Is something going on in Chicago that weekend? I can't seem to get a hotel room that weekend w/o paying +$300 a night - even with expedia, travelocity, priceline, etc.

Yes, Blues Festival and many numerous other events. Summer dance etc.

See www.metromix.com

Actually nearly every weekend in summer gets like that for lodging. Best if you try to make reservations at least 6 weeks in advance for cheaper rates.

One of my roommates booked a room at Hotel Allegro for those dates @$195.00 per night, just this morning.

thanks everyone - of course my hubby's group had to hold a conference the same weekend as the world's largest blues festival. I figured something big was going on.

I don't think the Bluse Festival attracts all that many visitors. It'll make for a great weekend, though, along with the Printers Row Book Fair and Old Town Art Fair.

Neocon (40,000 attendees)starts on June 13, so that may account for some of the hotel room problems. Have you tried reserving for just June 10-11?

well, I finally found something - House of Blues hotel - it's $298 for the two nights total. Anyone been there - thoughts?

what website did you find that HOB rate on? I am in the same boat. I tried Priceline today for Sat. June 11, and no luck. I have a backup at the Sofitel at convention prices $235 per night.

I did it through southwest through a hotel/airfare package - you can just do hotels too if you want. The package total was $567. I deducted the amount of the airfare which, if done separate, was $269, which leaves to the $298 for House of Blues for two nights - good luck!

Radiofanatic - Do you actually have a reservation there now? If so, you're very lucky. I just checked it out, and almost all of the hotels through SWA show no availability. The few that did have rooms left only had expensive rooms.

The hotel should be fine. I've never stayed there, but the location is fantastic. Check tripadvisor for reviews.

I've got the confirmation so I better! I'm going to call to confirm but SW gave me the entire confirmation. I hope so or my hubby will have a heart attack!

It looks Funky. You should try the Gospel brunch if you are there on Sunday. I heard it's fun! Maybe get a reservation?