Priceline Hotel: 4.5* Chicago (North Michigan Ave - River North) Intercontinental Chicago

[WIMommy]

Ok, so we want to go to Chi-town for our 15th anniversary next weekend 10/10 to 10/13. Never spent much time there and excited for our first sans kid vaca in 5+ years. But, total sticker shock! So decided we could only do it if we could get the best deal possible on a 4* (I mean it IS our anniversary!) So starting my first time bidding on Priceline, not sure what price to start at or what the 'Express Deals' on both PL and Hotwire are giving me clues to. Based on PL we would focus on the River North and Millennium Park zones. Any insight on the express deals? What price to start bidding on? There is more to this than I expected. :*)

[yellowdog]

Welcome to BetterBidding :)

Most of the times can you undercut the HOTWIRE and PRICELINE EXPRESS deals with using the bidding service (NYOP)

What is you budget/night before tax/fee's?

If you're trying to target a specific property then HOTWIRE can often be a better option if you're successfully able to identify it based upon the star rating and amenities shown before your purchase... the trade-off is that HOTWIRE usually costs a little more than PRICELINE, so you need to decide what is most important to you for a given stay, the lowest possible price OR the ability to take an educated guess as to the property you may receive.

If you need any ID help with HOTWIRE or PRICELINE EXPRESS so please list the amenities HOTWIRE or PRICELINE EXPRESS associates with the hotel you're looking at and we'll be happy to have a look at this.

If you would like to get help with a bidding strategy so please post your budget/night before tax/fees, zone(s) you're willing to stay in and the star rating for the hotel.

Let us know how you want to play this and we'll go from there.

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

Happy anniversary!

Yellowdog.

[AaronJB]

The issue with these date/s is the Chicago Marathon, which is on 10/13.

If you are driving into Chicago from Wisconsin, I'd be happy to suggest a really nice area outside the city - it would require a trek into the city, but it's a very nice area and would be substantially cheaper. You could also split your stay and stay the last night outside the city.

I would suggest the last night in Lake Geneva, which is really a cute town in Wisconsin, but something appears to be going on - there's literally nothing in Lake Geneva available on the night of 10/12.

If you look at HOTWIRE for Chicago for 10/10-12 separately, it is cheaper (still expensive, but noticeably better) than 10/10-10/13.

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

[WIMommy]

Thanks! So, I don't know if I should be trying to figure out the hotels in the express offers as that never occurred to me until I came across this site. I figured the price is better with NYOP. Since prices are so high for this weekend, I expect we will end up paying about 165-185?? But where do I start bidding? This is pretty last minute, should I lowball? Didn't really know Hotwire had a NYOP so not familiar with their zones, but on Priceline, only looking at NMA and MP, 4 star or better, on dates 10/10 to 10/13. We are taking Amtrak in so worries about parking/driving.

Any chance you could give me an opinion on express deals available that would interest you (if you were in my shoes), or based on them what hotel I am likely to get with bidding, or is that not even possible to know? Chad (my hubby) said someone at his work likes the Kimpton Hotels, but that means nothing to me and not really a thing if we are going to NYOP, really doesn't/shouldn't matter. Not picky, just want a nice getaway without the kids in tow for a change. ;*)

[AaronJB]

PRICELINE EXPRESS Deals are generally mildly/moderately more expensive than NYOP, but you can use the available information to narrow down what the underlying hotel may be. It's not always possible to narrow it down to a specific hotel given the general/common nature of the amenities shown ("business center", for example) but you can often narrow down to a handful of possibilities.

Idea one:

I see what appears to be the Wyndham Grand Riverfront for $152 for the first couple of nights, then what appears to be the new Langham is $286 for the last night. This would require a switch, but you'd spend the last night at a five-star and the two hotels are very close to each other. Averages out to be about $195-197.

Idea two:

What appears to be the Knickerbocker is showing for $188 for 10/10-13 on HOTWIRE. There's not much on PRICELINE Express - it's showing a 4* in the NMA area with no guest rating (which makes me think it may be a lower rated property) for $200.

Idea three:

I'm guessing you could likely get a 4* in the River North-NMA area for $155-170, although I'd start lower than that. This also becomes a matter of being willing to accept any 4* in the zone.

Let us know which option would be of interest.

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

HOTWIRE is generally a bit more expensive than PRICELINE Express (although sometimes is similar), but it's easier to narrow down possibilities further.

[WIMommy]

Wow, thanks! You mention an interesting option with the switch to a 5*, but like idea of not having to move. Think I'm going to do NYOP cause it just seems more exciting! So do I do 4* or 4.5* if it says 8+ after the 4.5*? I only ask since you mentioned the hotel on the express deal possibly being a lower rated offering.

[WIMommy]

Ok, just to be sure, if I go for a 4.5* in Chicago NMA, every zone except Ohare South is a free rebidding zone, correct? Anything I should beware of if I go this route? TIA!

[WIMommy]

Since I started this thread too, I will post this info from the other one.

Bid up to 190/nt on the 4.5 star with no luck. Think that is my threshold for better hotel vs better price. Am I doing this right that I am doing the bidding for all three nights together? So, now I have to decide what price I want to start bidding at for 4*. Just don't understand - if I change my star level, can I remove hotel zones and lower my offer price or do I have to wait for 24 hrs to 'reset'?

Thanks so much!!!

And of course I'm using the links!!

[thereuare]

If you lower your star level and want to 'clear' some of the zones previously bid, you need to close the browser and use a PRICELINE link in the board to re-access PRICELINE... you'll then be able to start your bidding at the lower star level with a 'clean slate' and choose whichever zones you'd like for the next round of bidding.

If you let us know your desired star rating, acceptable zone(s), and maximum bid we will suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[WIMommy]

So, think I have to be close...

Bidding for 4* in NMA only and using rebidding starting at 135 I am now at 165, not accepted, but I have been getting the "Try again right now up your bid by XX..." since I bid 150 (then 155 then 159 now 165). Now what? Am I close?

Wondering what HW hot deal at 177 with these -

Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

Internet access

Accessible for the blind

Accessible for the deaf

Accessible path of travel

In-room accessibility

Accessible bathroom

Handicapped parking

Roll-in shower

Still have rebidding combos available. Thinking about going back to bidding 4.5* if the price difference would be so little.

Any clues on the 5* showing on HW at 249 would be?

Magnificent Mile Area - River North

Indoor pool(s)

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Internet access

Spa Services

Getting the 2 hot deals above from the bidding help link. Ideas anyone??? Thanks so much!!!!

[WIMommy]

177 hotel on BiddingHelper.com shows 179 on HOTWIRE link with the description of "Cool hotel with a gym for working out" Thanks, just thought I would add that.

Oh, and yes, I still have rebidding combinations available.

[thereuare]

Bidding for 4* in NMA only and using rebidding starting at 135 I am now at 165, not accepted, but I have been getting the "Try again right now up your bid by XX..." since I bid 150 (then 155 then 159 now 165). Now what? Am I close?

It's not clear from your post... did you receive counter-offers when you bid $150, $155, $159, and $165 OR were these the amount of the counter-offers? How high have you bid and what was the counter-offer received?

Wondering what HW hot deal at 177 with these -

Magnificent Mile North - Water Tower

What is the star rating of this property?

Thinking about going back to bidding 4.5* if the price difference would be so little.

What makes you think the price difference would be small... have you done any research on 4.5* pricing for these dates?

Any clues on the 5* showing on HW at 249 would be?

Are you willing to pay $249/nite for this trip?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[WIMommy]

First, I apologize my post was so unclear.

First, the star rating of that property $177 - Water Tower was 4*

You're absolutely right, I have no idea what bid would be accepted and therefore that the price difference would "be so little", it's just that the gap is shrinking faster than I thought(meaning I was hoping to have luck at lower numbers on the 4*).

All the numbers in regards to the "try again right now" reference are the different rebids I made, it was asking me to increase my bid by $50-$200 or something like that. I bid up to 165.

Most recently, I started rebidding 4.5* again and at my bid of $185, I started getting "try again right now..." so I have rebid $185, $190, $198 and $205, but it is still saying " If you are willing to raise your price by $42 to $247 per room, per night, you can try the same request again right now".

Just looking for an educated guess as to whether the offer to simply raise my price to instantly bid is a clue I'm close. Stretching budget for my anniversary, so I want as good a value as possible in an expensive market.

:*)

[thereuare]

The Allerton would be my guess for the HOTWIRE Water Tower property above.

Assuming this property is acceptable, you can use $177 as your maximum bid and continue to bid higher, making the 'right price' somewhere between $166-$177.

Does this game plan work for your needs?

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

[WIMommy]

Ok, so looking at the Allerton reviews, I understand the pros and the cons. From your experience, does having one hotel as a hot deal on HW correspond to the hotel you might win on PL? I might be willing to give up a fancy dinner to avoid sirens and an uncomfortable double bed.

Also, never heard from anyone if I should be encouraged at having the "If you are willing to raise your price by $xx to $xxx per room, per night, you can try the same request again right now" thing means you may be getting close.

Any suggestions/comments appreciated!

Thanks so much!

[thereuare]

Since each company uses their own star rating system and draws the zone boundaries differently, there is not a direct correlation between the hotel you receive on PRICELINE when bidding and the one currently offered on HOTWIRE. If you bid on PRICELINE you may receive the Allerton, but i wouldn't expect this property (or if you're trying to avoid it you may want to still use HOTWIRE, where you can take a guess as to the property offered, and choose a hotel at a different zone or star rating)

When you receive a counter-offer the 'right' price is somewhere between $1 more than your current rejected bid and the amount of the counter-offer... see this thread for more info: Priceline Suggests Price to Pay.

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 how we can be of further help.

[WIMommy]

Higher level hotel prices are dropping can you help me id?

Hotwire 4.5* $232 85% thumbs up, 4.0 out of 5 trip advisor rating

Magnificent Mile Area - River North

Pet friendly

Indoor pool(s)

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

Internet access

Accessible for the blind

Accessible for the deaf

Accessible path of travel

In-room accessibility

Accessible bathroom

Handicapped parking

Roll-in shower

PRICELINE EXPRESS deal 4.5* North Michigan Ave - River North Area $228

Rated 8.0 out of 10 (or higher)

Pets Allowed

Restaurant

Business Center

Fitness Center

Thanks.

Oh and the link to the Priceline Suggest Price to pay is just what I was looking for!!!

[WIMommy]

Are you willing to pay $249/nite for this trip?

If I were willing, would this likely be The Langham?

[AaronJB]

I'd actually guess both the 4.5* HOTWIRE Mag Mile-RN and the 4.5* PRICELINE Express are the Intercontinental. Unfortunately, prices are very expensive, but honestly I'd recommend paying a bit more for the 5* Mag Mile-River North area property (I'm seeing it for $248, you may see a slightly different price) that would potentially be the Langham.

The Intercontinental is a fine property, but it's not a good value at that price. I haven't stayed at the Langham - which is a new property - but I'd rather a 5* at this price range than the Intercontinental (which, again, while a nice property with a neat history, is more accurately in my opinion a 4*.)

Let us know if you have additional questions before purchasing.

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

[WIMommy]

thanks, AaronJB, wish I woulda seen this right when you posted, but just missed it as I was making my winning bid. Yes, for the Intercontinental at 220. Right now, given more than we were looking to spend saving the $85+ is what it is, no going back now. Feel free to make me feel better about my decision!

Will update my post with winning bids and of course always used the links!

Mary

[WIMommy]

Edit to add win. Please feel free to share tips on this hotel. Thanks for all the info and links!

[AaronJB]

This property is superbly located right on Michigan Ave by the river - so you are absolutely centrally located within the city. This property does get a few mixed reviews, but I do think that it's a "uniquely Chicago" property with a rather fascinating history (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InterContinental_Chicago_Magnificent_Mile) and a stunning pool. The pool (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medinah_pool.jpg) was one of the first public pools on a higher floor and was considered an incredible feat of engineering at the time.

I would not recommend paying $50 for an upgrade (which is what the upgrade at this property seems to go for a night when it's available/offered), but instead press for a room either on the front or the back of the property on a higher floor. If you get a room facing North you're going to be staring straight at another building next door. If you get a room on a high floor looking at the front or back you may get at least a nice view of Michigan Ave (front) or some degree of a view looking East (back.)

I'd write or call the hotel and say that it's your 15th anniversary and let them know if there was any way that you could be in a high floor room on the front of the property (looking at Michigan Ave), it would be greatly appreciated. If you are in the North Tower and get a room looking North, you're looking square at the building next door.

Let us know if you have any city questions.

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

Enjoy your stay. :)

[WIMommy]

AaronJB,

Thank you so much you are a wealth of information and a value to this site!

Do you know if this hotel has lake views? That is more our style and is what I have requested, but I want to be prepared if that is not the case. I have called to confirm the reservation and add my rewards number to it as well as let them know it is our 15 year anniversary, although it is almost a bigger deal this is the first kids free trip in six years! I also sent a message through the FB page and found a couple of concierge email addresses there and sent them messages too. I am a bit concerned we will get a poor room because of the PL connection, so hopefully I am thwarting that!

Dim Sum recommendations in Chinatown? Looking at Triple Crown on Wentworth or Cai. Also hoping the concierge can help avoid a ridiculous wait to go to the Purple Pig since it is right across the street.

Thank you so much!

Mary

[AaronJB]

Thank you so much! :)

Some high floor rooms towards the back end of the newer North Tower (the original South Tower is a paid upgrade, although I don't think it's worth $50 anight...) should probably have a partial lake view. There are not a lot of hotels that have a full lake view, aside from the W Lakeshore, Westin Michigan Ave, Drake and Thompson (although an upgrade at all.) If you cannot get a room with a view of the lake, I'd try to get a room with a view of Michigan Ave. I'd just try not to get a room looking North in the North tower, as you're looking square into another building. In terms of Dim Sum, it's been a while, but Cai or Phoenix are fine choices.

Hopefully Purple Pig won't be too crowded, but you're near a very wide variety of restaurants in the River North area, including the Rick Bayless casual eatery Xoco and Sable (at the Palomar Hotel.) I also recommend La Madia (http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-madia-chicago) for Pizza/Italian.

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