Priceline Hotel: Chicago - 4* - Looking for help

[Pollack]

Looking for help in Chicago. I'll be in town for a convention at McCormick on the 17th and 18th. I can either fly in on the 16th or the 17th. Rooms seem high - Any suggestions?

[thereuare]

Do you only need a hotel for the dates before your convention or for the entire length of your stay? (including convention dates)

Which zone(s) are you willing to accept? What is your maximum bid?

[AaronJB]

Rates are likely high due to your convention. Chicago doesn't have tons and tons of hotel rooms considering the size and traffic of the city; any mid-to-major convention results in rates going up.

[Pollack]

I would need a room for either Monday night(17th) or both Sunday and Monday (16th & 17th). If rates are crazy I may just fly in on Monday morning and only stay the night leaving on Tuesday. If I can get something reasonable I will come in on Sunday and leave on Tuesday. I would prefer to stay in the Loop or NMA area. I'm not that familiar with the greater Chicago area. Do they have reasonable train service to the McCormick center?

I would like to be the in the $180 range if possible

[thereuare]

I'm doubtful you'll be successful for a 4* up to your limit, but if the price was $180 would that be a room for one nite?

What is the price point where you swtich from a 2 nite stay to just the one nite?

[Pollack]

If I need to go over $250.00 I would adjust to one night. I have seen some things on the EasyClickTravel Travel site that look interesting. These seem to be in the $195.00 range for a 4.5*. How does this compare to a 4* on Priceline?

[thereuare]

You can use our EasyClickTravel Rerverse Look Up too for EasyClickTravel 'off th record' deals. However, i think i saw the property you're refering to early... but isnt it listed as "On Request" (rather than available). See our PRICELINE FAQ for a description of what this means.

[Pollack]

I did use the reverse easyclicktravel and the property is the Chicago Hilton. Thanks for pointing out the On Request - that is something I did not pay attention to.

Do you know anything about the Buckingham Athletic Club? I saw this mentioned on a thread and it seems to get mixed reviews.

[thereuare]

I don't know anything regarding this property, but board member AaronJB may have some thoughts/comments as he's local to the area... hopefully he'll respond when he sees this thread.

What is the price of this property? (as if it's "ok" it may affect your priceline bidding and maximum bid)

[Pollack]

The price for Buckingham is $195.00

[thereuare]

Is the rate at the Buckingham cancellable? If so i would book it as these dates seem to be very difficult and at least then you'll have a definitive "price to beat". I read some of the reviews and they're generally favorable, although there isn't much info on the place... hopefully AaronJB will be able to comment.

[Pollack]

The rooms are cancellable so I made a reservation earlier today. I'll see what happens as I get closer and will post any success. Thanks for the help.

[Pollack]

Thought I would close out the thread. I ended up staying at the Buckingham Athletic Club. I would recommend this to anyone staying in Chicago. The rates are reasonable during a time when the rooms in Chicago are expensive. The rooms are huge and had a great view. The only ammenities are the athletic club and a restaurant.

I would certainly try for a less expensive room but would use this if nothing was available for under the $195.00 they charge.