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

[wendy75]

Planning a girls getaway for April 12-15th. One friend will be driving from MN, the rest of us flying in. I'm thinking we'll mostly stay downtown but was wondering if we should pick a hotel in teh burbs and commute (or is traffic more hassle than it's worth?). I think I'd prefer to stay downtown but how are parkign rates at the hotels? And I would appreciate some ideas on what areas to bid on downtown also. I hear al ot about the Loop.

I'd like somewhere safe, possible a 4 star but willing to down to a 3.5 or 3 if can't get a 4 star cheap enough. Maximum bid for a 4 star would be $80. Is that way too low??

Thanks so much! This board is great!

Wendy

[AaronJB]

Personally, I feel that if there is minimal difference between rates downtown and in the burbs, then stay downtown.

However, if the rates in the burbs are running $100 less than in the city, I think it's worth the $ saved. Parking at downtown hotels, as listed on the hotel websites is around $28-42 a night, but more towards $40 than $30.

The nicest suburban areas to stay would be in Northbrook, Glenview or Evanston. Many also stay by O'Hare, although I prefer the North suburbs (such as the ones listed.)

Given the $129 rates I'm seeing at the Hilton Chicago and the Palmer House Hilton, I would think a reasonable starting bid would be $65 for a 4* in the Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park zone. That may be a bit conservative, so if it is not accepted, you can boost your bid slightly 24 hours later.

$80 is often too low for April/May-December in Chicago these days (prices look to be up again this year), but I think it would be possible for a 3* or 4* for these dates.

[wendy75]

Priceline for April 12-15.

Going with friend, earlier in teh day she bid 55 and 65 and was rejected. I bid 72 for 4* in Loop or NMA and got Hyatt.

Website lists rate of anywhere from 189-209.

Thanks for all the great info!