Hotwire Hotel: Help Identify 4Star McCormick/South Loop

[effinkoukla]

Hey ya'll :)

I am looking to book a hotel in Chicago, I was origionally on Travelocity, and couldn't figure out their "mystery hotels" even though i read online that it was so-called easy, must be that southern blonde thing ;) lol

Anyway, this will be my first roadtrip ever, and my friend and I choose Chicago, I'm looking for a SAFE area, nice, but not too nice! I think our budget is going to be around $130-150 per night, but the hotels I looked at for those prices were just so-so, and i don't want bugs!! When I looked into the mystery hotel part it seemed like I could get decent 4 star hotels for $120-$140 which would be awesome, since it would allow us to stay a extra day!!

Soooo my question is, does anyone have any hotels they would recommend? And is it possible to figure out what the mystery hotels actually are? And is hotwire actually a better deal than the mystery hotels on Travelocity?

Thankssss xoxoxo <3

Kelly

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

What are the date/s of travel for your stay?

Mag Mile and River North are next to each other North of the river and are generally considered together by the travel sites. You have River North and the Mag Mile area North of the River and the Gold Coast area just a couple of minutes walk North of the NMA area. Then you have the Millenium Park-Loop-Grant Park area South of the River. The area North of the River has more going on later into the evening.

You mention "road trip" - the issue with Chicago and driving is that you will have to pay around $25 + tax per night to park in city lots or $45-65 to park per night at hotels. There are some very nice areas in the suburbs that offer cheaper hotels and free parking, but then it becomes a 35-45 minute Metra train trip into the city (although the two-level Metra trains are nice.)

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

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

[effinkoukla]

Heyyy thanks for replying!! I think my budget is going to be like $120-130 now that I know how much parking is going to be. I'm not sure if there's a place to park cheaper than the hotel and just walk back there? We need the car cuz we are seeing a concert in Springfield on 08/17 and were looking to stay in Chicago 8/18-8/21 or 22 depending on how the budget works out. We are stopping in Ohio on the way home to see our friend who is out there for college, so again even of we nixed the car and rented from Springfield to Chicago it wouldn't work out.

I think we would be willing to stay outside of those areas as long as we had L access to get back and forth to those areas. Again my only concern is safety, my friend and I are both very little, and in our little town of 2,000 ppl I've never even seen a fight! Haha...so yea, my momma will stress less if she knows we are taking precautions!

Thanks for responding so quick love! <3

[effinkoukla]

Also, I had looked at a hotel in Elk Grove village that seemed very decent, but I was told it could be upwards of a 2 hour train ride into the city and nixed that idea quick!!

[AaronJB]

How many people are in the party?

In terms of 'burbs, I often recommend Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield - they are near a lot of shopping, restaurants and a few sights (Ravinia Music Fest, Chicago Botanic Garden - the latter in the burbs despite the name.) However,rates on HOTWIRE for these date/s are not as substantially different as they usually are when it comes to suburbs vs city.

In terms of HOTWIRE, I'm seeing a possible match for the James for $140, possible Swiss for $145, a possible match for the Felix for $96 and a possible match for the Allerton for $100, among others. The prices you see may vary slightly - if any of these are of interest, please let us know and we would be happy to point out which listing is which. Unfortunately, very few of the Travelocity secret hotel listings have been reported to the board.

There are city lots at Navy Pier and the Millennium Park area that are about $25 + city tax per night. You definitely do NOT need to drive around the city, so I would park and leave the car for the time that you're in the city.

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

[effinkoukla]

There are 2 people in the party, I actually looking at hotwire now as well, does the 3 options it gives you of possible hotels for sure be one of those 3? or not necessarily?

[effinkoukla]

wow i figured the felix would be horrible because of the price, but i absolutely love it!!! id love to know which one it is for sure if thats possible? also, does it change every day? I would have to wait till tomorrow to ok it with my friend as well, but i think it's a win!

[effinkoukla]

sorry for so many questions, but also, is that guaranteed 2 beds? im really not looking forward to cuddling with that girl all week!! haha

[thereuare]

You may see the same hotel appear for weeks at a time OR you may see a different hotel offered the very next time you search... it has to do with the hotel selling/pulling all their rooms at that rate and/or other hotels at that star level and zone adjusting their own rates.

HOTWIRE ensures sleeping accommodations for everyone you include in your search... so if you only search for 2adults it could mean only one bed in the room, it's at the discretion of the hotel based upon what they have a available at check-in and their own policy(s). You could try searching HOTWIRE for 2adults/1or2child as this would ensure separate sleeping accommoations for you and your friend, but the second 'bed' could be a pullout sofabed or a rollaway brought into the room; as well, the price (especially in large cities) can often go up when searching for more than double occupancy OR a different hotel may be offered.

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

Let us know what you decide and how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[effinkoukla]

Hey guys, I found this hotel on Hotwire 4* $85 per night - McCormick Place - South Loop - Soldier Field Area Hotel

The options they give me are :

Intercontinental

Hilton

Hyatt

Sheraton

W

Crowne Plaza

Now I would be fine with any of these however my questions are as follows :

I am traveling with my car, I called a few places and received quotes of 45-70 parking per night, which from the small town I am from seems outrageous. So I was drawn to this hotel which is actually much cheaper than the previous I was looking at, because I thought maybe because the South Loop was out farther that they may include parking? So I'd like to have a idea of what hotel it would be so I can look into cost of parking as well as distance in transportation to and from the hotel to downtown and weigh out my options.

Thanks so much :)

Kelly

[AaronJB]

Please keep all posts regarding this stay within this thread - thanks. :)

I think in terms of hotels, you're looking at possible chains that could be under the general 4* level with HOTWIRE, not specific hotels. Keep in mind with the McCormick Place-South Loop-Soldier Field area that goes pretty far South and you risk going South to the point where it's not very convenient at all to get around. I wouldn't select this area unless it's really your only option. It may be less than staying downtown, but add in time and transit cost because there's not much directly around and walking downtown would be a very long trek.

Chicago parking is really primarily two options, unfortunately - city lots at about $25 + city tax or hotel parking, which is $45-65 (although it would not surprise me if some hotels have risen to $70 per night, which is unbelievable but unfortunately where it's been heading towards.)

If you would like us to try to confirm the South Loop hotel, please provide the amenities showing. I'd guess it's probably the Hyatt McCormick, but please provide amenities first so that we can confirm.

I would be happy to recommend some lovely areas outside the city (free parking, cheap hotels), but unfortunately it becomes taking the train in each day.

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

[thereuare]

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

... and please click each of the links above before replying.

Thanks.

[effinkoukla]

Magnificent Mile Area - River North area hotel

$116 (08/18-08/22)

Amenities:

Boutique Hotel

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

or

Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower area hotel

$114 (08/18-08/22)

Amenities:

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

Accessible for the blind

[AaronJB]

For both listings, If you go back to HOTWIRE and click this offer from the search results page, then on the ensuing page click the 'See all' link under the amenities, do you see more than what you've posted above?

Additionally, linking to listings does not work - the information is only for the unique visit.

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

[effinkoukla]

those are really it..besides the handicapped showers

-star Hotel in Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Fitness Center

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

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.

Accessible for the blind

Braille or raised signage

Accessible for the deaf

TTY for telephone, visual or flashing fire alarm and vibrating alarm clock

Accessible path of travel

<amenity names only please... not descriptions>

In-room accessibility

Accessible path from the room entrance to the window, the bed and the bathroom; accessible hardware and minimal resistance to open the door; accessible temperature controls and window coverings

Accessible bathroom

Raised toilet, hand-held shower and grab bars at the tub and toilet

Roll-in shower

Bathroom has a roll-in shower

4-star Hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - River North

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Boutique Hotel

Property offers a distinctive, unique or eclectic atmosphere. Many boutique hotels are smaller, hip properties in an urban setting, or renovated hotels with historical flair.

Smoke Free Rooms

Guest rooms at this hotel are always smoke-free.

Fitness Center

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

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.

Accessible for the blind

Braille or raised signage

Accessible path of travel

<amenity names only please... not descriptions>

In-room accessibility

Accessible path from the room entrance to the window, the bed and the bathroom; accessible hardware and minimal resistance to open the door; accessible temperature controls and window coverings

Accessible bathroom

Raised toilet, hand-held shower and grab bars at the tub and toilet

Handicapped parking

<amenity names only please... not descriptions>

Roll-in shower

Bathroom has a roll-in shower

AND THANKS FOR THE INFO ABOUT THE LINK, I REALIZED THAT TOO LATE!! BUT I THINK I FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO THINGS NOW? SORRY FOR ALL THE CONFUSION FROM ME :) I APPRECIATE YALLS HELP TONS THOUGH :)

[thereuare]

Please post only the amenity names (and not the descriptions) as you can see how much easier it is to read and helps minimize the chance that we'll miss an amenity when researching your trip.

4* Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower

Fitness

Restaurant

Business

Hi-Speed Internet

Blind Accessible

Deaf Accessible

Travel Accessible

Room Accessible

Bathroom Accessible

Roll-in Shower

4-star Hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - River North

Boutique

Smoke Free

Fitness

Restaurant

Business

Hi-Speed Internet

Blind Accessible

Travel Accessible

Room Accessible

Bathroom Accessible

Handicapped Parking

Roll-in Shower

Best guess for the Water Tower property would be the Millennium Knickerbocker while my guess for the River North property would be the Hotel Sax.

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

Let us know what you decide and how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[effinkoukla]

Please post only the amenity names (and not the descriptions) as you can see how much easier it is to read and helps minimize the chance that we'll miss an amenity when researching your trip.

Best guess for the Water Tower property would be the Millennium Knickerbocker while my guess for the River North property would be the Hotel Sax.

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

Let us know what you decide and how it goes or if we can be of further help.

I AM OK WITH EITHER OF THOSE OPTIONS THANKS SO MUCH, MY ONLY OTHER QUESTION IS, I DONT SEE WHERE IT'S POSSIBLE TO ASK FOR 2 DOUBLES INSTEAD OF A QUEEN..IS THAT SOMETHING I CAN DO?

[Romelle]

I AM OK WITH EITHER OF THOSE OPTIONS THANKS SO MUCH, MY ONLY OTHER QUESTION IS, I DONT SEE WHERE IT'S POSSIBLE TO ASK FOR 2 DOUBLES INSTEAD OF A QUEEN..IS THAT SOMETHING I CAN DO?

Sometimes the hotels offer a "bed choice". When they don't, you can contact the hotel directly after you've made your purchase. When possible, the hotel will grant your request. It depends upon availability. Checking in as early as possible improves your odds too.

Another approach is to search for three adults rather than two. The second bed might be a roll-away or a pull-out sofa, but you are assured of two separate ones. It costs a bit more, but you'll be sure of the results.

Romelle

[AaronJB]

If you are younger and going to be out later, I think the Sax would be more appealing both in terms of hotel and location.

If you search for 2 adults and 2 children (in order to act as if there's quad occupancy when there's two people in the hopes to try and get more than 1 bed), I see a 4* in the Mag Mile area w/:

Free Internet

Pet friendly

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

Which would be a possible match for Hotel 71. A bit of a walk to the River North area where the Sax is, but not bad at all and the 71 is centrally located in the city as a whole. Would be another fine option.

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

[effinkoukla]

I'm very interested in hotel 71, my mom is against the sax because she wants me in a more well known hotel that she knows the name of i suppose? not sure...wyndham is a good name so im sure it would be fine, but she wanted me in a marriot or hilton...which is ridiculous but she is paying for it, so i guess i need to just suck it up.

Which one would be hotel 71 when i look through there? I am hoping to book something within the next 30 minutes before i leave work. Or by this evening if i need to bring my computer home.

Thanks :)

[AaronJB]

The potential 71 appears when searching for 2 adults and 2 children (not when searching 2a only) with the amenities noted a couple of posts above.)

The Sax was previously the House of Blues hotel (it is still right next to the HOB) and owned by the Thompson Hotels Group, which is a famed boutique hotel operator.

The 71 only became a Wyndham a couple of months ago - it was previously an independent hotel for many years.

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

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

[slruud]

If it were me, and I would have to pay for parking anyway, I would just book the James via Lastminutetravel.com Club for $117/nite, and available. They offer choice of number of beds, and reservations are cancelable up to 3 days before checkin. Then you can see how bidding goes for others, and if you see an accepted bid by someone else, you can jump on it.

Good luck.