Reservation runaround
It took me half a dozen phone calls and more hours than I want to admit, but I've finally got my room for the assembly... and a slight stomach ache, actually.
First of all, it must be said that rates for hotels in downtown Chicago are pricey. The ELCA negotiated a good (for the location) rate with the Hyatt of $119/night plus $20/day for parking. Alas, by the time I was able to speak with someone who could actually book those rooms, they had no more available; lowest price - $270+$45!
After hours online comparing rates at various travel websites, I thought I had it narrowed down to one hotel within walking distance of Navy Pier, which had rates almost as low as what the ELCA had at the Hyatt (although, admittedly, the Hyatt was much more upscale). But after digging into the reviews, it seemed as though guests at that hotel either appreciated it or loathed it, in about equal measure. After reading about moldy bathrooms, mystery stains on the beds, and air conditioning that may work well, but then again may not, I decided to see if there was ANYTHING else affordable yet still in the area.
Then I came across Hotwire. Their spiel is that you can get the lowest rates available, but that you only get a description of your hotel (star rating, amenities, neighborhood, etc.) prior to locking in your non-refundable reservations. That's because, according to Hotwire, hotels only give these rates anonymously, using them as a way to fill up empty rooms without having to publish a much lower rate than listed.
Turns out there was a four-star hotel listed in the right neighborhood for only $30 more per night than the Mold 'N' Must Motel - it was more than the ELCA rooms at the Hyatt, but the best I was going to do. Compared to everything else I was seeing, I'd need to stay out by the airport in order to get anything cheaper.
Still, I'm not used to paying much more than $60/night for a hotel, so downtown Chicago lodging left me feeling slightly queasy, and needing some air.
I'm booked now at the Swissotel Chicago, my mystery hotel - which, it turns out, is just two blocks from the Hyatt! I should be able just to walk over to the Hyatt and catch the shuttle for assembly participants heading to Navy Pier.
Next task - finding someone to watch Ellie, my pooch. Knew there was something else I should have announced at church! Doh. More to come...
