Priceline Hotel: Ohare Hotels, June 14-16

[Wakelaky]

I have been reading these forums and I want to thank everyone for posting, you all have been very helpful in helping me decide to go with priceline for my Chicago stay.

I need to get at least a 3-star hotel for my stay, I would really prefer trying to secure my chances of getting a hotel that has a free airport shuttle as I am driving in but need to park my car, and I want to be close to the airport to catch the "L". Staying at the hotel at the airport probably isnt preferred as I am sure parking is through the roof there for 2 days.

From what I am gathering, my best bet is to start with a $50 bid in this area, does that sounds right to you all? Or can I go lower? Any guidance in this part of it would be very appreciated. Thank you!

[GM Mike]

There's no way you're going to guarantee an airport shuttle using priceline. There's also no way to guarantee you don't get the Hilton at the airport. Have you considered using hotwire and looking for the "shuttle" icon?

Rather than suggesting a bid minimum, please tell us a maximum you're willing to bid. This should be a function of the fully refundable backup reservation you've booked somewhere. (Have you booked one yet?) Then we can suggest a strategy bidding up to your maximum.

[Wakelaky]

The max I would like to spend is 90/night. I know the shuttle thing isnt a guarantee, I can live without if needs be. I just thought I might mention it, but I see what you're saying. Thanks.

[thereuare]

Before suggesting an ORD strategy, it sounds as if you're intending to mostly spend your time downtown but want the ORD zone to save on parking costs?

If this is correct, before bidding i'd suggest considering the option of getting a downtown hotel and then driving to a 'park and ride' on the outskirts of the city... then taking the bus, train, L, etc to your hotel. The ride from ORD to downtown is about an hour, plus the time for you to get from your hotel to the airport (where i'm assuming you'll pick up the L).

I would personally rather only make this trip once upon arrival and once upon departure, than have to 'commute' roundtrip to the city 2-3 times during these 2 days. Having a room directly in the city also makes it easier to return to the hotel to drop off bags, freshen up, take a nap, etc.

Let us know your thoughts.

[Wakelaky]

I am in the area for a concert, so I would travel into downtown only for that. Otherwise, I prefer to spend my down time in the Schaumburg area (shopping!), so thats why I was thinking the ORD area because its in the middle and the train in would save me a car commute to the United Center. I'm ok with the running around so to speak because I love shopping in Schaumburg so its worth the hassle to me! Thanks!

[thereuare]

Rates are high for these dates.

At the 3* level you have one re-bid zone available. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

This is how i would proceed:

Select 3* ORD...

Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $70.

If rejected wait 24 hours and bid as follows:

Select 3* ORD...

Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $80.

If rejected wait 24 hours and bid as follows:

Select 3* ORD...

Bid $85, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $90.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[Wakelaky]

Ok, thank you, I will see how it goes!!!