Priceline Hotel: Chicago First Time

[Bubba50111]

I am taking the train to Chicago with my family March 13-15 for a little spring break trip. I think I want to stay in the NMA-River North area. I have never used PRICELINE before and I need some advice. How late can I wait before I bid on a hotel and what would a good bid be for a 3 and 1/2 star hotel? Thanks

Bubba

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

You can bid on a hotel up until 11pm EST (NOTE: not local time of the hotel.. 11pm EST)

However, i note that you state you're traveling with your family... how many rooms and guests are you bidding for? PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, so if you're seeking triple/quad occupancy this could be a risk as you could receive a room with only one bed and the hotel may be unable, or unwilling, to change your room assignment to a room which can accommodate triple/quad occupancy (or there can be an additional charge to upgrade to a room which can accommodate triple/quad occupancy)

If you do need more than double occupancy HOTWIRE may still be an option as they allow you to search for up to quad occupancy.

What is your expected budget per nite for this trip?

Let us know the info above and we'll advise accordingly.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[Bubba50111]

There will be 4 of us traveling in our group. My budget limits are around $125 a night.

Thanks

Bubba

[Bubba50111]

Just bid on NMA are for 3/13-3/15. Offered $53 for 3 and 1/2 stars but was denied. Going to have to wait to try again. Anyone have any tips or advice? Should I try another area? What should my next bid be?

Thanks

Bubba

[AaronJB]

Do you mind the possibility of one bed via PRICELINE? These dates appear to be busier (and as a result will be more expensive) due to the Housewares Show, which is one of the larger conventions in the city.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[thereuare]

In Chicago i do think you need to very mindful of the double/quad occupancy issue... although ultimately it's up to you (and your family) if this is a risk you're willing to accept.

HOTWIRE is offering what appears to be the Hotel Indigo for $139/nite, just over your current budget, and that would ensure sleeping accommodations for everyone in your family, so at least keep that as a reference point if you choose to continue to bid higher via PRICELINE... at some point it would be worth the extra few dollars to not have to worry about how the bed situation will turn out.

If you want to continue bidding, you do have THREE re-bid zones when bidding for a 3.5* hotel in the Chicago area. You can read more about re-bidding here: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained, and assuming you're new to the concept, it's highly recommended you confirm your re-bid zones (or ask questions) before bidding.

I'm guessing you'll need to be closer to $80-$100 than to $50 to have success for these dates. Assuming your maximum budget is still $125/nite, i'd bid as follows (again, confirm your re-bid zones and/or ask questions if you're unsure):

(NOTE: 're-bid zone1' is not the same as priceline's Zone1, 're-bid zone2' is not the same as priceline's Zone2, etc, etc)

Select 3.5* NMA...

Bid $53, if rejected add re-bid zone1... (this already bid)

Bid $60, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* NMA and re-bid zone2...

Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone1... (this already bid)

Bid $80, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* NMA and re-bid zone3...

Bid $85, if rejected add re-bid zone1... (this already bid)

Bid $90, if rejected close browser and use our link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* NMA and re-bid zone2 and re-bid zone3...

Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone1... (this already bid)

Bid $100

Any question feel free to ask.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.