Priceline Hotel: first time user! need help with strategy

[monsterclean]

Hi,

Can anyone help me with a strategy?

I'm going to Chicago for the first time. Check in: July 2, CHeck out: July 5.

Could you recommend good areas of Chicago to stay in? (touristy area)

Also, please recommend a good strategy. I need 3 rooms all for the same nights (july 2, 3, 4)

Thanks.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the site.

What is your max budget per night for hotel?

[monsterclean]

Hi,

I'd like a 4 star if possible. Hoping to get something in the $80US range.

Think its possible?

[thereuare]

The NMA and Loop zones are the most frequently bid by users.

The NMA is a little more convenient in terms of being close to restaurants and nightlife... the Loop zone is close to the NMA zone so it's not necessarily inconvenient, but it's more business oriented and gets somewhat quiet at nite as the workday comes to an end. The Loop zone is usually a little cheaper than the NMA zone.

Let us know if you'd like to begin by bidding both zones, or just one, and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[monsterclean]

Hi,

I heard that part of the Priceline Loop zone enters an area of Chicago that is a little shadier. ANy thoughts?

I also noticed another thread, and the user had $48/d parking. We're driving into Chicago and will have a car with us. IS parking cheaper in the Loop zone?

[AaronJB]

I wouldn't consider any of the Loop area "shady". It's simply that at night these areas can be VERY quiet at night, especially in the West and South Loop.

Cheap and parking unfortunately are two things that do not go together in Chicago. Parking is just as expensive in the Loop. While there are public lots that are cheaper than some of the hotels, they are still going to be costly. I generally do not recommend driving in the city as it is a costly hassle.

You could stay outside the city where hotels are usually (not always) much cheaper and parking is free, but then you would have to take a 45-60 minute or so ride on the Metra train into the city and back.

Parking is probably going to be at least $25-30 per night downtown.

[monsterclean]

Hmm, OK, thanks for the feedback.

As for bidding, what sort of numbers can I anticipate for both the Loop and NMA?

How are some of the hotels in the surrounding area (considering we have a car and can drive in when necessary). Is parking free at those hotels? (Which is a consideration b/c we'll pay parking once we do drive into the city).

[AaronJB]

If you stayed outside the city, I'd actually recommend driving to the nearest train station and taking the train in. Parking is (generally) free (or a couple bucks) at the Metra stations and then you wouldn't have to pay parking downtown (or have to deal with driving downtown.)

Where are you driving in from?

There's a 4* in the Loop on HOTWIRE for $79. I'd bid on PRICELINE for a 4* in the Millennium Park-Loop-Grant Park area for $59 and see if that is accepted. NMA you're probably looking at more $70-75 for a likely 4* winning bid.

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

[monsterclean]

Any estimate on costs outside these two areas?

And thanks for the links. I've started to only use your links (doesn't hurt me any).

[AaronJB]

I think if you stayed in the SW suburbs (Oak Brook/Downers Grove), for example, you could probably get a 3* or maybe 3.5* for somewhere in the $35-45 neighborhood. I don't know of any hotels in that area that don't offer free parking. The only areas outside the city where many hotels charge for parking is at either airport.

[nick5]

Hi,

I heard that part of the Priceline Loop zone enters an area of Chicago that is a little shadier. ANy thoughts?

I also noticed another thread, and the user had $48/d parking. We're driving into Chicago and will have a car with us. IS parking cheaper in the Loop zone?

We have stayed downtown in both areas using priceline and have stayed below your 80.00 budget for a 4*. Since you have time, you can do a bid every 24hours and up it a buck or two. I would suggest starting at 59.00 as Hyatt Regency has been a winning bid at that. But dates do matter. May 30th we are staying at the Palmer House Hilton with a 69.00 bid and that is a 4*.

As to the parking............What I suggest is if you stay downtown, is to park your car and leave it. (overnight lots run 30-40.00 a 24 hours) Then use the bus system. You can by passes that are good for 3 days or more. http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/default.aspx

Get a bus map and pay attention to the color of the routes. Many times we walk when the weather is good.

ps... typically the hotel valet parking cost more, but if you are going to use your car to get around, you will want the in and out privileges.

[thereuare]

I'll also add that while the suburbs of any area can be a less expensive option, you do lose a LOT of the feel for staying in the city itself. Part of what makes cities 'special' (at least to me) is the 'buzz' around them and that there's always something going on, walking out of your hotel and having almost anything you might need (snack, soda, slice of pizza, drink, etc) at your fingertips all within a walk of a block or two... you miss this, and whatever else a "city" means to you.

As well, staying in the city gives you the ability to stop back at the hotel during the day to rest, relax, freshen up before dinner, etc. whereas you won't be doing that if you're staying i the suburbs.

Thanks for using our PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links.

I think if it's your first time in chicago you'd have a better experience, and a better feel for the city, by staying Downtown... but ultimatley it comes down to your budget and the type of experience you're looking for.

[monsterclean]

Hi,

FInally have my plans figured out and ready to book.

I used the HOTWIRE link through this site, and am wondering if people could differentiate between the Chicago Loop area, North Michigan Ave, and Magnificent Mile?

We're 4 young people going down, looking to have a good (BUT SAFE) time. Any suggestions?

[monsterclean]

Also, I noticed on the Priceline list that the Knickerbocker hotel is undergoing renovations.

Is that still being sold on Priceline? (It'd suck to end up there)

[monsterclean]

Hi,

I'm relatively new to the site and need some help figuring this out.

Amenities are Fitness, Pool, Restaurant, Business Centre, Internet.

Any ideas?

[AaronJB]

This would be a match for the Palmer House Hilton.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE link to start your purchase.

[AaronJB]

The Knickerbocker renovations are done, and the renovated property has gotten some very nice reviews.

[AaronJB]

Please keep all posts regarding this stay in the same thread.

The North Michigan Ave. area (the area along the River and to the North) is split on HOTWIRE into two parts (Mag Mile/Streeterville and NMA/Water Tower/Gold Coast.)

The Mag Mile/Streeterville area is closer to the river, or the South half of the Michigan Ave. shopping area. The Water Tower/North Michigan Ave/Gold Coast area is the North half of the Michigan Ave. shopping area.

The Loop is to the South of the river. While the Loop is closer to museums, it does get very quiet later into the evening.

If you plan to be out later at night, I'd recommend staying North of the river.

Additionally, in terms of your age, you don't specify the age/s of your party, but be aware that hotels in Chicago are 21+ for check-in.