Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (NMA-River North) Millenium Knickerbocker

[oba3k]

Hello,

I never bid at priceline but i guess theres a first time for everything :)

I'm looking to bid for a room in Chicago between 10/30 and 02/11.

From what i've figured put so far the best place to stay is near Michigan avenue. I want a room as cheap as i can get (hotwire as the raffelo for 135$), so it should be a better hotel or lower price - any recommendations?

[AaronJB]

Based on regular prices I'm seeing (and how far in advance you're bidding), I'd recommend starting off bidding $80 for a 4* in the River North/North Michigan Ave. area. If $80 is not accepted (and it probably won't be enough, but it's not out of the realm of possibility), I'd wait a couple of days (you only have to wait 1, but I'd wait a couple in this situation) and try again at $85. If that doesn't work, try again a couple of days later at $90.

Additionally, keep in mind that while what appears to be the Raffaello is a certain price on HOTWIRE, if you do like that particular hotel and want to try for it, while there's nothing 100% for certain on Hotwire, if you are relatively certain that Hotwire is showing a hotel that you are interested in, it may be worth paying a bit more. With Priceline, you do not choose the hotel, so you get what you get.

Welcome to the board and please feel free to ask any questions.

[oba3k]

OK,

I tried 70 & 80 using the airport as a re-bid, and got turned down. I will try again soon.

[thereuare]

AaronJB can comment which is better, but if you want another option (and one which can be booked now as a cacellable back up just incase the Raffaello disappears on your while you continue to bid on priceline) the Whitehall can be booked for $140/nite, is cancellable up until a few days before your stay, and there is no booking fee (so about $1 or $2 cheaper than the HOTWIRE offer above)

If you do go with the original offer please use our HOTWIRE link to begin any purchases you make.

[oba3k]

85 & 88 and failed

[oba3k]

Millennium Knickerbocker for 120$ :)

it's as bad as the reviews say?

i got rejected yesterday for 113.

[thereuare]

Thanks for the report.

I'm sure AaronJB will be able to comment more regarding this property (or you can SEARCH for his previous comments)... please give us your own Hotel Review upon your return.

Enjoy your stay.

[AaronJB]

The Knick's 4* rating is questionable (and it's not just rated 4* by Priceline; it's rated 4* in general), but it isn't as bad as the worst reviews.

The issue is that it's simply an old hotel. To give you some idea how old, Al Capone is thought to have used the hotel as a hideout and there are supposed to be a secret passage or two that Capone built somewhere within the walls. In the 70's, when Playboy was in Chicago, the Millennium Knickerbocker was the Playboy Club. Daryl Hannah lived at the MK as a child. Many stars and presidents have stayed there over the years. The building has a Loooooong history.

But, you get the idea. The MK is an older (well, old is more accurate) hotel which does need some TLC. Apparently it will get renovations sometime soon, but not sure if anything has started yet (it was supposed to be this year, not sure if that is still the case.) The rooms are small or very small, but that's how older hotels (see also: The Palmer House and a few others in Chicago) are.

Is it the Ritz? No. Best 4* in Chicago? Nope. However, I don't think it's as bad as the worst reviews, and it is very well located.