Priceline Hotel: Chicago 5/27-5/30

[cyberchic]

I'm going to a conference at the Renaissance hotel in downtown Chicago 5/27-5/30. I've been trying to get a hotel relatively nearby through Priceline, but haven't had any luck. I saw that another user got a 4* for $70 during that same weekend. I've tried everything I can think of to get something in the 3-4* range for around $70. The last bid I tried was $75 for NMA-River North, Loop-Grant Park, 3*, 3.5*, and 4*. I don't want to go below a 3*. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I just wait and rebid the same tomorrow or is there something else I can do? Thanks!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Another user was able to get a deal for $70 for one of these dates, but not all 3, and rates do vary by date. 5/27-29 are more reasonable, and 5/29-30 appears to be a much busier date, and that's what's causing problems. You may be able to get a deal for $70 for a 4* in the Loop for 27th-29th, but the 30th is going to be more expensive and bidding for the 27th-30th all together is going to require a higher bid. If you are willing to split your dates and try to get a deal for $70 for the 27th-29th, you very well may have to switch hotels for the last night, which will cost more.

Let us know your thoughts and we can offer suggestions on how to proceed.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[cyberchic]

Thanks for the tip! I redid the bid as two separate bids. I ended up with the Palmer House Hilton (4* Loop-Grant Park) 5/27-5/29 and the Sax Hotel (4* NMA-River North) 5/29-5/30. Both were accepted for $70/night.

[AaronJB]

Congratulations on your success! :)

Excellent rates! Very good deal for the Palmer (more than half off), and particularly impressive deal for the Sax - probably one of the lowest rates I've seen for that hotel. Both a reasonable distance from the Renaissance - especially the Sax, which is just on the other side of the river.

Interesting mix of hotels, too - the Palmer is incredibly historic (the lobby is a must-see, even for those who aren't staying there), and the Sax is an ultramodern boutique now run by the Thompson chain. There's also plenty of great restaurants just to the North of the Sax in the River North area, as well.

Please post the Sax win as a separate thread. Thank you. :)

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and using the site's PRICELINE link.

Enjoy your stay.