Priceline Hotel: Chicago with kids

[rajpura]

Planning to visit Chicago this summer with 2 kids under 12. I have never visited Chicago and i am open to any suggestions/recommendations. Max stay 5 days.

Thanks in advance

[thereuare]

Do you need hotel advice or is that part already taken care of?

If hotel info, what area(s) are you willing to stay, budget, minimum star rating, etc?

For things to do in Chicago, i'm sure others will have some suggestions, but you can also check out our sister site ThingsToDo411.com.

[rajpura]

I need advise on the areas i should start looking for Hotels - 3*/4* and be able to navigate different parts of the city easily. i am looking for date range 8/20-8/24

Thx

[thereuare]

The most frequently bid areas are North Michigan Avenue and the Loop... the NMA closer to shopping and nightlife, the Loop closer to museums and quiet at nite. (AaronJB can correct me if i'm wrong)

Which is best for your own plans, or if both will work equally well, only you can say. The two zones are adjacent to each other, so you can usually get from one area to the other inexpensively and/or with mass transit. Best bet is to make a list of things you want to do, locate them on a map, and see which zones/areas these events are located in.

I'll also add, it appears that you're looking for more than double occupancy, which if you're only seeking one room, you should be sure to read the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

[AaronJB]

Thereuare is correct. The Loop is closer to museums, but quiet at night (and sometimes very quiet at night, depending where you are.) The North Michigan Ave. area is further from museums, but offers more shopping, restaurants and nightlife. If you're not planning to be out at night, then either of the areas can be considered. If you're planning to be out and about later at night, I would go with the River North/NMA area.

[rajpura]

Will be in Chicago from 8/20-8/25 with family of 4. Pls advise bidding strategy in NMA/RA for 2.5* - Homewood Sites etc or 3* - Embassy Suites.

[thereuare]

Please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread.

You can not bid on a specific hotel/brand which will accomodate the four of you, and priceline only guarantees double ocupancy... are you comfortable using it when you'll actually be quad occupancy? In large cities, especially at the lower star ratings, you may get a room with only one bed and/or no additional space for a rollaway.

Is this a risk you're willing to take? If not, you do have other options thru HOTWIRE (allows to search for up to quad occupancy), EasyClickTravel, and Quikbook.

Let us know your thoughts, and maximum budget, and we'll take it from there.

[rajpura]

Decided not to pursue due to change in plans. Thanks