Priceline Hotel: 3* Chicago (Skokie - Niles - Evanston) Doubletree Hotel And Conference Center Chicago North Shore

[hink10]

Hello,

I am on Hotwire and looking at a 3 star hotel in Skokie on 3-30 through 4-1 2012 for $59. Amenities include Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center & High-Speed Internet Access. From research and other posts it looks like The Holiday Inn Skokie or the Doubletree? Only issue is I'm going to the Vic theatre 2 nights and it will be a $35 or so taxi ride each way for 2 nights to the shows but those hotels have free parking.

There is another in the Lake View - Lincoln Park - Wrigleyville area for $104. It's a 4 star hotel. Amenities are Smoke Free Rooms, Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Golf Nearby and Tennis nearby. That is max 2 miles from my destination but would be paid parking.

Last one is in the North Michigan Avenue - Water Tower - Gold Coast area. Price is $101 and it's also a 4 star. It's 2.5-3.7 miles from the Vic but also closer to downtown. Amenities are Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access. Recommended by 90%.

I guess I need to decide if I want to have free parking and a long taxi ride and be far from downtown or closer to downtown, pay more and pay for parking. Sorry for the long post, I've never had this trouble deciding. Last trip in winter got a room right off Rush st at the Sheridan Four Seasons for $57, stayed 5 days and they mistakenly only charged $40 parking for one night. That one was easy! I appreciate any help! BTW, I have a Ford Excursion so parking in some ramps can be pretty close, may be able to take the wife's mini van however.

Thanks!

Steve

[thereuare]

Please follow-up your previous Hotwire Chicago thread with whatever you ended up doing for that stay, then click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links and reply to this thread, we'll have a look at your post above.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and your searches too!

[hink10]

Please follow-up your previous Hotwire Chicago thread with whatever you ended up doing for that stay, then click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links and reply to this thread, we'll have a look at your post above.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and your searches too!

Followed up on last trip to Chicago and followed links in post. Thanks!

[AaronJB]

My thoughts:

The 4* NMA is possibly the Westin Michigan Ave, Affinia or Allerton. The 4* Lincoln Park is possibly the Hotel Lincoln. My guess on the Skokie is either the Doubletree or Holiday Inn.

All that said:

1. You can park at the CTA station at Linden (that is a park and ride station; I've never parked there, but that is the end of the line and there is a fairly large lot) or there is a garage down the street from the station on Davis. I would drive and park because otherwise taking the bus is terrible (and that's if it runs as late as you're going to be when you're done) and taking a cab would be rather costly. If you stay at the Doubletree or the Holiday Inn, I'd go this route.

Taking the taxi all the way to the venue would be way too much and something I really, really wouldn't recommend doing. I've taken the "L" back from the Vic to the Evanston station (and the Vic is a very nice venue) at night before.

You could also stay further North in Deerfield, Glenview or Northbrook, although Glenview/Northbrook would be closer. It's a longer drive to the Linden station from these areas, but these are pleasant areas, it would be a nice drive and there's a lot of restaurants nearby.

If you are okay with staying in the Skokie/Evanston area or further North, you could use PRICELINE. Again though, I'd recommend heading over to the CTA in Evanston and then taking that to the Belmont stop and then the Vic is right there.

So, the options are really either:

1. Staying in the North burbs and then driving over to the "L" and taking the CTA there and back. The Vic is right next to the Belmont CTA station. If you use PRICELINE, you're likely looking at $40-45 + free parking (although you have to pay for parking at the CTA station at Linden or the city garage down the street from the Davis station.)

2. Staying downtown for around $65-85 (if using PRICELINE) + $30 parking, although shorter trip to/from the venue.

Please let us know your thoughts on how you would like to proceed, then we would be happy to offer additional suggestions.

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

[hink10]

Thanks for all of the info! I had thought about leaving my truck at a park & ride but decided against it. As much as I like staying in the city, the cab rides are still $20 with a generous tip (each way). I usually take a taxi for convenience. I am planning on driving to the show from Skokie (or wherever north), I found a good safe reserved place to park near the venue. I will be getting to the venue area way before the show, probably 3-4pm and hang out in that area for a bit before I get in line.

So you think Priceline would be a better bet? That's what I used last time. I guess most everything up north will have free parking in lots right. My Excursion will only fit in certain garages so unless I know exactly where I'm staying I hate to risk it. I will only have a small amount of time Saturday to do anything so not too sad about not staying downtown. I will let you know what I decide to do.

Thanks again!

[AaronJB]

If you wound up in Evanston (the Orrington or the Hilton Garden Inn; the latter hasn't been seen for years, while the former hasn't been seen in a while), then you would likely have to park in a garage. Otherwise, the 3* Skokies (Holiday Inn/Doubletee) are both outdoor lots. The Doubletee would be the preferred one of those two. If HOTWIRE is showing a 3* for $59, I'm guessing you're likely looking at a 3* in the Evanston-Skokie-Niles zone between $40-50. The area around the Vic is certainly nice and there's a lot of restaurant and some store options if you're getting there early.

As for downtown, depends on the area, but I'm guessing you're likely looking at a 4* for between $65-85 in one of the two main downtown zones.

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

[hink10]

I got the Doubletree in Skokie for $53. Secured ParkWhiz parking spot both nights 1/2 block from the Vic for $12.99. The parking has good reviews and is private in an area with a fence. I feel pretty good about the whole deal now. Thanks again for your help, it's much appreciated!

[thereuare]

I got the Doubletree in Skokie for $53.

Congratulations on your success! Can you please confirm the star rating of this property and also indicate if you used PRICELINE or HOTWIRE for this purchase (if hotwire, can you please add a reply to this thread with 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.)

Thank you for sharing your results with the board.

Enjoy your stay.

[hink10]

Sorry about that, meant to mention I purchased through PRICELINE, selected 3 stars. I started with a $40 bid, PL countered with $53. It was $6 cheaper than HW if in fact it was the same property, might have been the Holiday Inn at HOTWIRE? Thanks again for the help!

[AaronJB]

I think you lucked out - the Doubletree, while not perfect (it is sort of a 70's/80's property that could use a bit of updating/renovation, but is otherwise nice/satisfactory), it is definitely nicer in terms of the property and location than the Holiday Inn. I'd ask for a higher floor, preferably facing South. This is one of the taller/est buildings in the area, so higher floors should have decent views of the surrounding area. The Old Orchard Mall on the opposite corner has many of the same things as Michigan Ave downtown, as well as some very nice restaurant options.

Plus, Doubletree cookie at check-in is always a bonus. In terms of snacks/drinks, there's a Jewel Grocery in the mall on the same side of the street just a tiny bit South (easily walkable) of the hotel.

Lots of parking at the Doubletree (free/outside lot.)