Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (Millenium Park - The Loop - Grant Park) Hyatt Regency Chicago

[denchen]

I'm about as new to any travel bidding as can be (whether Priceline or Hotwire). Taking the plunge, though, in trying to secure a hotel room in Chicago from 8/19 - 8/23. It's vacation travel and we're hoping to find a good deal in the North Michigan Avenue area. Failing that, Millenium Park area would be our next choice.

I've tried to follow the tips provided on the website (super helpful!) and have submitted bids the last two days, to no avail. Started the bids for NMA only (as it's our first choice...haven't tried Millenium Park yet) at $90 and have gone up to $110.

Hotwire lists a hotel in the area going for $134, which I'm using as the benchmark I'm trying get under.

What I'm looking for input on is whether I should continue bidding for NMA? If so, can anyone give me some help on bid amounts? Should I turn my focus to the Millenium Park area? And, if so, does anyone have any suggested bid amounts in that area for the dates we need?

I feel a bit useless having to ask, but the wife just wants to have a hotel room booked and is losing patience. Me, I kind of want to get a good deal. So...asking for help is a way to swallow some pride without conceding defeat. Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding.

A couple of notes:

The River North-NMA area (North of the river) is further from museums, but offers more in the way of shopping and restaurants. The Loop is closer to museums and does have some restaurants and shopping, but can be pretty quiet later at night, especially the South and West Loop.

My guess is that you are not far off for a 4* in the River North-NMA area - $115-125 is probably what is needed. You could likely get a 4* in the Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park area for less - that will probably take $85-100.

I do see what appears to be the Amalfi (the listing in question has not been reported to the board/ID'd, but I'm guessing it may the Amalfi upgraded to 4* from the previously seen 3.5*) on HOTWIRE for $135; while more expensive, that would offer breakfast (there's a great deal of great breakfast places in Chicago, but I figured if you were going to bid towards $115-125 for NMA, I thought I'd offer this for consideration for $10-20 more)

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

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

[denchen]

Submitted a bid tonight for 4* Millenium Park at $85. Was rejected. Rebid (using the free rebid method detailed elsewhere on this site) at $90...and it was accepted.

Booked the Hyatt Regency Chicago for $90/night. The website gives a $179/night (with AAA discount...$199 without). Seeing as how this is my first foray into PRICELINE, someone tell me whether or not I got a good deal?

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

Very nice deal for a busier period. Hope you are looking forward to your stay. The Air and Water Show is the 19th on North Avenue Beach (although you could probably see it from Oak St Beach) if you are looking for something to do.

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.

Enjoy your stay.