Priceline Hotel: Chicago Hotel Help For Honeymoon

[Dylan!5]

Much appreciated if anyone can help. Were celebrating our honeymoon May 3rd through May 5th and looking to stay in a 4* hotel near Navy Pier area. Have tried bidding on priceline and our last bid of $140 per night was rejected. Were obviously new to the whole bidding process and would be thankful for any tips we can get.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please start by reading your messages.

Are you only bidding the NMA-River North zone OR are you also including the Loop zone in your bidding?

At the 4* level, based upon current prices i'm guessing you'll need to be somewhere around the $175 area for a 4* hotel... are you willing to bid this high at this time OR would you prefer to include other zones and/or lower your star rating?

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

Let us know the above and we'll take it from there.

PS- congratulations on your upcoming nuptials

[AaronJB]

Unfortunately, this looks like a very busy period in the city. I would agree you're looking at likely $165-180 for a 4* in the River North-NMA area. The problem appears to really be the second night, as while the first night is still pricey, it's not as bad as the second night. Congrats on your honeymoon. :)

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

[Dylan!5]

Thanks thereuare. We will definitly use the links. We have not included the North Michigan ave and River North area zones. We just bid zone 7, 4*. However, we have current reservations in the River North area at the SpringHill Suites by Marriot dates 5/3/12-5/6/12 for $779. And I do not think that includes parking. This is just through the hotel itself and is our last resort if we cant find a better deal. We are willing to bid 175 tops. Can you explain if we bid 3* and our odds of getting upgraded to 4*? Please tell me your thoughts, and thank you for your kind wishes.

update... we would be willing to drop to a 3.5 * star if we were promised to that area.

[thereuare]

Sorry, it's not clear from above...

What is is that you want to try first... a 4* in the Loop zone with a maximum bid of $175? Or are you looking to lower your bid price and star level before reaching $175?

Given the high demand for these dates i don't think you'll be upgraded on a 3* or 3.5* bid.

Are your plans specifically better suited to the Loop zone, as the NMA-River North zone is generally considered more favorable and a little better location due to proximity to shopping, bars, restaurants, etc... the Loop is easily accessible to these too, but is generally considered better located for museums, aquarium, etc. and gets a little quiet at nite.

It's your trip honeymoon ;) and you know your plans best, but if budget is a factor, and given the difficulty of these nites so far, i'd include both zones in your bidding and let the one with the lowest price be the one to accept your bid.

Let us know your thoughts and clarify how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.