Ok, hope this isn't a stupid question as I realize Chicago has many conventions etc.

We were supposed to go to Chicago this weekend and had to cancel. We're trying to go Oct. 11-12 and finding not many hotels are sold-out of their internet super savers. And what IS available is MUCH more than this coming weekend.

I was surprised, thinking THIS was the peak season.

So, does anyone know why? OR more importantly, the best way to get the best rates?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

OOPS-- sorry, i didn't mean to say 'not'.....but meant to say that many hotels HAVE sold out of their internet super rates.

Thanks again.

Betsy, I was wondering the same thing. Tried playing around on Priceline last night and could not get any of my bids accepted. However, I did check out many of the hotels that Bidding for Travel says are Priceline hotels in Chicago, and when I checked the hotels' sites, I did find availability, but at prices I am not willing to pay.

A friend of mine said that besides conventions, that Columbus Day is a huge holiday in Chicago. I have no idea if this is true or not. I do know that the largest housewares show will be held in Chicago in mid-October, so that might be the week leading up to or after October 11-12, so that might be part of the problem, but housewares conventions (vendors showing their lines to retailers) don't usually occur on the weekend.

I've posed a question about availability on Bidding for Travel, and it was suggested that the hotels are just not ready to release their excess inventory to Priceline yet, and that I should wait a couple of weeks.

I'm not 100% positive since my fiance isn't running it this year, but it's possible that weekend is the Chicago marathon.

Maybe someone else can confirm?

If it is the marathon, you may have a tough time finding great rates.

Betsy, Gina might be onto something.

This year, the marathon is October 13.

Oh shoot, it figures. But thanks for the info.

Now what? Do you think they may still release some rooms at a discount closer to the weekend OR do you think they'll already be sold out?

Your best guess is really appreciated!

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Considering that there are something aroung 35,000 participants in the Marathon I guess it would depend on how many hotel rooms there are in Chicago as to whether or not they'd release some close to that weekend. If it were me I'd pick another weekend altogether. The city will probably be chaotic with all those people there. I will be one of those marathoners. I'll let you know afterwards what the city was like that weekend. Wish me luck on my first!

The city won't be much more chaotic than usual, as long as you aren't driving anywhere - just be prepared for some street closings/traffic during the first half of the day on Sunday. As someone who has run this race 5 times and watched it many times as well, I would disagree with Steph that you should pick another weekend. The weather is usually great, and if you'd like to watch the race, it is quite an event to see. Good luck finding a room.

Good luck Steph! I am green with envy - wish I were running it, too. Run the Honolulu Marathon sometime.

Melissa -

No need to be envious, it's an open race (up to 37,500) - no qualifying times, no lottery, and space is still left to sign up!

They are all booked in case the Cubs get into the World Series.

actually, i believe the american psychiatric assoc. has its convention here during that time...believe that draws 35,000 - 50,000.....

Convention info is available at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau website,
http://www.chicago.il.org/
It appears the spring manufacturers and the health insurers are meeting at that time, along with the marathon. Who knew?
It's a great site for information on visiting Chicago.