Hotwire Hotel: Chicago-Michigan Ave Hotel Wanted 3/6-3/8

[ApbaJeff]

Another newbie that just found this great site. My wife and 2 kids (4 and 6) are taking the train to Chicago next weekend. My wife would like a hotel with a pool, on or near Michigan Ave in the area of the river. We'd be interested in the highest rating for a reasonable cost. I'm all about most bang for the buck. I'd pay more money if I can exactly what I want. Ideally, it's near $125. Less would be great.

From what I see on other posts, Priceline is probably not the way to go. However, someone at work uses PRICELINE when she travels, and she just calls and requests 2 beds. She's used it 10+ times and never had a problem, but it's no guarantee. I don't think Chicago is packed this time of year, so maybe the risk is less. If that is a suggestion, I'd try that route.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Thank you!

Jeff

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

There are two issues you have if you choose to go with PRICELINE:

1) you're quad occupancy when PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy. While your friend at work has never had a problem... you also don't say where it is that she has travelled. If heading to a family oriented area such as Orlando/Disneyworld, i would say it's a calculated risk, but a reduced one since that area is used to families and have a larger number of rooms which can accomodate quad occupancy... on the otherhand in large cities, where space is at a premium, and rooms are often small, there is a higher proportion of rooms with only one bed and the risk increases... in an area like NYC i would never take the risk. Here is a recent thread from a user who did have a problem with quad occupancy in Chicago: Chicago Quac Occupancy

2) if you want a pool you can't guarantee it with PRICELINE... whereas with HOTWIRE you can choose a hotel with the pool icon

Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

[AaronJB]

My thoughts on the matter:

While you are seeking the highest star rating for the price, two questions:

1. Would you rather have a "nice" (3 or 3.5*) hotel in a good location with a pool and save maybe $30-40 bucks more you'd spend on a 4* that can go towards dinner? Additionally, the problem with 4*'s and pools is that actually, not many have them.

2. How much time do you plan to spend in the room?

I ask these questions because when you search on HOTWIRE for these dates for 2 adults/2 kids, there's a 3.5* in the Mag Mile/Streeterville area with the amenities: fitness, business, internet, restaurant, pool for $69 (the price you see may vary a bit.) This is a likely match for the Doubletree - while it's not a particularly ritzy hotel, it's still a nice property that's in a terrific location and it does have a pool. There's a giant multiplex and a bowling alley a couple of blocks away and a grocery store for snacks on the opposite corner.

Additionally, a big recommendation would be the Homewood Suites Downtown, which is a terrific property that offers free breakfast. That's $99 non-refundable for a 1BR suite for these dates. That's also in a great location right off Michigan Ave. It also has a pool.

Overall, if you want to save money for other things (dinner, maybe bowling if you're looking for an activity, museums, etc. etc.), I'd recommend the HOTWIRE Doubletree.

If you want a larger room and breakfast, the Homewood is a great deal.

Please use the site's links to HOTWIRE.com or Hilton / Homewood Suites if any of these ideas are of interest.

[ApbaJeff]

We had also checked out the probable Doubletree ($71 for us) on HOTWIRE. That's where we decided on after our searching. However, we like the $99 option at Homewood Suites. The extra room and breakfast are worth the additional $30 a night for us. That's where we will most likely book tonight.

I'm glad that I wanted to wait for your responses on this web site.

Now we just need to check the Amtrak prices and see what time we are coming in.

Thank you very much.

[ApbaJeff]

We just booked at the Homewood Suites for 3/5 - 3/7. We shifted a day to save a bunch of money on the train. That deal was just too good to pass up. It's by far better than the HOTWIRE and PRICELINE options in our situation.

The good news is that it's near the Lego Store, so my son will be happy. Now, do you have any shopping or eating suggestions for a family of 4 with a 4 year old and a 6 year old? :)

Thank you very much.

[history100]

Amtrak into Union Station is always fun. Your hotel is a short cab ride from the station. The hotel is on Grand between Michigan and State. There are a number of chain restaurants within a few blocks. They are pretty family-friendly. P.F. Changs, California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, and ESPN Zone are a block or two from the hotel. There is an Uno's Pizza also.

There is shopping everywhere in the area. Nordstroms, Crate and Barrel, Filene's, American Girls, - you name it, you can find it. Have fun!

[thereuare]

We just booked at the Homewood Suites for 3/5 - 3/7.

Please note as per our support page that we're an affiliate of all the Hilton Branded Hotels, including the Homewood Suites... please use the lnks in our support page for your hotel direct purchases.