Priceline Hotel: Need a bidding strategy for Chicago 10-15 to 10-18

[losermom]

I have used PRICELINE before and ended up in an area/zone that I really didn't want (It ended up just fine so no worries) so I want to be sure that I do it correctly this time.

I'm planning a girls trip to Chicago. We're arriving via the Megabus, from Minneapolis, at 6:45am Wed, 10-15 and leaving on Sat, 10-18, at 3pm. It's MEA (all schools are off) here in MN so that was the best time. I've checked the Chicago Convention Calendar and there does not seem to be anything really big happening at that time so I'm hope for the best.

I'm looking for a hotel in either the Millenium Park-The Loop-Grant Park or North Michigan Ave-River North area/zones. I hope to start around $60 per night (is that too low?). Also, there are 4 of us. We don't care if we're squished in one room, but we'll need 2 beds. Could I contact the hotel after it is revealed and request a room with 2 beds? Is that going to be a problem? Or should we really look at 2 separate rooms?

Also, do any of you think it will be a problem to arrive at our hotel and ask to leave our luggage with bell services until we are able to check in later that day? I've done it in FL and Las Vegas, but don't know if that is possible in Chicago. Of course we would leave a nice tip!

I know I have lots of questions! Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me. :)

[AaronJB]

While it wouldn't seem to be the case, October is a busy time in Chicago, generally for business travel. 2 beds in a room via PRICELINE is definitely not guaranteed, especially if it's a busier set of dates. It is completely up to the hotel and they may not take your request for 2 beds. Even if they take your request, it is a request and not a guarantee. If you absolutely have to have 2 beds, PRICELINE is not the way to go or it's better to get 2 rooms.

$60 is a very low bid, and based upon regular rates for 4*'s being $272 and up on these dates, $60 isn't going to be enough. HOTWIRE can get bedding in the room for the amount of people you select, but the cheapest thing I'm seeing on HOTWIRE for these dates is $219 a night for what looks like the Holiday Inn Express Mag Mile - not the greatest deal, certainly.

You should absolutely be able to check-in luggage at your hotel and then check-in later in the day.

Let us know your thoughts and then we can advise from there.

Additionally, keep in mind that Chicago now has the highest sales tax in the country (10.25%), and there's extra tax beyond that if you eat at a restaurant. :)

[losermom]

Update We decided to rent a condo instead! Thanks for your help.

[thereuare]

Thank you for 'closing' this thread with what you decided to do for this stay.