Hotwire Hotel: 4* Chicago (Millennium Park/Grant Park)

[jsteph]

My hubby and I had such a great time last spring in Chicago, we're going to take the kids (14, 17) for a May long weekend this year. I usually have great luck using this board with Priceline, but since we're a group of 4, thought I'd look at Hotwire. My kids are tall, so basically we need to accommodate 4 adults. Is that even possible?

Searching today came up with a 4* for $205

Indoor pool

business centre

fitness centre

restaurant.

I can also get the double room at the Silversmith for the 3days at $649. Has anyone stayed there? We won the Blackstone last year and loved it, but it's too pricey for the 4 of us.

We will be driving this time. So parking will be needed.

Any tips welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[AaronJB]

If you scroll over "see all", are you seeing additional amenities beyond the ones noted above? If so, please provide the full list of amenities and we would be happy to take a look and try to ID the listing.

Not sure which direction you are driving in from, but I'll note that the North suburbs are quite a bit cheaper than downtown for these dates. A 3.5-4* in the burbs are $70-85 on HOTWIRE (and would be less on PRICELINE) - staying in the burbs would require a 35-50+ minute train or car trip downtown, but the savings would be substantial. The North burbs also offer a lot of restaurants and shopping, as well as a few sights of interest (the Chicago Botanic Gardens, which are in the 'burbs despite the name.)

There's a 4* for $85 in the suburbs on HOTWIRE (and could be had for less via PRICELINE) - the total w/tax would be $298.

I'm seeing the 4* listing in the Millennium-Grant Park area for $204, and the total with tax would be about $736, so the suburbs would be a savings of about $438.

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

[jsteph]

Thanks for the advice. I agree that is a great savings.

However, we're driving in from Ontario and we're set on staying downtown for this visit so we can walk everywhere and have a close base to regroup and rest. I don't mind paying extra for convenience... it is a holiday. :)

I do have a reservation at the Springhill Suites that can be cancelled, simply because it offers us the convenience of space. It is quite expensive though and I've been reading a lot of neg reviews about the noise so I haven't given up on HOTWIRE Also when I compared wins to this weekend in 2012 the prices seemed much lower. Is it worth waiting do you think?

today I see a 3.5* for $188 that I think might be Hotel 71? (Mag Mile/River North $322 other sites/95% recommended)

Free Internet

Boutique Hotel

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

Accessible for the blind

Accessible for the deaf

Accessible path of travel

In-room accessibility

Accessible bathroom

Handicapped parking

Roll-in shower

As always, Thanks for your time and input.

[thereuare]

I only see the property above offered when searching for 4adults/0children (not when searching 2a/2c) but i agree, best guess for this one would be a new amenity set for the Hotel 71.

I do have a reservation at the Springhill Suites that can be cancelled, simply because it offers us the convenience of space. It is quite expensive though...

What is your rate at the Springhill Suites?

The following may fall a bit short, but worth a shot if the Hotel 71 doesn't suit your needs (although that hotel does get GREAT reviews)... if you're willing to raise your budget to $200-$210, what about trying PRICELINE for 2 rooms at up to $105/each (or whatever amount the extra space and additional bathroom would be worth to you in terms of making it easier to getting ready and out the door each day/nite)

Also when I compared wins to this weekend in 2012 the prices seemed much lower. Is it worth waiting do you think?

Part of the difference may likely be due to the fact that you're searching for quad occupancy, where the wins you're seeing were for double occupancy... rates often go up, sometimes significantly, when searching for quad occupancy vs. double occupancy (especially in major metropolitan areas)

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

[AaronJB]

This would appear to be a match for the 71 (which appears to have just changed to a Wyndham property - it's listed on some sites as the Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront.)

Unfortunately, there's no way to know if rates will come in closer to the date/s. With the nicer temps (and baseball, etc) rates can certainly go higher if traffic exceeds expectations or at least stay around these levels.

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

Edited to add:

The problem is the NRA (National Restaurant Association) show:

National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

McCormick Place

Map it 05/18/2013 05/21/2013 61000

That's one of the biggest conventions of the year.

[jsteph]

I didn't realize I was searching for quad vs 2 adults/2 kids. Interesting. Other than a possible price difference is there a size difference as well?

As for our rate at the Springhill Suites: $1,059 for 3 nights in a studio w 2doubles and a queen pullout, incl. breakfast and all taxes etc. Obviously the bed for each teen is very appealing. but $$ :o

I will be sure to use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start my purchases and searches.

edit: Will hotels allow 2 teens a room of their own, if I decide to try the 2 room option?

[thereuare]

I didn't realize I was searching for quad vs 2 adults/2 kids... Other than a possible price difference is there a size difference as well?

I think you meant double occupancy vs. quad occupancy, but to answer your question, HOTWIRE guarantees accommodations for everyone you include in your search. If you only search for double occupancy, the hotel could give you a room with only one bed and/or charge extra for more than two guests or a room with two beds. In an extreme circumstance, which is possible given the Restaurant convention (one of the largest shows of the year in Chicago), the hotel may not have any rooms available to offer with two beds.

edit: Will hotels allow 2 teens a room of their own, if I decide to try the 2 room option?

Most technically 'no' (and since any mini bar that the room may have will contain alcohol, many hotels have a requirement that at least one guest must be at least 21 years old). The ideal situation would be if you could get connecting rooms, however, not all hotels have them, and even if the hotel you win does, they may not be available during your stay or at the time you check-in. If no connecting rooms are available, you would have to flexible and open to the possibility that you and your spouse could split up, although i'm sure there are some parents who, using their judgement in terms of how mature and responsible their kids are, have put them in a room by themselves anyway. Room proximity would play a factor in this decision as well as since you have to consider 'worst case scenarios'... if there is an emergency during your stay, would you be able to reach your kids in order to assist them?

I will be sure to use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start my purchases and searches.

Thanks! :)

Let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

[jsteph]

Thanks!

Bid for 2 rooms to $105 with no luck (if I pursue this, I'll start a thread on the Priceline board). I think I'll just keep looking on and off. Based on the wins I saw last year, I think it's still early since most wins were posted in April. Who knows? Maybe blocks will get released closer to the date if the convention doesn't provide the numbers they were expecting.

Although the Hotel 71 looks tempting based on reviews and the fact that the rooms have 2 queen beds...

I'll keep you posted to the outcome and any bidding. (It is somewhat addictive, isn't it!)

Cheers,

Jen

HOTWIRE or PRICELINE

[AaronJB]

Please keep any posts regarding this stay within this thread and then we'll move the thread to the appropriate board when you have made a decision.

Please let us know if you have any additional hotel questions (or questions about Chicago.)

For teens, I'd recommend Reckless Records (http://www.reckless.com/visit.php), which is a used music/DVD place that has a remarkable selection. There's one downtown and one in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area.

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

[jsteph]

Thought I'd check since it's a new month. :)

Today I see a 4* Mag Mile North/Water Tower going for $175 ("Super Savings" comparable $355. 90% recommended). Searching for 2 adults, 2 kids. May 17-20

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

Accessible for the blind

Accessible for the deaf

Accessible path of travel

In-room accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Accessible bathroom

Roll-in shower

Thanks! HOTWIRE or PRICELINE

[AaronJB]

My guess would be the Westin Michigan Ave or Allerton.

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

[jsteph]

Thanks for the speedy reply!!

After looking at the kids school sched I think I might switch the weekend to April 26-29 (they have a PA day in there). Rates look to be much cheaper then, plus it saves us crossing the border on a holiday Monday! haha!

How's Chicago weather in late April??

Will keep you posted. Because we're flexible due to driving, no flights, I might take your earlier advice and try to PRICELINE 2 rooms.

As always will let you know.

THANKS! :lol:

[AaronJB]

The weather in Chicago has been (overall) very different in recent years than it was 10-20 years ago - shorter, milder Winters. March and early April used to be either really good or bad, but now are generally fine - late April should definitely be pretty nice, if recent years are any indication.

I see a possible match for the Sax, Felix or Palomar (although it would appear to be more likely the Sax) for the 4/26-29 period for $119, for example. Let us know if you confirm date/s for 4/26-29 and we would be happy to offer suggestions.

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

[jsteph]

The April date looks better for us than the May long weekend.

Groupon has an offering for the Allerton right now. I could get a Superior Suite for $471 + tax for the April dates. But I read so many unfavourable reviews on that hotel it makes me sorta nervous. Your thoughts?

I just noticed this appears to have a 48-hour cancellation.

HOTWIRE or PRICELINE

[thereuare]

I could get a Superior Suite for $471 + tax for the April dates. But I read so many unfavourable reviews on that hotel it makes me sorta nervous.

Would you only need one room given this is a suite OR would you still consider two rooms?

Either way doesn't seem like too great of a deal as what was guessed to be the hotel Sax is available (one room/quad occupancy) for $119/nite ($428 all-in) and the Palmer House Hilton and Hyatt Regency are both available for about $138/nite ($496 all-in).

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

[jsteph]

Thanks for the advice. That's why I asked the pros ;)

Still undecided on one room vs two. I guess if a single room could accommodate a rollaway, that would work.

As always your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks for bearing with me while I figure this out! lol

I will for sure use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin my travel purchases when the time comes.

[thereuare]

Keep us updated on your progress/decision.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[AaronJB]

I'm seeing:

Potential Sax (on HOTWIRE, $119)

Potential Palmer (on HOTWIRE, $138)

Potential Indigo (on HOTWIRE, $145)

Hotel 71 (which is now under the Wyndham brand) ($146, regular rate Expedia - river view is $160, stay 3/30% off sale)

Milenorth - $164 (studio 2 doubles, Travelocity)

Dewitt Place is $143 on Expedia for a studio with sofabed and full kitchen. This is not a hotel, but actual apartments that rent. Oddly, I'm not seeing taxes included at all during the checkout process, and either that may be due to the fact that this is a short-term apartment rental and not a hotel or that tax is charged at check-in. I've lived in the city, but haven't done a short-term apartment rental like this, so I don't know the details. However, thought I'd note it as an option and it is not only in an excellent location (behind the Hancock, off Michigan Ave), but it actually does get rather strong reviews on tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g35805-d982512-Reviews-DeWitt_Place-Chicago_Illinois.html)

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

[jsteph]

Change of plans... on a lark I looked on PL for combo flights out of Buffalo with hotel. (We are an hour away from Buffalo, vs a 7.5 hour drive to Chicago)

Anyway, turns out the 4 of us can fly non-stop on United, arriving 8:30am Friday, leaving 7pm Monday with a 3-night stay at hotels for about a grand. To me this is totally worth it, we get more time in Chicago and don't have the whole parking hassle.

Can you give me your advice on the hotels? I'm leaning toward the Hotel71 due to the location. Here's the rates of some, all in:

Hotel 71 $929.94 (2 queen beds, river view)

Springhill Suites $953.14 (incl breakfast, 2 dlbs & sofa bed)

Palmer House $1,055 (2 queen)

Hyatt Regency $1,006.68 (2 queen)

They offer most hotels, some $100-$300 more. I'm just not sure which hotels are worth spending more on.

Let me know what you think! Thank you!

[AaronJB]

Personally, if I had to choose between those four, I'd suggest 71. I'm not as much of a fan of a lakeview upgrade (by the few hotels that offer it) - at night you're pretty much looking out at darkness (or Navy Pier).

As for river view, looking up the river and bridges, lit up by streetlights, is sort of a classic Chicago view day or night. You do get a larger room with the Springhill and breakfast, but I think the $20 and change difference between the two hotels can go towards breakfast.

While I would recommend other, local options, there is actually a Corner Bakery literally next door to 71 if you don't feel like going far (or as a "room service alternative.") Corner (http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/home.aspx) offers breakfast/lunch/dinner - if you're familiar with Panera Bread it's kinda similar to that.

The new Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill) quick service option Xoco is not a terribly far walk from 71, and I like Pittsfield Cafe (in the Pittsfield Building;http://www.yelp.com/biz/pittsfield-cafe-chicago), which is sort of an "old school" diner that's a pretty easy walk from your hotel. There are plenty of other options around the city if you would rather have breakfast on the go. If you have any questions about the city, please ask.

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

[jsteph]

Yes, that price is "all in". the only extra would be the baggage fee for United at $25 a bag, of which we'll share, so 2 bags for an extra $50.

So you think that's a good price then? I thought it was, but I have nothing to compare it to so I wasn't sure!

I will use the PRICELINE links to book this package. I can't imagine rates getting much better than that...

Edit: Forgot to ask if you think there's a better hotel choice I should look for? OK I realize there's a gazillion hotels, but maybe you have a particular one that is a must-stay, since it's not a blind bid situation.

PS thanks for the food tips!

Edit 2: on Travelocity I can get a room at the Fairmont for $811 incl flights

[jsteph]

Follow up: I went and booked the Fairmont deal offered on Travelocity. Didn't think there was anyway to beat that and didn't want the flights to sell out. So to summarize, return nonstop flights for 4 on United and 3 nights accommodations at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park for 2 adults, 2 kids.

flight & hotel: $657.02 + taxes & fees = $810.89 CDN

I'm very happy with this deal! :D

[thereuare]

Glad you found something that works well for your needs and budge and are happy with the results.

Thank you for closing this thread with your decision.

If you didn't, note that the board has a link to Travelocity and most other major hotel chains and online agencies, please use the links there whenever possible for your hotel direct purchases.

Have a great trip!

[AaronJB]

The Fairmont is a few blocks South of where 71 is. Some rooms at this property do have a view of Millennium/Grant Park - while no guarantees, you can join the Fairmont President's Club (free) and then try to request a room at least with a partial view on a higher floor. They could say no, but it's worth a try.

This location puts you a bit closer to the Pittsfield Cafe (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g35805-d1025120-Reviews-Pittsfield_Cafe-Chicago_Illinois.html), but I've also heard (and read: http://www.yelp.com/biz/wildberry-cafe-chicago) good things about Wildberry Cafe, which is essentially around the corner from your hotel.

There's a very nice Mariano's Grocery at 333 Benton which is a couple of blocks from your hotel - good option for cheaper drinks/snacks to take back to the hotel.