Priceline Hotel: Chicago - September 18-20

[neeciek]

I am looking to stay in Chicago checking in (Tuesday 9/18 and checking out Thursday 9/20). I need access to public transportation as it is just a general sightseeing tri[p. I like to buy a bus pass and hop on buses/trains and get off and wander around shops/restaurants. It really does not matter where, but closer to Downtown the better; so maybe not the suburbs? I am looking for 3* and above. What is a good bidding strategy? Cheaper the better, but I would like to pay $100 per night max. Is this do-able for this time period? It’s been a few years since I have been to Chicago, so I am not that picky about the hotel/area except for the easy access to public transportation. Thank you so much for any assistance!!!

[AaronJB]

If cheaper the better, I'd suggest starting at $75 and working higher by $5 at a time for a 3* in the River North-NMA area on PRICELINE - the 3/3.5*'s in the NMA-River North area are more conveniently located on average than the 3/3.5* properties in the Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park area. This is a busy period, but my guess is that you will possibly be able to get a 3/3.5* towards the upper end of your budget range ($90-100)

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

[thereuare]

At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones... at the 3* level you have THREE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

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

Let us know how it goes or if you need a more detailed strategy or if we can be of further help.

[neeciek]

Thanks! You guys are the best. I have read the re-bidding posts -- it seems kind of confusing, so a quick sample would be nice if you have the time. If not, I am going to give it a shot tomorrow. I will use the link and post the results. Thanks again!!

[neeciek]

I took a quick look on Hotwire and found these 2:

3 ½ * Magnificent Mile/River North (Fitness, Pool, Restaurant) $110

3* Magnificent Mile/River North (Fitness/Business) $89

Do you think I could do better on Priceline, or should I go for one of the above?

Thanks!!!

Denise

[Romelle]

a quick sample ...

Franklin Park is a free rebid at both the 3 1/2* and 3* levels.

Greater Chicago is not a free rebid at any level.

Skokie is a free rebid at the 3 1/2* level, but not at the 3* level.

When you've made a stab at determining the remaining free rebid zones at the two levels, and you are still unsure, you can post your list here and somebody will double check it for you.

Regarding the Hotwire hotels - an advantage to Hotwire is being able to make an educated guess as to the actual hotel. Disadvantages are that Hotwire can be a little more expensive than Priceline, and can also be more generous with stars. Thus a 3 1/2* on Hotwire could show up as a 3* on Priceline. Neither of the disadvantages are always true, but they tend to be true.

You are the judge as to the value of getting something settled right now, and having good odds of knowing the hotel before committing. Versus some possible savings.

As to whether you will do better on Priceline, you won't know for sure unless you actually try the bidding.

I like to use the Hotwire results as sort of a max for my bidding, and slightly adjusted for the possible star differential.

Romelle

[thereuare]

If you're going to attempt PRICELINE bidding, and with your trip over a month away, i would make sure you first understand re-bidding and how to determine your re-bid zones, as they need to be checked before each bidding cycle to make sure that nothing has changed since you last checked.

If Priceline Re-Bidding Explained is a bit overwhelming, try this:

1) Use the PRICELINE search box on the upper right of this page, enter 'Chicago' and your dates, and click "GO".

2) List each zone that is offered in this region.

3) Next to each zone list the highest star rating offered in the zone. The way to determine the highest star rating offered in the zone is by selecting the first zone i the list, then scrolling down to see the highest star rating selectable (ie- not greyed out). NEXT UNcheck the selected zone, place a checkmark in the next zone, and repeat the process for each zone in the region. Each time you take note of the highest star rating in the zone, make sure that only ONE zone is selected above.

4) post your findings and we'll take it from there

If you don't follow the above just post back and we'll break it down further.

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

[neeciek]

Ok, I think I got it thanks to the great help here, but I will double check with you guys one more time before I try!

I'll start with a bid $75 for 3 1/2* for NMA/River North and if rejected I will not change the star level but:

I'll increase to $80 and add Franklin Park, if rejected:

I'll increase to $85 and add Hyde Park, if rejected:

I'll increase to $90 and add Midway North, if rejected:

I'll increase to $95 and add Skokie. If rejected:

I'll go on a bender for 24 hours and try again?

Thanks again!!!

[Romelle]

You've got it!

Uh - the bender is optional, but might make the waiting easier?

Romelle