Priceline Hotel: Chicago Visit 8/16/09

[kmorgan]

My sister and I are coming to Chicago to see the Harry Potter Exhibition and are just staying for 1 night. We'd like to stay in the Loop or the North Michigan Ave Zones, 3 or 4*, for somewhere between $30-$50. Any bidding suggestions would be WONERFUL.

I love reading the forum, I've gotten some great tips from here. Thank you.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Rates are not high for your dates, but if you were successful at $50 or less for the above zones i think it would be a new record low and i doubt your maximum bid is realistic. If this is all you're willing to pay then we'll provide a strategy for this, but if you are rejected, what will you then do for this stay? I do think you have a chance for a 4* at say $60-$70, but with rates this low you're not likely going to see such a rate drop (if any at all) between the 3* and 4* hotels (there are also 3.5* hotels which you didn't mention)

Also, are you willing to pay more for a higher rated hotel? Whatever you decide for your maximum bid, are you willing to bid for a 4* up to that amount, then lower to a 3.5* up to that amount, then lower to a 3* up to that amount... or is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay? (and given how inexpensive rates are for these dates i'd suggest considering raising your minimum star rating to 3.5* at first in order to 'raise th bar' a bit on quality of hotel that you are likely to receive)

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.

[kmorgan]

Thanks for responding!

I would be willing to pay up to $60 in order to get a place in those zones and would prefer a 4*, I justed added the 3* option because I thought if there was a significant price drop then that would be worth lowering 1 star level. However, from the sounds of it, if there is not a significant price drop for a 3*, so I would prefer to stick with 3 1/2 or 4*.

Certainly if I get rejected for all of these rates/zones etc. I would be willing to go up even higher in price, I would just prefer to get one as cheap as possible, even if that means lowering to a 3 star. I hope that made sense?!? Thank you for your help, it really is a kind service to do.

[thereuare]

I would be willing to pay up to $60 in order to get a place in those zones and would prefer a 4*... I would just prefer to get one as cheap as possible, even if that means lowering to a 3 star.

This seems contradictory to me, so let's take it one step at a time...

For your first bid, do you want to try for a 4* hotel in either the Loop or NMA zone with a $60 maximum bid?

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

[kmorgan]

Yes, if you think that is the best option. I haven't seen many people post that they've gotten 3.5* very often in those zones, it seems like the 4*s are more apt to discount or something. I would really prefer to pay less than $60, but I understand that that may not be an option.

[thereuare]

At the 4* level you have FOUR re-bid zones available. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 4* Loop and NMA...

Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $53, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $58, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $60.

Any questions feel free to ask. (especially confirming your re-bid zones if you're unsure of them)

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

Good luck and let us knokw how it goes.