Hotwire Hotel: 4* Chicago (Magnificent Mile-Streeterville) Conrad Hilton

[jimmy_chitwood]

We are going to Chicago for 3-nights for a get away weekend from our 3 small kids. It is hard to overlook the value of HOTWIRE. Is it it worth the risk to save some money? Do you get to specify king vs 2 double? Can you ask for upgrade at time of check-in? Can you do better with Priceline? Will more choices open up closer?

Main focus

4-star hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville (Best Value)

Customer Favorite

Fitness Center, Business Center, Restaurant(s), High-speed Internet Access

$129 per night, you save $116.67

Other 2...

3.5-star hotel in North Michigan Avenue - Water Tower - Gold Coast (Best Value)

Fitness Center, Business Center, Restaurant(s), High-speed Internet Access

$89, you save $123.33

4-star hotel in North Michigan Avenue - Water Tower - Gold Coast

Boutique Hotel, Fitness Center, Business Center, Restaurant(s), High-speed Internet Access

$229, You save $30

Thanks in advance

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the board. :)

1. If you want a king instead of 2 doubles, that should be absolutely no problem. Most hotels in the city have less rooms w/2 beds than with 1 bed, and many charge more for rooms with 2 beds. They'd likely be more than happy to save the more expensive room with 2 doubles for someone who needs 2 doubles and is willing to pay. Some hotels it won't matter, but again, there are a fair amount that charge more for rooms with 2 doubles.

2. You can ask for an upgrade, but when you are paying as much as 50% less (and maybe even more than 50% less, as that is not unusual) than someone who may pay the hotel full price for that upgrade, the hotel is more than likely going to say no. Priceline and Hotwire only guarantee a basic, regular room - hence, the deep discounts. If it's last minute, the hotel may allow you to pay a fee for the upgrade, but they are likely not going to just upgrade you. Never say never, but definitely don't get your hopes up for a free upgrade when using Priceline or Hotwire - *especially* in the Spring.

3. It is absolutely worth the risk. You are in Chicago, and you will likely not be in your room a good deal of the time here. Why spend much more than you have to on a hotel?

4. I've helped many, many, many people online with travel to Chicago for a few years now. Many people do not book for trips a few months in advance, thinking that they are going to get a better price closer to the date. If I had a dollar for every time that person came back closer to their trip frantic to find *anything* because either all the rates went up or all the hotels were booked up, I could probably take a nice vacation somewhere else. To be honest, if there is a price that you find to be an attractive discount, take it. It's the Spring in Chicago - prices will almost certainly not be going down.

5. You can usually do better with Priceline (and sometimes much better), but you have less control over where you will potentially end up.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

It is hard to overlook the value of HOTWIRE. Is it it worth the risk to save some money? Do you get to specify king vs 2 double? Can you ask for upgrade at time of check-in? Can you do better with Priceline? Will more choices open up closer?

Start here: I've Never Used Priceline or Hotwire

Then read the related links in our PRICELINE FAQ (most of which generally apply equally to HOTWIRE) regarding room requests.

Then let us know any additional questions you have and/or how you'd like to proceed and we'll take it from there.

[AaronJB]

<<Main focus

4-star hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville (Best Value)

Customer Favorite

Fitness Center, Business Center, Restaurant(s), High-speed Internet Access

$129 per night, you save $116.67

>>>

This could be the Westin River North, Conrad Hilton or Hard Rock. However, the 4.5/5 tripadvisor review rating that I am seeing on the detail page for this hotwire listing would lead me to lean towards this being a match for the Conrad.

[jimmy_chitwood]

thanks. I am really tempted to move forward with HOTWIRE. You mention Conrad...the sticky post with the hotels does not mention Conrad or hard rock being a 'cutomer favorite...only Westin, Inter-Continental and Hyatt. Any thoughts there?

[thereuare]

The Customer Favorite designations come and go... not just over time, but also in some instances from search-to-search.

With the TA rating of 4.5/5, i would think you have an excellent opportunity to give an 'opaque purchase' a try. Even if not the Conrad, it would be a very highly user rated hotel.

Please use this HOTWIRE link to begin any purchases you make.

Let us know what you decide to do and how it goes, or if we can be of further help.

[jimmy_chitwood]

Its official...and no worries here...It was in fact The Conrad. The wife is pleased with the hotel, I am pleased with the rate. I used the HOTWIRE link you provided. Thanks for the help! next stop...theatre tickets!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to hear it went well and that you received the hotel you were expecting... should be a great time away from the kids and enjoy the city of Chicago.

Thanks for using our HOTWIRE link to begin your purchase.

Enjoy your stay.

[AaronJB]

That is just a fantastic win - great location (right on Michigan Ave. above a high-end mall), great hotel and REALLY great price. If this is your first time using Hotwire, it really is a terrific first purchase.

You paid $129 per night. The Conrad's lowest price for these dates is 309.00. REALLY good deal.