Hotwire Hotel: Last Minute Chicago (8/3 - 8/9)

[mfn]

Hello,

I am thinking of doing a last minute vacation for three nights or so (flexible) in downtown Chicago somewhere between 8/3 and 8/9. Two adults and four kids. (We normally stay at Embassy Suites to accommodate all of us). I am not opposed to getting two rooms if the price is right. Any recommended strategies via Hotwire or Priceline?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding.

The 8/3-5 period is going to be extremely problematic because of the Lollapalooza Festival, which is in Grant Park and drives up rates for downtown. 8/5-6 may also be busy if people just stay an extra night.

8/6-9 is much cheaper than 8/3-6 on HOTWIRE and splitting the stay would be recommended in this case.

Are you driving in or flying in? What would be your desired budget per night for this stay?

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

[mfn]

Thank you for the reply. I forgot about Lollapalooza. We are driving in. As for budget, I would hope that I could get two rooms cheaper than the Embassy which would sleep all of us in one and runs around $250.

Mike

[thereuare]

Even with two rooms, you would need triple occupancy for each (or double occupancy in in one room and quad occupancy in the other) PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the discretion of the hotel, and you could receive a room with only one bed. While you can call the hotel you win and request a room with two beds, the hotel may not be able, or willing, to honor your request.

Is the above a risk you're willing to accept? If not, HOTWIRE may still be an option as they allow you to search for up to quad occupancy and ensure sleeping accommodations for everyone you include in your search (although this usually means two beds, the second 'bed' could be a sofabed, rollaway, etc)

Are your plans for a last minute vacation firm in that you're ready to book and commit to a non-refundable reservation? If os, let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. (or if you decide to book direct please use our Embassy Suites link as also found in our Support Page)

Thanks.

[AaronJB]

This is definitely a tough period; if you look for 8/3-9 there's only 2 listings for all of downtown - a 3.5* for $234 and a 3* for $213, both in the Loop. However, searching for 2 rooms/2a/4c for 8/5-9 and especially for 8/6-9 are definitely cheaper and have far more inventory.

One question - if you could stay in the suburbs for the first 2-3 days (much cheaper rates + free parking) in an attempt to get a cheaper average, would that be of interest? I'm guessing you could get two 3.5* rooms in the North Burbs for around $45-50 each for 8/3-6. Let us know if that would be of interest and we would be happy to offer thoughts on how to proceed. You could then drive to the nearest train station then take the Metra downtown.

Actually, I see what appears to be Embassy Suites Deerfield for $58 on HOTWIRE when searching for 2 rooms/2a/4c for Deerfield, IL

Suite

Indoor pool(s)

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

Golf Nearby

Kitchenette

Free Parking

Free Breakfast

Accessible path of travel

In-room accessibility

Accessible bathroom

Handicapped parking

This listing has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board, but it would likely be the Embassy - the Marriott Suites is also a suite property in this zone, but that doesn't offer free breakfast. If this is the Embassy Deerfield, that's a very nice Embassy Suites property.

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

[mfn]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The Deerfied suggestion is tempting. I found a rate at the Embassy DT for $199. I think that will be my best option.

[AaronJB]

Happy to help - please let us know what you decide and if you have any questions.

The Embassy Deerfield is a few minutes drive from the Lake Cook Road Metra Station (http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/md-n/station.LAKECOOKRD.html), then it's about a 30-40 minute trip downtown. The Metra trains do not run as often on the weekends, but there is a weekend pass for Metra trains and kids ride free (on weekends and holidays, kids ride FREE with Metra's Family Fares. Up to three children age 11 and under ride free with each fare-paying adult. Purchase a ticket or use your Monthly Pass or 10-Ride ticket as the adult fare. The $7 Weekend Pass can also be used as the adult fare. Family Cars are available on weekends and non-rush hour weekday trains.)

Children's Weekday Fares

Children ages 7 to 11 save 50 percent over one-way fares. Children under 7 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (up to three children free per adult). Under no circumstance will children under 7 years of age be permitted to travel alone.

The Metra trains are two-level trains with conductors and bathrooms and are much more comfortable than the CTA trains. The North burbs are very nice, with quite a bit in the way of restaurants and shopping, as well as some sights.

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