Question about Chicago places 2 stay

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

I want to go to Chicago later this month and I wondered if people who own Marriott's/Windhams etc can book stays at places other than timeshares? I don't own either of these -- but I was just wondering if it'd be worth my while to try to get a rental in Chicago through this channel, as opposed to priceline, hotwire etc?

Thanks,
Debi

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I am going to Chicago for couple days in July. I searched only for hotels, only in one area. It looks as they are starting a 'summer sale', so some of the hotels are pretty well discounted. I don't know what/where/how long for your needs, and don't have any info on Marriott/Windham, but since I had 2 cents laying around, so thought I would throw them in.

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

I have been watching the bids that people have been getting through priceline, using the biddingfortravel.com website -- just to get an idea of what hotels are going for but thought I'd try these ol' reliable boards to explore all avenues. I only need 2 nights -- maybe 3 -- and want to be right downtown. I want to attend a food show at the south end of the city. When you said "summer sale" -- what do you think would be a reasonable price for a 4* hotel? I'm travelling alone, so want to make sure I get something that's not too scary!

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

I got the Hyatt downtown on Priceline (four stars) for about $70 in 2006. In big cities, Priceline is hard to beat unless there's some big event going on when you're there.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I am going to the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, 400 block of LaSalle, not far from the Sears Tower. The place I booked is Hotel Blake at 500 S Dearborn. Found it on Orbitz for $153 a night. The place the CBOE recommend is the Buckingham Athletic club.

I can't tell you how many stars that one or the other is, but they should be a nice places.

I must say, I am excited about going. Two days of option trading training, a trip from Minneapolis to Chicago. I had better figure out how to make a lot of money after this trip.

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

I had better figure out how to make a lot of money after this trip.

When you figure this out, I hope you'll share

Debi

[EAM Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close EAM]

Wyndham owners with PlusPartners can book hotels using FSP points, but the rates aren't necessarily any better than one can get via Priceline, etc. Also, I don't know if you are permitted to reserve a hotel room with points and rent it to someone else.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I just rechecked flight prices for the July trip. Glad I got mine booked. Same flight is now $100 more than I paid.

These higher prices are certainly going to affect future flights and vacations.

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

Good for you. I couldn't find any deals on flights so I think I'm going to take the train. BUT, I did find a good deal through Name Your Own Price on Priceline -- I got the Hyatt downtown for $68 plus taxes/fees. I was pretty happy with that.

Debi

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I got the Hyatt downtown for $68 plus taxes/fees. I was pretty happy with that.

Debi

WOW

Next time, I give you my information and let you hunt. You are better at it than I am.

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

I know -- I was pretty happy myself With all taxes/fees etc, the total is $164 for two nights

I just kept checking the BiddingForTravel.com - The informed Priceline Travel Bidding Forum website daily and saw what other people were getting -- and then started bidding every day starting at $60 and then finally $68 was accepted! I find the challenge exciting -- sad isn't it

Next time you go somewhere, just check out that website -- it's so helpful.

WOW

Next time, I give you my information and let you hunt. You are better at it than I am.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

That Hyatt is nice--it comes up on Priceline all the time. Just one thing--they really nickel-and-dime you there.

Especially...watch out for the minibar! It's the only one I've ever seen where they SEAL it and there's a sign that says if you even open it, you will pay a $25 fee. You can't even keep medications or a bottle of milk in there.

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

That Hyatt is nice--it comes up on Priceline all the time. Just one thing--they really nickel-and-dime you there.

Especially...watch out for the minibar! It's the only one I've ever seen where they SEAL it and there's a sign that says if you even open it, you will pay a $25 fee. You can't even keep medications or a bottle of milk in there.

Luckily, I'd already heard about the nightmare minibar system that they have there. When I was reading reviews, they often complained about the minibar -- mentioning not only prices, but that the items are sensored, that if you even move an item, you're charged!

So, seeing as I'm such a cheapo, I'll just avoid the minibar altogether I'll just bring my own

I also read that the you have to pay for the wireless and it was expensive.

Debi

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Luckily, I'd already heard about the nightmare minibar system that they have there. When I was reading reviews, they often complained about the minibar -- mentioning not only prices, but that the items are sensored, that if you even move an item, you're charged!

So, seeing as I'm such a cheapo, I'll just avoid the minibar altogether I'll just bring my own

I also read that the you have to pay for the wireless and it was expensive.

Debi

Hyatts are in a class of their own on these extra charges--the one in Washington charged about $30 for parking when every other hotel in the area charged $20; one of them (Washington?) charged (a lot) to use the indoor pool.

I can't remember what else they charged for, but if you want to use it, assume they will charge extra for it. On the other hand, we've gotten some fantastic rooms for motel prices at Hyatts through Priceline, so I'm willing to make the minibar sacrifice!