Priceline Hotel: Thanksgiving 2012

[jmcin]

Is there a reason to wait on bidding for Thanksgiving Hotels in the North Michigan or Loop/Millenium Park areas?

We have always gone for the 4* and had happy results, but prices seem higher nowadays so am thinking I might want to drop down a star level or two, but want to play with the prices offered for a bit, as I don't know what to offer.

[thereuare]

What are the actual date(s) of your stay? What is your maximum bid for this trip?

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

[AaronJB]

It really depends on the exact date/s of travel - the days leading up to Thanksgiving are some of the cheapest of the Winter (traditionally, at least.) The days right after Thanksgiving, however, are generally higher or significantly higher due to Black Friday shopping and people coming in for holiday shopping/festivities.

Looking at HOTWIRE, this year is the same: the days leading up Thanksgiving are cheap (as Chicago goes.) However, 11/24-28, to use an example, are vastly more expensive. For an exact example, there are a couple of 4.5*'s downtown for 11/20-24 for around $100. For 11/24-28, there is a 4.5* downtown for over $300.

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

[jmcin]

Plan on checking in on Wed 11/21/2012 and checking out Sat 11/24/2012. PRICELINE and your Priceline and Hotwire Calendar of Wins tool, I find it tough to fork out more than a hundred bucks for a 4*!! However, our recent stay at the Fairmont for $122 was an overall awesome experience!!

[AaronJB]

Actually, for these dates, I'm seeing what appears to be the Intercontinental for $75 on HOTWIRE, which would lead me to suggest starting at $50 for a 4* in the River North-NMA area and moving up by $5's. Glad you're coming in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, which are so much cheaper. I'd guess you could quite possibly win in the $65-70 range for a 4* in the NMA area (although I'd start at $55 and work higher by $5's using re-bidding.

Additionally, I'm also seeing what may be the Amalfi for $105 on HOTWIRE - certainly more expensive, but it offers free breakfast.

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

[jmcin]

thanks, AaronJB, for your thoughts and suggestions. Such a great site, this Betterbidding! I will switch to HOTWIRE I think. I have a new question, so need to go to a new area to ask. Thank you thank you. jm

[AaronJB]

Happy to help! :)

Please keep all posts regarding this stay within this thread. Thanks.

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

[jmcin]

Chicago, IL

95% customer thumbs up

Amenities listed

3.5-star Hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - River North

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Fitness Center

Guests have access to exercise equipment; an additional charge may apply.

Pool(s)

Property offers at least one pool area; hours and dates of operation may be seasonal.

Restaurant(s)

Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary.

Business Center

Guests have access to business equipment and services; an additional charge may apply.

High-Speed Internet Access

Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply.

thanks

[AaronJB]

Just to confirm, is this also for 11/21-24? I'm seeing it for those dates, and would guess the Doubletree Mag Mile.

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

[jmcin]

Just to confirm, is this also for 11/21-24? I'm seeing it for those dates, and would guess the Doubletree Mag Mile.

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

Yes, same dates, and based on what we see here on the board, it is likely the Doubletree. In going to other booking sites, have learned that while the rates for the room are not much higher...$119, $129...by the time you add the taxes and fees, going through Hotwire is still a better deal, saving almost $100, We will post our win when we make the commitment. thank you.

[AaronJB]

The issue with these dates becomes a bit of regular rates already being low, so discount rates are not likely going to be substantially discounted vs regular rates. I do see what appears to be the Sofitel or Omni (although I'd lean towards the former) for $94 and the Intercontinental for $101. Thank you for keeping us updated and let us know if you have any questions.

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