Priceline Hotel: 4-4.5* Hotels in January

[Chet85]

First time poster, long-time reader.

So I've never been to Chicago and know virtually nothing about the city, but I have a conference there January 9-12 at the Marriot and Sheraton hotels (North Michigan/Millennium Park). There's a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal for $96 with a 9-star rating and described as "great independent and brand name hotels." Amenities include internet, pets (ugh), restaurant, fitness center, business center. Any ideas on what this might be? Would I be better off just bidding this far out? I've bid before in places where I can essentially know which hotel I'm going to get, but it seems as though there is a lot of variance in 4* and better hotels in this area. Any advice would be appreciated!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Chicago - given the weather - is certainly square in the middle of the slow season during this time period and prices are low. I don't think there's too much variation in properties in the downtown area - hotel opinions are understandably going to vary from person-to-person, but I think you have (in both major areas of downtown) a couple of 4*'s that are weaker in comparison, a bunch of nice-to-very good ones and a few great ones (much like any major city.)

What is the star rating of the Express Deal and what would be your desired budget per night for this stay?

I'd suggest bidding for the River North-NMA area and I think your options are:

1. Bidding. Possibly successful in the $60-72 range for a 4*, although you have to be willing to accept any 4* in the zone.

2. HOTWIRE. HOTWIRE has a well-rated 4.5* for $90 and a 4* for $83 in the Mag Mile-River North zone (which is the zone where the conference hotels are.)

3. PRICELINE Express: Express prices are fairly comparable to HOTWIRE, although there is a 5% off coupon currently for express (FALL5). I do think the 4.5* in the Mag Mile-River North area on HOTWIRE is a more compelling possibility than the 4.5* River North-NMA offered by Express (at least that I'm seeing this morning, things can change at any time.)

Let us know your thoughts (and if you have any city questions, please let us know as well) and we would be happy to offer further suggestions.

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.