-only local breakfast option in an office building (reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g35805-d1025120-Reviews-Pittsfield_Cafe-Chicago_Illinois.html) very, very close to your hotel on 55 E Washington.

[thebergs]

Hard Rock was a nice stay. OK view, but we weren't in the room alot. Nice Christmas trees on a neighboring roof :) Glad we got the experience, and it was great location for our attractions for walking, weather was perfect! Concierge Shelia Garg was outstanding. We walked EVERYWHERE except to the Willis Tower. From Union Station to hotel, Navy Pier to Millenium Park, took cab to Willis, then walked From Willis to Macy's and dinner at Millers Pub (excellent!!) Then back to hotel. Nex morning breakfast at Pittsfield (excellent!!) to Shedd, stopped at Chicago Cultural Center on the way back to hotel. Walked to Hancock for drinks on the 96th floor (amazing), then Mag mile to Joes for an outstanding meal. Then back to hotel. Walked to another breakfast at the Pittsfield, to the Field, back to Artist Cafe ( burger, fries and coke deal was $6)for late lunch, shopped a bit, watched skaters at Millenium, then back to hotel for our bags. Walked back to Union Station, and a train ride home. Fantastic trip, thanks for all the advice!!

[AaronJB]

Thank you for the follow-up! :)

Glad to hear that you had a great stay at the Hard Rock and enjoyed your time in the city - and definitely glad that the weather held up and you were able to walk to most of your destinations. Happy to hear that you enjoyed the Pittsfield and that you stopped at Artists Cafe, which is definitely a nice place for a bite to eat.