Priceline Hotel: Help - need advice pleas

[Illryion]

10/2/13 is my wife and I's ten year anniversary. We purchased excellent plane tickets from SLC to CHI on a whim - I have family in Milwaukee who we will visit. however, I was counting on being able to HOTWIRE or PRICELINE a good hotel deal from the 2nd through the 9th - now that I figured out that the marathon starts the following weekend - am I nuts? should I book now at higher than expected prices, or wait it out and book closer to time. Your advice would be much welcomed. I'd like to stay in the mag mile, river north or loop areas for the convenience of walking - I have a two year old in a stroller I'l be pushing around. thoughts?

[AaronJB]

Happy Anniversary! :)

What would be your desired budget per night for this stay? Additionally, are you driving the entire period?

There are some lovely areas to the North of the city that offer a lot of restaurants and shopping, as well as a great stop or two (the Chicago Botanic Gardens, in the burbs.) These areas would be significantly cheaper and there are Metra train stations within easy/quick driving distance. If you are going to Milwaukee during part of this time, you could stay in one of these North burb areas during part of the time in order to bring down your overall average. There's also a scenic driving route from the North burbs along the lake into the city.

The marathon will cause very high rates for a day or two before. The 10/2-9 period is high, but unfortunately not unusual for the Fall period.

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

[thereuare]

... and please read your messages and click each of these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links before replying.

Thanks.