Priceline Hotel: Chicago, June 10 - somewhere close to Downtown

[maxfulder]

Hi,

I am looking for a hotel somewhere close to the Loop and Mag Mile from the 10th to the 13th of June. Tried some bidding on Priceline (bidding as high as $150 for a 3*), but was always rejected.

Any ideas what would be an acceptable price? I would also go for something that would take me into the city in 20mins by public transport...2-star hotels would also be okay, as long as they are clean and easily reachable by public transport. And last but not least I would like to pay less than $500 for the three days.

Should I wait longer? Do I have to aim for a higher price? Or stay in an aiport hotel ;) ?

Any ideas for hotels or bidding strategies would be really appreciated.

[AaronJB]

The issue with Chicago is that once you leave the city, there's no hotels for a while - the suburban hotels don't really start until 35-40 minutes out, and ORD is further out.

I think you're probably not too far off from a win in downtown (I'm guessing $165-175 for a 3* in the Loop and probably $170-185 for a 4* in the NMA-River North area). I'm seeing a 3.5* for $64 in the North burbs, and a 4* for $66 in the ORD area. I wouldn't recommend the suburbs if you are not driving, because you could definitely get a hotel that's a few miles from a train.

Regular rate, the Hilton Orrington is $127 on Expedia. That hotel is in Evanston - which is a really nice college town with shopping and restaurants. Evanston is on the border of Chicago and there's both a CTA and Metra station within a couple of blocks of this property, so you have either transit option right there.

Overall, the suburbs or airport are going to be substantially less, but require a trek downtown each day.

Let us know your thoughts and we would be happy to offer further suggestions.

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

[thereuare]

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

... please read your messages and click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links before replying.

Thanks.

[maxfulder]

Thanks a lot for the reply.

Evanston sounds nice, but I would rather have a shorter trip to the city than a 4*.

I just used your link to check on Hotwire and found a 3* near McCormick Place. From what I read on this (very helpful) board, this is very likely the South Loop Hotel. This seems like a very short trek to the city (just three stops by L). How would you guys rate the area? And are there any supermarkets / restaurants around (we don't mind walking a little bit)?

And what about the 2* in South Chicago? Probably not worth compared to the one in McCormick Place, is it?

There is also a 2* in the Mag Mile Water Tower area for $183 and a 3* in the Loop area for $180. Which could those be?

My biggest question right now would be, whether it does make sense to wait for another one or two weeks with booking or not?

Otherwise I would probably just increase my bid for NMA-River North on Priceline.

Cheers and thanks a lot again!!!

Tim

[maxfulder]

In the end and rented an apartment (much cheaper than any hotel at that time)...

[thereuare]

Thank you for closing this thread with your decision.

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

Hope you enjoyed your stay.