Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (Millenium Park - The Loop - Grant Park) Hyatt Regency Chicago

[dprocket]

Travelling to Chicago , checking in  06/28 and checking out 06/30 or 7/1.  Looking for someplace pretty close to Solider Field/Shedd/Grant Park.  There for a big event.  I travel with 4 little kids (I know Priceline/Hotwire don't guarantee rooms with this capacity, but we use Priceline all the time and can work with it).  Prefer to be under $120 per night and obviously hate to pay too much for parking.  I see Hotwire has something that looks like the South Loop Hotel for about $89.  For my family, we seem to find 2.5-3* hotels work better for our family than 4-5* hotels.  Ideas?

[AaronJB]

I think the issue becomes a little bit of trying to have a balance. Are you going to be spending a lot of the time during the stay at the Soldier Field/Shedd area, or are you going to be doing some sightseeing, as well? If you stay at the South Loop Hotel, that is within very reasonable distance to where you need to be, but the downside is that there's really nothing much at all directly around that hotel and if you're going to be out later, I'd maybe taxi back.

 

If you look at 6/28-7/1, it does appear cheaper per night vs 6/28-30, with a 4* in the Downtown-Millennium Park-GP area on Hot.wire for $85 (vs the cheapest 4* hotel South of the river at around $116 for 6/28-30.) You could likely get a 4* in the Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park area for around $65-78 for 6/28-7/1, given the prices I'm seeing. Some of the hotels North of the river are more family-friendly, but the issue becomes for these date/s they would be more expensive and further away from where you need to be.

 

Parking is unfortunately expensive downtown and, remarkably, it's gotten worse in the last few years. Your best bet (in terms of most reasonable rate) is likely the Grant Park/Millennium Park garage or another garage near the hotel instead of parking at the hotel, which could run over $60 per night at some hotels.

 

Let us know your thoughts on the above 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.

[dprocket]

Thank you for the informative reply.  Our stay for this timeframe is mainly for the triathlon event that starts/ends around Grant Park.  This will be the main focus of activity on Sat/Sun (28-29) and from there we will do other site seeing.

 

The 4* Millennium Park suggestion is a good one,but I'm very surprised at the price you think we could get!  For that price,I"m certain we could make it work somehow and have money to park.  

 

I think I will start bidding for Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area 4* at $65, and then add 3*, then add River North Area zone after that.  Good strategy?

[thereuare]

I think I will start bidding for Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area 4* at $65, and then add 3*, then add River North Area zone after that.  Good strategy?

I think you can do better than the approach above...

With HOTWIRE showing a 4* hotel in the Grant Park zone for $83/nite, why not bid 4* for whichever zones you're willing to accept up to $83/nite, then if that is rejected start to consider taking the HOTWIRE offer (which may or may not be a hotel 4* rated by PRICELINE) or lowering your star rating to 3.5 stars?

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

[Amy72]

We are looking for a similar hotel for the same dates.  I am not seeing the prices mentioned in this thread - has it changed that much in the last 2 days or am I looking in the wrong place?  Hotwire is showing a 2 star in Grant Park for $137 as the cheapest.  I tried priceline for a 4 star yesterday and today and topped out at $123 so far with no success. 

[thereuare]

Amy72,

Please start a NEW TOPIC for your own stay, including the actual dates of your trip, and we will assist you there.

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

Thanks.

[dprocket]

Well, I've delayed on this. We're travelling with another party and they've had some work challenges to work through so we hadn't booked anything. 

One concern that grows for me is that we travel with 2 adults and 4 kids.  Two of them are little and easily fit in a rollaway or a pack-n-play that we take with us.  Anyway, it's very important for us to be able to get two beds. I'm not seeing an appealing option on Priceline Express with a bed option for 2 doubles, but I do see a Hot.wire 3.5* at $144 (in Downtown - Millennium Park - Grant Park) when I search for a room for 2 adults and 2 children.  The way that I read the Hotwire rules, they state they guarantee the room will accomodate the number of people searched ("Rooms will sleep the number of guests, but bed types and sizes aren't guaranteed.").

 

(so a search for 2 adults 2 children should yeild a 2 bed room).   Am I understanding this correctly?

[yellowdog]

The way that I read the Hotwire rules, they state they guarantee the room will accomodate the number of people searched ("Rooms will sleep the number of guests, but bed types and sizes aren't guaranteed.").

(so a search for 2 adults 2 children should yeild a 2 bed room). Am I understanding this correctly?

Yes, this is correct.

 

Well, I've delayed on this. We're travelling with another party and they've had some work challenges to work through so we hadn't booked anything

To secure that the entire party get the same hotel should you include all in your search.

Keep us updated on your progress and let us know what you ultimately decide or if we can be of further help.

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

Yellowdog.

[AaronJB]

(so a search for 2 adults 2 children should yeild a 2 bed room).   Am I understanding this correctly?

Not necessarily. You definitely may get 2 beds, but there is the chance of a sofabed or rollaway.

 

Which date/s are you searching for? When searching for 6/28-7/1, I'm seeing a 4* for $99 in the Millennium Park-Loop-GP zone when searching for 2a/2c.

 

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

[dprocket]

I had started changing my searches to 6/28-6/30 (this appears to be the settled departure date) but did see the 4* Hotwire deal.  Interestingly enough, however, when I click on it the price changed to $133.   I guess the market is just really in flux.

 

Also, if we got a sofabed/rollaway, it would be fine with my family.  The kids don't care.

[thereuare]

...(this appears to be the settled departure date)...

Are these now your confirmed dates OR still waiting for the go ahead from the other family?

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

[dprocket]

Yep, those are the confirmed dates.  Check in 6/28, check out 6/30.  2 Rooms.  I was searching 2 adults/2 children for each room.

[thereuare]

Does the 2* in the Grant Park zone have:

Free Internet

Restaurant

Business

Laundry

Hi-Speed Internet

... if so, my best guess here would be the Travelodge Downtown

I'm seeing what appears to be the following:

4* The Fairmont Chicago for $153/nite

3* Inn of Chicago for $150/nite

4* Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers for $159/nite

... and of these, or the original 2*, of interest?

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

[dprocket]

I investigated the 2* a bit, and think we'd prefer either the 3-4* range for this trip.  I see the 4* on HW for $153, but not seeing these other two listed as options.  If it is the Fairmont, that would be a great location for our events for the weekend! (I understand, you never know for sure until you purchase.).

[thereuare]

I see the 4* on HW for $153, but not seeing these other two listed as options.  If it is the Fairmont, that would be a great location for our events for the weekend!

If the $153/nite guessed to be the Fairmont is the one out of the three that you would want... do the other two matter??

The $153/nite hotel i'm seeing is in the Downtown-Millennium Park-Grant Park zone, has a 4.0/5.0 TA rating, and these amenities:

Pet Friendly

Fitness

Restaurant

Business

Hi-Speed Internet

Tennis

Spa

Blind Accessible

Deaf Accessible

Travel Accessible

Room Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

Bathroom Accessible

Roll-in Shower

... my best guess for this one would be the Fairmont.

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 if we can be of further help.

[AaronJB]

I really wouldn't recommend that Travelodge. 

 

The Fairmont is a solid hotel at the top end of the Millennium Park area. If you luck out, you may get a nice view. 

 

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

[dprocket]

I really wouldn't recommend that Travelodge. 

 

The Fairmont is a solid hotel at the top end of the Millennium Park area. If you luck out, you may get a nice view. 

 

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

 

 

Thanks for the help folks.  Just before heading out to lunch, I went to book the room. It was gone.  Dang, I waited to long.  It was not longer there.  I got back from lunch and search again and guess what:

 

Just booked:

 

4* Downtown - Millennium Park - Grant Park area on Hotwire, 2 nights (6/28-6/30) for two rooms: 4 adults, 4 children.  $117.00 per night.  I am very pleased.

 

Hyatt Regency Chicago

151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

 

Smoke Free Rooms

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

Internet access

 

And...I used the links here to book.  Thanks for all the help.  Great resource!  I'll be booking for rooms in the next few weeks for this trip, although no in downtown Chicago.

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

 

Awesome win for this well-located property. I'll note that there is a very, very nice Mariano's grocery on 333 Benton, which is just a couple of blocks from your hotel. This is a great option if you want to pick up some snacks/treats/prepared food (they have a great salad bar and prepared options) and don't want to go far. There's a LOT of other restaurant options nearby - let me know likes/dislikes if you would like recommendations.

 

Mariano's: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marianos-fresh-market-chicago-2?select=SGrp15NIWgH9v1h4CUSLWQ#SGrp15NIWgH9v1h4CUSLWQ

 

If you don't want to go far for Breakfast, Wildberry is a short walk away: http://www.yelp.com/biz/wildberry-pancakes-and-cafe-chicago-2

 

If you want a rather different, fun breakfast option, Wow Bao (which does have breakfast baos) is a couple of blocks away (http://www.yelp.com/biz/wow-bao-chicago-3.) There are better options a little further away, such as Xoco, in River North. However, Wow Bao and Wildberry are very good options within a couple blocks from your hotel.

 

One other note is Flat Top Grill, on Wabash in the Loop. This is a family-friendly value option  - it's an all you can eat (if you choose that option) Stir Fry place. Everyone can try different things and go back again and again. It's not the world's greatest stir fry, but it's a fun concept, solid value and pretty good.

 

I believe there were likely more amenities (such as accessible amenities) then what you have posted above as HOTWIRE has a new interface that does not show the complete set of amenities unless you click thru a few extra links.

For future searches/bookings you can do the following to ensure you're seeing the complete list:

 

1) use the EASY VIEW tab of our BiddingHelper.com.com and click the green 'See All Amenities' button
OR

 

2) search HOTWIRE (or use the HOTWIRE tab at BiddingHelper.com.com) and...
click the offer
on the next page click the BOOK NOW link
in the TRIP SUMMARY box click the 'See more' link at the end of the amenities

 

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

 

 

Enjoy your stay.

[dprocket]

Thanks for the tips!  What are the best parking options for this location?

 

What the best authentic Chicago style pizza nearby?

 

Also, this location looks to be quite close to Michigan Ave.  Any tips on how I can keep my wife away so she doesn't spend too much $$ shopping?

[AaronJB]

In terms of pizza, Giordano's is right by your hotel on 135 E. Lake. However, in terms of deep dish, I like Lou Malnati's more (439 N Wells, in River North.) That said, I'm not a huge fan of deep dish. When I look for pizza downtown, I often go to La Madia, an Italian place in River North with great pizzas with a lot of depth of flavor and great ingredients. (photos: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-madia-chicago?select=QfqTTHfN8g7qa-OVVianuw#IKS0PKAwHwfXElsAx5boUA)

 

"Any tips on how I can keep my wife away so she doesn't spend too much $$ shopping?"

 

Not sure where you are driving in from, but I often recommend the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlet Mall, which is just across the border in Wisconsin. They have a lot of the same stores you see on Michigan Ave - Nike, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Coach and others - but the outlet version, plus cheaper sales tax in Wisconsin vs downtown Chicago. I really don't recommend - for men or women - doing anything but window shopping on Michigan Ave. You can find the same thing cheaper or much cheaper elsewhere (which is why that outlet mall just over the border in Wisconsin is often a traffic jam on the weekends.)

 

There's a lot of other things to do nearby - museums (the Art Institute is a must and right nearby), tours (the two main boat tours leave from the Michigan Ave bridge right by your hotel) and neighborhoods (Lincoln Park is a wonderful area and the Zoo is terrific - and free; Chinatown is also pretty easy to get to), and more.

 

Parking is unfortunately expensive whererever you go in Chicago.

 

Nearby:

 

Illinois Center Garage (indoor/underground) is located next to the Hyatt on Wacker Drive at 111 East Wacker Drive. Parking garage does not allow in/out privileges.
0 Hours – 1 Hour: $19
1 Hour – 2 Hours: $23
2 Hours – 12 Hours: $28
12 Hours – 18 Hours: $33
18 Hours – 24 Hours: $41
*Rates subject to change without notice.
**No official website

Park Millennium Garage (indoor/underground) is located at 221 N. Stetson Street. Parking garage does not allow in/out privileges.
1 Hour or Less: $15
1 Hour – 2 Hours: $21
2 Hours – 4 Hours: $25
4 Hours – 12 Hours: $29
12 Hours – 24 Hours: $34

Millennium Park – Located at 5 S. Columbus Drive
0-3 Hours - $23
3-8 Hours - $26
8-12 Hours - $28
12-24 Hours - $30

Millennium Lakeside - Located at 5 S. Columbus Drive
0-12 Hours - $18
12-16 Hours - $21
16-24 Hours - $25
City tax is also charged when parking in city lots.

Navy Pier:
The parking garage is a flat rate fee.* Current rates are:

Monday – Thursday: $21
Friday – Sunday: $25

[dprocket]

Awesome info.  Thank you so much.  One last question: every time we go to Chicago, my kids beg to go on one of the boat tours.  I've never taken them, because it seems so expensive.  Plus, I'm traveling with a 1.5 yr old and a 2.5 yr old so they can't go on some of them.  Are there options for booking ahead?  Is there a strategy for going and saving a little cash?  I don't really care where it goes or what we see on the tour.  The kids would just love to be on the lake.  thank you again.  

[AaronJB]

I would definitely agree that the boat tours have gotten expensive. Parking has gotten far more expensive than I could have imagined.

 

One non-tour alternative is the Water Taxi, which is free for kids under 3 and way cheaper than the boat tours. It's not a guided tour, but if you are just looking for a ride on the water, quite a bit cheaper.    That includes just the river, they don't go out on the lake. In terms of the lake, unfortunately that is more looking at Groupon, Travelzoo or other such sites (Amazon local) for deals on the tours. The City used to offer a tremendous coupon booklet with things like deals on the boat tours, but then they took it online and it doesn't seem like they have much of anything anymore (http://www.choosechicago.com/deals/tours-and-attractions/) You may want to check in at the tourism office, which is at the Cultural Center (easy walk from your hotel - http://www.choosechicago.com/visitor-information-centers/ and see if they have any coupons/deals available.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com/tickets-and-fares/

 

You can take the taxi to Chinatown, as well.