wagnew09 Posted July 27, 2015 Report Posted July 27, 2015 I am looking at taking Amtrak to Chicago and I am looking for a Hotel in these two areas for 9/28/15 to 8/30/15. I need something with in a mile for Union Station at 3* or better level. How much should I start bidding at and what should I reasonably expect to pay.
AaronJB Posted July 27, 2015 Report Posted July 27, 2015 Welcome to Betterbidding. :) Just to confirm - did you mean 9/30 check-out? (or 8/28 check-in??) What would be your desired max budget per night for this stay? 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.
wagnew09 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Posted July 28, 2015 I can can type ...really. 8/28 check in time.
wagnew09 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Posted July 28, 2015 I just bidded $65 and lost buit it took the system awhile to tell me I lost.
AaronJB Posted July 28, 2015 Report Posted July 28, 2015 At the 3* level, I'd suggest focusing on the River North-NMA area. Unfortunately, I do think that it may take up towards the top of your desired budget range or slightly over ($85-105), but you do have some time and I'd say to work higher by $5's. There is what appears to be the Allerton (older property but great location) for $114 on Hot.wire. Please keep us updated and let us know your thoughts. 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.
wagnew09 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Posted July 28, 2015 Since I am arriving by train late at night I prefer some place I can easily walk to. I love walking in Chicago at night it makes me feel alive. I think next round I will bid at 75 and select 5 star and then rebid at $5 increments down to 3* or until I get one. I am willing to go up to $110. There is a 2.5* that is quick deal on PRICELINE EXPRESS for $100. but I cannot figure out which Hotel it is. My one suspect is that it is the Chicago Plaza Hotel, which has less than stellar reviews. How much can you save with Bidding vs Express Deals?For my Price Range how far out would McCormick place put me out from Union Station.
thereuare Posted July 28, 2015 Report Posted July 28, 2015 I can tell you that AaronJB will advise you to not consider McCormick as it's not a convenient zone unless you're looking to attend a conference. I think next round I will bid at 75 and select 5 star and then rebid at $5 increments down to 3* or until I get one. I am willing to go up to $110.I'm not sure of your exact plan but i don't think i like the approach... not do i think that a 2.5* hotel on PRICELINE EXPRESS at $100 is a good option if you can likely get a 3.5* or 4 for $110-$125 in a nearby zone. Is the Loop zone also acceptable? Please confirm the zone(s) you're willing to accept and your maximum bid at each star rating, we will then suggest a strategy for you to follow. 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. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
AaronJB Posted July 28, 2015 Report Posted July 28, 2015 You do not want to stay by McCormick - there's little around it. Staying there is really suited for convention-goers, it's highly inconvenient from a tourist perspective. I wouldn't recommend the Congress, either. Bidding is generally slightly-to-moderately less tha PRICELINE EXPRESS Deals - there is no "standard" discount vs Express Deals, it varies. Please keep us updated on what you decide and let us know if you have additional questions before bidding. 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.
wagnew09 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Posted July 28, 2015 The Loop or the North Michigan Avenue would be good. A big key is easy access to light rail or the Metra to get to where I need to go in the city. I plan to visit the Navy Pier, which I usually walk to and also Second City which I take a cab. I will also be visiting a friend in Andersonville.
wagnew09 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Posted July 28, 2015 How about the Hot.wire Theater District area. I see 3.5* 90% recommended for $103 a night. Any Idea which hotel this could be. I have never used Hotwire before.
thereuare Posted July 28, 2015 Report Posted July 28, 2015 For help identifying hotels, in addition to the star rating, zone, and room rate per nite, please also include the full list of amenities that HOTWIRE associates with the offer. NOTE that to see the complete amenities associated with each you will need to do the following: 1) use the EASY VIEW tab of our BiddingHelper.com and click the green 'See All Amenities' button OR 2) search HOTWIRE (or use the HOTWIRE tab at BiddingHelper.com) and...click the offeron the next page click the BOOK NOW linkin the TRIP SUMMARY box click the 'See more' link at the end of the amenitiesIf you're still interested in the 3* hotel above please provide the amenities and we will have a look. 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. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
wagnew09 Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Posted July 29, 2015 According to bidding helper these are the ammenities for the Hotwire.com hotel that is in the theater district 3* for $103 a night for August 28th to August 30th FULL AMENITIES: Free Internet, Pet friendly, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Golf nearby, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower It also have a 90% approval rating and the listing shows that it is 54% off. I thought I was a travel wizard but I see now I have much to learn.
wagnew09 Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Posted July 29, 2015 I bid on Priceline up to $85 and no luck.
yellowdog Posted July 29, 2015 Report Posted July 29, 2015 According to bidding helper these are the ammenities for the Hotwire.com hotel that is in the theater district 3* for $103 a night for August 28th to August 30th FULL AMENITIES: Free Internet, Pet friendly, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Golf nearby, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower It also have a 90% approval rating and the listing shows that it is 54% off. I thought I was a travel wizard but I see now I have much to learn.I can't get the same hotel to appear on my standard search for 2 adults. How many rooms/adults/children did you search for? Can you please run a new search and confirm that you still can see this hotel on your search. I bid on Priceline up to $85 and no luck.For what zone(s) and star rating did you bid? 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. Yellowdog.
wagnew09 Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Posted July 29, 2015 I did the verification in Hot.wire the Hotel has gone up to $108 I did it for 1 room one adult I bid in the North Loop 3.5 star rating.
yellowdog Posted July 29, 2015 Report Posted July 29, 2015 I can see it now. Best guess would be Crowne Plaza Metro. 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 travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases. Yellowdog.
wagnew09 Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Posted July 29, 2015 Ok last questions I promise 1. Which Hotel is this This is from Hotwire and it is 4.5*'s $126 Downtown - Millennium Park - Grant Park area Show map 95% recommended 44 bookings in last 24 hours FULL AMENITIES: Pet friendly, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower 2. At this time should I get aggressive and take what I can get or wait.
AaronJB Posted July 29, 2015 Report Posted July 29, 2015 Ok last questions I promise 1. Which Hotel is this This is from Hotwire and it is 4.5*'s $126 Downtown - Millennium Park - Grant Park areaShow map95% recommended44 bookings in last 24 hours FULL AMENITIES: Pet friendly, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower 2. At this time should I get aggressive and take what I can get or wait. This would likely be the Blackstone Renaissance, which puts you at the very bottom end of that zone so if you are going to be spending a lot of time on Michigan Ave, it's a trek. There isn't a ton around the hotel, but there is a Red Line subway station right nearby. Not the most optimal location from a tourist standpoint but a good price. 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.
wagnew09 Posted July 30, 2015 Author Report Posted July 30, 2015 Darn I was hoping for the La Quinta and its free breakfast.
wagnew09 Posted July 30, 2015 Author Report Posted July 30, 2015 I give up on bidding. With prices I see rising and knowing I will have to wait another day before rebidding I am going to do a Hotwire Hot Deal toda. Please see new thread on the Hotwire side.
wagnew09 Posted July 30, 2015 Author Report Posted July 30, 2015 This is in the Theater District. DOS 8/28/2015 - 8/30/2015 For $121 4* hotel following ammenities FULL AMENITIES: Pet friendly, Boutique hotel, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Spa services, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Roll-in shower I need help identifying the hotel
wagnew09 Posted July 30, 2015 Author Report Posted July 30, 2015 I always forget something. It has a 90% approval rating and also it seems to resemble Hard Rock Hotel
wagnew09 Posted July 30, 2015 Author Report Posted July 30, 2015 I hope this Hotel is as nice as it sounds and the Freeway does not bug me too much. Otherwise I am happy.
AaronJB Posted July 30, 2015 Report Posted July 30, 2015 Congrats on your success. :)Not a bad price for this property and it isn't far from Union Station. Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches. Enjoy your stay.
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