Priceline Hotel: 4* Chicago (River North-NMA) Hotel Felix

[mfritz]

Decided to try and stay a second night, expecting to get a different hotel. Thought I would try a 3.5* since they all look just fine.

At first I bid $45 (sorry not through BB) and it was rejected for November 26-27. Then I remembered to go through your site. I stopped my bidding direct and tried a new bid connecting through BB. This time I bid $46 for a 3.5* and it was rejected.

I may go back later and add another rebid as there is one zone left that does not have 3.5* hotels. Or I may check out the 3* hotels and add that if I think they are acceptable for my trip.

What do you feel I can expect for this date? It seems as if many Chicago hotels are offering specials right now. I'm sure they are hurting like everyone else. And this holiday seems to be one where people are not going to hotels.

And of course, I will remember to do the entire thing through the BB link to PRICELINE.

[AaronJB]

There are a few busier dates during the Fall/Winter season (there's a convention right after Thanksgiving), but I'm seeing many dates in Chicago this Fall/Winter that are running below last year (which was certainly cheaper than the year before that and the year before that, etc.) It's to the point where I've suggested Chicago to a few posters who are looking for a vacation in more costly Northern cities during this time period.

I think operating margins come into play here, and while there may be some impressively low prices that have come up recently, I think there is going to be a floor under prices at some point (which is why there may be instances where the PRICELINE/HOTWIRE rate is not much less than the regular rate - the hotel may not be willing to discount past a certain point.) I think there's also probably some hotels in the city that would like to discount past a certain point to stay competitive, but probably are completely unable to do so.

There may also be some hopes of traffic for the Christmas season appearing as the dates get closer keeping prices from going down further; whether that will play out or not is a ?. In your case, there is also a convention that takes place right after this date - while it doesn't seem to be having much of an effect on prices, there could be a few people coming in early.

Given the rates on this date, I tend to wonder if there will be much of a difference in pricing between 3.5* and 4*. Additionally, if you are looking for a different property by bidding 3.5, there is the possibility that you get upgraded to 4*, where the Sheraton would once again come into play. Additionally, while I like the Ambassador East, keep in mind that that is a 3.5* possibility and is literally on the opposite end of the zone from the Sheraton (AE is N, Sheraton S) If you are looking for both a change of scene and a change of hotel, HOTWIRE has a 3.5* w/Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Golf, Tennis, Spa for $76. That would likely be the Indigo, and is a favorite property (in the "under 4* category".) That is a very cute hotel in the Gold Coast area, a block from the Ambassador East.

All that said, I think $55 would probably be a more realistic bid for a 3.5* for these dates.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchase.

[mfritz]

Thank you. I appreciate your comments and your insight into this. I did see the Hotel Indigo on HOTWIRE and seriously considered it. I was a little concerned though when I read online in various places that you are required to valet park and the cost is around $40-$50. Can't remember the exact rate they charge.

Usually when I go to Chicago for a few days I park under Millenium Park and either walk to a hotel or take a cab. It's a lot cheaper, around $24 per night. I don't really need in and out privileges since you pretty much have to pay to park everywhere and its better to just take a cab around.

Do you know anything about the parking there? I would like to try that hotel sometimes since it sounds cute and a nice option rather than right downtown. Glad to hear that you recommend it.

I circle back and try the bid for a 4* and see what happens. You make a great point about the Ambassador East.

And I'll remember to use your link to PRICELINE.

[AaronJB]

The Indigo is probably $40-50 (as are most hotels in the city these days) for parking, but some of the lots nearby may be less (although are still probably going to be $25-35.)

The Indigo and Ambassador East are in the Gold Coast area, which is a few minutes walk North of the North end of the North Michigan Ave. area. Definitely not centrally located, but nice area and easy access to an "L" station.

It's definitely worth trying for a 4* though.

Let us know what you decide or if you have any questions.

[azzy]

Try the hotel web sites under promotions and some with come with free parking or Travelzoo.com.

We booked the Allegro but this week it's the Monoco and on the Amalfi web site they have a free parking promotion.

If you have 2 rooms you can book the second at the lower rate.

[mfritz]

Finally tried rebidding (through BB site) and got the Hotel Felix for $65 a night. Hotel site quotes room at $89, so saved a little less than $25. Happy with this hotel because I just read an article on msnbc.com where it was rated one of the best priced of the nicest hotels in the country. It was the only one in Chicago that got that rating. Looking forward to the stay even though I'll be switching over from the Sheraton after a one night stay. But I love trying different hotels in Chicago since I visit often.

[yellowdog]

Congratulations on your success!

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and using our PRICELINE link to begin your bidding :)

Good to see that you're happy with the outcome.

Enjoy your stay.

Yellowdog.