Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (North Michigan Ave - River North) Raffaello Hotel

[mwyuyu]

Hi, this is my first time using priceline to book a 4 or 5 stars hotel, check in 9 June 2013, out 12 June 2013, in the Magnificint Mile - River North/Streetville/Gold Coast area.

I have tried bidding a few times over the last few days but unsuccessful. I started my bid at $150 and have increased it by $10 - $20 up to $230. When my $230 bid was rejected, PL asked me to increased my offer to $275, which I wasn't willing to do given that the express deal for 4 stars was only $249. Also, after reading this forum, I realised that my starting bid was actually quite high, but thought it's fair enough given that PL stated that the average median price is $395 for 4 stars hotel in that area, and given that there is a neocon convention (40 thousand ppl estimated).

My questions:

1. Is it too early for me to start bidding now to get a good deal? I read in this forum that people seem to be getting really good deal. Do they normally book at the very last minute? When is the ideal time to bid before the actual stay

2. Is the average median price of any importance when it comes to placing a bid?

3. Any recommendation of starting bid and how high i should go for a min. 4 stars hotel?

4. Is there any way to ensure that there is wifi in the hotel?

5. Does priceline have any "hidden stock of hotels" that are not listed in the "List View", ie. whatever is available in the list view will be one of the hotels that I'll get?

6. Any suggestions as to which hotel I will be getting if I choose the express deals now in the magnificent mile - river north area? I am not so keen on the Millenium Knickerboxer or Rafaello, but they seem to be the cheapest 4 stars hotels in the area that has all the displayed amenities (free wifi, fitness centre, restaurants) with review above 7.

Thank you so much for your help everyone.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Unfortunately, this is a pretty bad set of date/s. You are not bidding too early - rate/s vary (sometimes significantly) from day-to-day. Rates posted for more recent date/s (April-ish, May) are going to be more reasonable, but once it gets further into Spring and Summer, rate/s unfortunately head higher. If there is a significant convention, that's going to add to traffic and ramp prices. Waiting until the last minute sometimes results in better prices, but that's an assumption that doesn't always work - it could even lead to a problem if traffic comes in higher than expected and rates head even higher. Bidding in general is really a case-by-case basis. The average price is not necessarily a primary factor, as high traffic may or may not lead hotels to discount less aggressively.

HOTWIRE listings would note free wifi (if offered), PRICELINE Express shows free wifi (if the hotel offers it), and PRICELINE bidding may show free wifi if it's a guaranteed amenity for that star rating and zone.

You may get a hotel not showing on the retail side of the service for the set of date/s you are looking for on the bidding side. Both sides have different inventory. Are you also seeing business center with the Express Deals listing?

What would be your desired max budget per night for this stay?

I'd also suggest the suburbs (which would be much less than half the price - probably around $70 for a 4* versus around $200+ downtown) for a comparable hotel, but will require a trek into the city - about a 35-45 minute train ride), although they're really best if driving - as it may not be easy to get from public transit to some suburban hotels.

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

[thereuare]

... and if you haven't yet please read your messages.

Thanks.

[mwyuyu]

thereuare --> yes i just read the messages, so I will be using the link in this forum to make purchases. thanks.

AaronJB --> We do not want to stay in the suburb, so willing to pay up to $300 inc. tax and fee or $260 exc. tax and fee for it. And yes, I am seeing business centre, restaurant, free wifi and fitness centre in the express deals.

[AaronJB]

I'd say the Raffaello, W Lakeshore and Marriott Mag Mile may be possibilities in this case. Additionally, given how expensive these date/s are, while this listing has not yet been ID'd/confirmed and has a 7+ rating, I'd consider it as I'm not really seeing much else in the way of reasonable options.

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

[mwyuyu]

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to use the combination of marriot and amex points.

My friend, however, has taken up the PRICELINE EXPRESS deals offer, and it's Rafaello. I did ask them to book through the link on this forum, but not sure if they did.

Anyhow, I will update the Illionis Board with the hotel.

Thank you once again. You've been very helpful.

[mwyuyu]

Used PRICELINE EXPRESS deals, hotel amenities showing free internet, restaurant, fitness centre, business centre

[AaronJB]

Very nice deal for this conveniently located property right off Michigan Ave. Hope your friend is looking forward to their stay at this property.

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

Enjoy your stay and please let us know if you have any city questions.