Hotwire Hotel: First time using Hotwire

[asg1616]

I have never used Hotwire and I'm planning a Chicago trip 2/28/08 - 3/2/08. Would like a hotel right near the John Hancock Building. I can't afford much and would love some help knowing which hotels these are:

4* North Michigan Ave. - Water Tower - Gold Coast

$109 (Best Value)

Fitness Center/Restaurant/Business Center/High speed internet access

4* Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville

$109 (Best Value)

Fitness center/restaurant/business center/high speed internet access

3* Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville

$69 (Best Value)

fitness center/pool/restaurant/business center/laundry facilities/high speed internet access

3* North Michigan Ave. - Streeterville

$75

boutique hotel/smoke free rooms/fitness center/restaurant

Thanks.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the board. :)

A few things: Chicago has a lot of public transit and is quite walkable. If you've never been here before, it is not like Manhattan. Lets say you stayed in the Loop area, which is South of the River. The Hancock is North of the River. Lets say you stayed at the South end of the Loop area - it would still only be about a thirty minute walk up to the Hancock. If you stayed by the river, you'd be looking at a 15 minute walk.

Essentially, if you were able to get a really cheap deal in the Loop, it may be worth walking another 15 minutes (or not, it's up to you, but I just wanted to offer that as an option.)

As for your hotwire listings:

1. Could be the Ambassador East, Knickerbocker or Westin Michigan Ave. I'm guessing it may be the Knickerbocker.

2. Hard Rock

3. Holiday Inn Mart Plaza

4. Tremont.

You may also want to consider the 4* Loop fitness, business, restaurant, internet. $75. That is likely the Palmer House Hilton. There is a subway station out front of that hotel, and it would be an easy trip North to right near where the Hancock is.

Additionally, the Whitehall Hotel is $97 on Expedia. That is literally about half a block from the Hancock. For $103 on Expedia, you get a free room upgrade. The Whitehall gets mixed reviews, but it's a matter of location, location, location.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE link if you decide to go with one of the Hotwire listings. However, if you want to pay more to be a little closer, the $97 Whitehall Expedia deal isn't a bad idea, and you can upgrade for a few $ more.