Priceline Hotel: 3* Chicago (North Michigan Ave - River North) Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza

[indyhz]

Hello,

My husband and I would like to spend the mid-Oct. weekends in Chicago, visiting the Field and Science Museum. Please advice on PL bidding:

Traveler: two adults, no kids

plan: visit the Museums, have early dinner, then go to bed.

date (fixed): Oct 13 - Oct 15

zone (flexible): ideally River North or Mag-Mile, but don't mind other zones as long as it is safe

star (flexible): ideally 3*, but don't mind 2* as long as it is safe

budget: < $70 per night

To save on parking, we plan to drive to Chicago (we are from Indiana), park at a park-and-fly location close to the airport, then take blue line downtown.

Safety is my main concern, any suggest is appreciated

[AaronJB]

Unfortunately, I think $70 will likely not be enough for downtown for these dates and parking runs an additional $20-25 at city lots and $40-65 at hotels per night.

Suggestions:

1. North Burbs:

Pros: Very nice area, lots of restaurants/shopping, as well as additional sights (such as the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is in the 'burbs and is very pretty when there's Fall colors.) Varies, but most hotels have easy access (short-to-mild drive) from a Metra station. Free parking.

Approximate cost: I'd guess a 3.5* would run approximately $50-55. A 3* may run more towards the $35-40ish range.

2. O'Hare:

Pros: A lot of hotels (more reasonable rates if there isn't a convention going on), most of which have easy access to the Blue Line CTA.

Cons: Some hotels charge for parking. Rather far if you're driving in from IN.

Approximate cost: Probably around $50-55 for a 3.5/4*; somewhat less for a 2.5/3*

3* Midway:

Pros: Closest if you're driving in from Indiana. Orange Line "L" in from Midway.

Cons: Charge for parking at some airport hotels. Definitely not much going on in the area.

Approx cost: probably more towards the $65-80 range for a 3*.

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.

[indyhz]

Thanks a lot for your help. We'd follow your advice and start bidding in North .burb.

Could you tell me if I got the zones right?

Hotwire:

J.Evanston.skokie

PL:

11.Skokie

4. Lincoln Park?

[AaronJB]

The Lincoln Park area is really a city neighborhood, and has few hotels - it is unfortunately similarly priced for these dates.

The North Shore is:

HOTWIRE:

Evanston/Skokie/Niles

Northbrook/Glenview/Mt Prospect

PRICELINE:

Evanston/Skokie/Niles

North Shore zone (within the North Shore region, this is a specific zone)

Deerfield

The concern with Evanston/Skokie/Niles at the 3* level is the Holiday Inn North Shore, a 3* that gets *very* mixed reviews and is an older property. The 3* on HOTWIRE in this zone that appears to be showing for these dates is the Holiday Inn, unfortunately. The other 3*'s in this zone - such as the Doubletree Skokie - are nice, although the 3*'s in the Evanston part of this zone do charge for parking, due to Evanston being densely built. Evanston, being closer to the city, is also a bit more expensive.

I tend to recommend the 4* level in the North Shore zone (the Renaissance North Shore and Westin North Shore being the "known" possibilities there) and the 3.5* level in the Deerfield zone (the Hyatt Deerfield, Marriott Suites Deerfield and Embassy Suites Deerfield being the "known" properties there - the Embassy and Marriott are suites, the Hyatt offers larger rooms and was recently renovated) "Known" being those are the properties reported, although there could be others not yet reported to the board.

My guess is that a 4* in the North Shore zone will take $45-55, and a 3.5* in the Deerfield zone will likely take $40-55. If you are not going to be in the room and/or are just looking for a place to stay more than being concerned about amenities, you could try seeing if a 3* will accept in the Deerfield zone (as the two "known" 3*'s in that area - two Courtyards - are nice and conveniently located) for $30-35, although much more than that and you may as well try for 3.5* instead.

Some of the 3*/3.5* properties in the North Shore zone are a bit more mixed and/or somewhat more out of the way, but will likely take similar bids - $40-55 at the 3.5* level and possibly $30-35 at the 3* level.

The 4* North Shore hotels and especially the 3.5* Deerfield hotels are not far from Metra stations. Metra trains do not run as often as CTA trains (especially on the weekend), but they are far more comfortable. (metrarail.com)

Please let us know if you have any questions before bidding.

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

[MrMan]

Parking in Chicago is a nightmare, if you can...take public transport in.

Consider the Megabus or Greyhound for example - the Mega, takes you to Union Station.

You need to be very, very careful regarding areas in Chicago - it's a beautiful city, but it has a lot of problems - the Mag Mile is a very, very good - but expensive area.

Do you need to be that central? There are very good public transport links (it's also walking distance if you have European walking ethos) in Chicago - it's not like other Mid Western Cities.

You could probably save a lot by being marginally further out.

[indyhz]

Forgot to update:

got Holiday In at Merchandise Mart for $70.

started at $50, 55, 60 and win at $70. I guess I should have tried $65.

It was a nice place right next to the water. The room we got were clean, in the center of the Merchandise building, so not much view. There are subways across the river (very short walk).

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up and sharing your win with the board.

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

Hope you enjoyed your stay.