Priceline Hotel: Bidding Strategy Help

[STLtraveler]

Would like a bidding strategy for a tough night to get in Chicago.

11/26/05.

My preference is a 4* hotel in the North Michigan Ave area at no more than $130ish/night. My next preference would be a Boutique in North Michigan Ave area for no more than $130ish/night. My next preference would be a 4* in Millennium Park area for no more than $130ish/night. After that my next preference would be a 3* in North Michigan Ave then a 3* in Millenium Park (either for around $100).

What's the best way to go about maximizing my chance of getting any of the above options (in order of preference)?

How does the "boutique" come into play when bidding? Can I use the "boutique" option to keep bidding by using zones that don't offer a boutique? Or will Priceline assign a 3*?

I've already done the following:

4*

Bid $50 North Michigan

Bid $60 adding Midway

Bid $70 adding Skokie

Bid $80 adding Millenium Park

No luck there, but didn't expect any luck at that low of a bid. Am I being too eager in thinking I can get a 3*+ hotel in either the Loop or Michigan Ave over that Saturday night (thanksgiving weekend)?

Thanks for any help.

[thereuare]

Are your plans above firm?

Your bids so far are highly improbably based upon current rates.

[STLtraveler]

Yeah, I know. Those bids were way low, but i figure that I would just throw some out there for the heck of it. But no, my plans are not firm. I actually already have a room at the Palmer House booked for Friday Nov 25th. I was planning on driving home from Chicago on Saturday evening. I recently considered staying a second night if I could find a really good deal (ie...through priceline). If I don't get the good deal then it won't ruin my plans by any means. A second night was just going to enable me to have another night of jazz, steak and seeing a second city show. So, I'm not desperate but I wouldn't mind nabbing a deal if it presents itself.