radcrow Posted July 12, 2013 Report Posted July 12, 2013 Chicago has several free rebid zones, but I've tried....I want to stay near the Navy Pier. I started with North Mich, added Millenium, then franklin park, hyde, midway north (all 2 star), skokie (3 star)I've gone back in several times. I went down to a 2 1/2 star, between $50-85I'm looking at Friday August 23-Sunday August 25. NOTHING is coming up. I'm trying to stay UNDER $100/night. I even tried other sites, I can get hotels at the federal government rate - but even that is $155 :( Am I SOL? Anyone have any ideas/suggestions - ANYTHING is appreciated. Thanks
AaronJB Posted July 12, 2013 Report Posted July 12, 2013 I wouldn't try for 2.5* in either of the downtown areas. There's really very little in the way of 2.5* options in either of the main downtown areas and most of the few options are not great. I think you're likely not far at all from a win - I'm seeing what appear to be both Club Quarters properties on HOTWIRE for $99. If you've bid for a 3.5* up to $85, I'm guessing it would take $87-92 for a win at that level. Given rates that I'm seeing, I think you're likely looking at more the $110-125 neighborhood for a 4*. Let us know if you have any questions before bidding/purchasing.Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
radcrow Posted July 16, 2013 Author Report Posted July 16, 2013 I have a question, I have read that often you can figure out what hotel is being offered in a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal. I'm being offered a 4 star in McCormick Place-Medical District Area for $70/night. amenities: indoor or outdoor pool, fitness center & business center. The area is rather large. I'd be ok if it was towards the lake. I think it could be the Hyatt Regency, Palmer House Hilton or Radisson Blu Aqua. (I did a 'regular' search for the dates in the city with that star rating and those amenities)The other hotels that match the search are in downtown or in O'Hare AirportCan anyone offer any insight?
AaronJB Posted July 16, 2013 Report Posted July 16, 2013 The McCormick-Medical District is South of the downtown area. This listing has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board, but my guess would be the Hyatt McCormick. Keep in mind that this is a ways from downtown (not walkable) and it's not really convenient unless someone is going to a convention at McCormick. I'd rather try to get a 3.5* in the River North-NMA area on PRICELINE for under $100 than stay by McCormick in a 4*.Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
radcrow Posted July 17, 2013 Author Report Posted July 17, 2013 The only reason I'd consider this if it is in fact Hyatt McCormick is because we are planning on using the Hop on/off Trolley and it runs down by the Aquarium, which is only 5 minutes from the Hyatt.
AaronJB Posted July 17, 2013 Report Posted July 17, 2013 The trolley (at least according to the website) only runs from 9-5. It is a bit of a walk from the Hyatt to the Museum Campus as well. I'd try being downtown vs McCormick even if it meant 3.5* vs 4*, but if the McCormick option will work well for you, then go for the PRICELINE Express deal, which should likely be the Hyatt.Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
radcrow Posted July 17, 2013 Author Report Posted July 17, 2013 Good to know about the walk, thanks. And about the trolley - I thought it went later because of a city light tour - but it doesn't look like that goes down the museum area. The star rating doesn't have as much to do with the cost, which is the big thing for me. I'm trying to get as cheap as possible (obviously) and be in a good area. Friday we will arrive (driving in) and at night I'm planning to just go to Navy Pier. Saturday we will be riding the trolley and sightseeing all day. Then leaving Sunday. any info/advice is MUCH appreciated as I've never been to Chicago. (I do know that at MOST hotels, we will be paying for parking)
thereuare Posted July 17, 2013 Report Posted July 17, 2013 If you're still interested in the hopon-hopoff bus there is currently a slightly discount available HERE.In every city i've been to where i've seen the Hop On Hop Off Busses they are best designed for an overview of the city and not your primary means of transportation... the buses run often but not so frequent but not so frequent that you won't get tired of waiting for the bus, and once they do come, it takes awhile for all the passengers waiting to get off and then all the 'new' passengers to board.AaronJB will know more than me, but i believe CTA does offer an unlimited pass for the buses and trains, and if you're mainly just looking at the hopon hopoff bus for transportation, the CTA pass would likely be a more economical option.What is your maximum budget for this trip? If you were willing to pay $70 to stay in the McCormick zone, under $100 to stay in the NMA zone would be money well spend, imo... even just a few taxi rides during your stay will make any difference negligible.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
radcrow Posted July 18, 2013 Author Report Posted July 18, 2013 Tomorrow I'll make the purchase, I'll try to stick to the NWA. I'll post my (hopeful) success ;) Thanks for the info - it is VERY appreciated :) For the cost of the tour - purchasing directly from https://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley is surprisingly cheaper at only $40.50 as opposed to viator's $44.99
thereuare Posted July 18, 2013 Report Posted July 18, 2013 The two suppliers may be different offering toures from different companies. Viator does have a best price guarantee, but if all things are the same then just buy thru whoever is offering the cheapest rate at the current time. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
AaronJB Posted July 18, 2013 Report Posted July 18, 2013 What is your maximum budget for this trip? If you were willing to pay $70 to stay in the McCormick zone, under $100 to stay in the NMA zone would be money well spend, imo... even just a few taxi rides during your stay will make any difference negligible.I'm definitely in agreement with that. It's the added cost of getting downtown (taxi, train, etc) and the matter of time and beyond that, convenience. If you stay out late, it becomes a bit less easy to get back to McCormick and taxi becomes the best option.Spending more to stay in the NMA area and/or going for a 3.5* in the NMA area is, I think, a better way to go. Or even staying in the Loop rather than the NMA area if the Loop is cheaper than NMA. I really only recommend McCormick if someone is going to a conference.Additionally, something I forgot to mention earlier in the thread: I'd really not recommend devoting a lot of time to Navy Pier. It's expensive (I agree with this line from this article on Navy Pier: "...its obvious from the start that Navy Pier has nothing to do with Chicago and exists for one reason only: to suck money out of tourists' wallets." http://gochicago.about.com/od/chicago101thebasics/tp/anti-tourist-guide.htm), it's hot if you're not inside and there's nothing that I think is particularly memorable about it aside from nice views.There was some discussion about renovating/redeveloping Navy Pier a year or two ago, but unfortunately nothing seems to have come of it.I'd much rather recommend doing things like sampling some of the restaurants in River North, going to the zoo (great and free) or exploring the very nice Lincoln Park and Old Town neighborhoods to the North of the city.)Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
radcrow Posted July 19, 2013 Author Report Posted July 19, 2013 Hmmm..... I figured the Navy Pier would be good for something to do Friday night since it has The funhouse, light tower, Margaritaville or Bubba Gump shrimp. Just to walk around and see the view and such. I'm planning to sample some restaurants Saturday. I'd love to hit the zoo, but my boyfriend isn't a big fan of animals/zoos. I'm trying to find VERY affordable activities because I'm paying for everything as this is all a surprise trip for him. So between gas, hotel & food it's already a VERY nice birthday ;)
radcrow Posted July 19, 2013 Author Report Posted July 19, 2013 Alright, I'm officially giving up on Chicago for end of August. Maybe I'll try again in the spring. I cannot get a good rate, there is nothing in particular I can find on a calendar for that week. Best I can seem to find in the area I want is a 1* for $88 and that's not ok for me. So now I'm thinking Philadelphia.
yellowdog Posted July 19, 2013 Report Posted July 19, 2013 Thanx for the follow-up and closing this thread. Yellowdog.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your purchases and searches.
AaronJB Posted July 20, 2013 Report Posted July 20, 2013 Are you driving? The outlying areas are much cheaper if you don't mind taking the Metra train in (which are nicer than the CTA trains.)Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
radcrow Posted July 22, 2013 Author Report Posted July 22, 2013 Funny you said that - I was talking with some friends this past weekend about my dilema and they have been to Chicago and said to stay around the airport for much cheaper and take the train! So I'm back at it for Chicago today....
radcrow Posted July 22, 2013 Author Report Posted July 22, 2013 GO IT!!!! Courtyard By Marriott Midway Airport 3* Midway Airport Area (MDW) for......$70/night!!!!
thereuare Posted July 22, 2013 Report Posted July 22, 2013 Congratulations on your success! Glad to see you were found a way to make your original/preferred destination work within your budget.Thank you for sharing your win with the board. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Enjoy your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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