Hotwire Hotel: Help with Chicago hotel (new here)

[breick]

Hi,

I am new here and have read most of the information, but I apologize in advance if there is something I should know and don't.

 

Please help me with my first Hotwire purchase. 

 

My info is: 

• July 22-26 for 4 nights
• 3 adults (attending a graduation at the Chicago Symphony Center)
• preferred areas are Magnificent Mile/River North, Loop/Theater District or Millennium/Grant Park (hopefully would not be too far north, west or south within those areas)
• arriving on Amtrak (on different days and times) so we will be dependent on public transportation and walking
• star rating of 3 - 4 (depending on price, would probably be uncomfortable in a 5 star)
• amenities - 2 beds, internet and free breakfast would be a bonus

Today, Hotwire has this property listed, but I can't match it with any hotel on your list.

• July 22-26
• 4 star
• Amenities - Free breakfast, Fitness center, Free internet, Internet access,
• Area - Chicago Loop/Theater District
• $155 per night

With fees and taxes, that is over $190 per night.  We will be out and about most of the time, so it's hard for me to commit to paying that much for a place to sleep.  My thinking may be unreasonable, but I thought maybe I could get a 3 star in those areas for $110-120 and up to a 4 star for $135-145.  (We have stayed at the Holiday Inn Mart several times for less than that on a refundable reservation,  That hotel or something like it suits us and the location is great.  Or an Embassy Suites would be perfect.)

 

In general, how do Hotwire's prices change as it get closer to the date?  I am not opposed to booking something directly and waiting a little longer.

 

Any advice would be appreciated.  Please be kind if I'm not being realistic.  Thanky you for the help

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

This listing has not yet been ID'd/reported to the board and only started showing up in searches a few days ago, it seems. It does seem to be pricing aggressively in comparison to other comparable properties in the zone. My guesses have been that it's either possibly the Buckingham Athletic Club or the Hyatt Place Loop (the latter opens 7/2.)  It may be something else, but not sure what as there are few possibilities that could conceivably be 4* and that offer breakfast in the zone.

 

Unfortunately, these dates are on the higher side in terms of rates and this is actually the cheapest listing I'm seeing downtown on Hot.wire for these dates. 

 

"In general, how do Hotwire's prices change as it get closer to the date?"

 

There's no way to know if rates will come down closer to the dates. They can easily go the other way as well and suddenly. With nicer weather, this isn't a slow period in the city - rates could come down, but in Summer there is the risk of rates heading higher closer to your dates if traffic comes in stronger than expected.

 

Unfortunately, I'm not seeing anything much on PRICELINE EXPRESS - there are some listings in the same neighborhood in terms of price, but that don't offer breakfast. You can bid, but no guarantee of bedding for more than 2 people (1 bed) and no guarantee of breakfast.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.