Collaboration University Chicago - hotels filling up, one killer deal left
Category Collaboration UniversityMelissa just did our "hotel watch" on Chicago hotels for the week of September 8, and two of the three killer deals are now gone. For those who have yet to make arrangements, please make sure you visit the Collaboration University website's Locations page for the latest downloadable list of hotels and rates we've researched. Of course there are more online, but this seems to be a busy week in Chicago!
If you're still on the fence, consider this - the remaining killer deal is the IBM visitor rate at the Drake Hotel (where I've stayed at full rates several times, it's gorgeous) at $130 per night. In Chicago. For a 4-star Hilton hotel. Expedia shows $379. That has to be the best deal in town. There's a similar price at a 2.5-star Midway hotel (not an IBM rate), but of course the transportation is a little more involved. The Drake is walkable on a nice day, about 25 minutes, or a sub-$10 cab ride. Of course, you may have a corporate rate somewhere else, but this is really a good deal as long as rooms are available.
UPDATE Monday July 21: Looks like you filled up the Drake on Friday. Looking for more good deals...
If you're procrastinating on travel planning, or need a good reason to get your manager to push the paperwork through, this is it. 53 days seems like a long time, but it isn't when it comes to getting a great deal on accommodations in a big city.
Travel tip: If you stay at the Drake, or even if not, visit the John Hancock building, seen in the photo above. There's an Observatory on the top floor that's educational and dizzying at the same time. And for a very swanky drinks hour, definitely visit the Signature Room on the 95th floor. You can usually get a booth or table at the bar, and if there's one by the window grab it fast. Spectacular views.
