Go with priceline, that is the only way you will get a decent price downtown. Be aware that in addition to your hotel fee there will be a parking fee. If you do not mind staying outside of downtown the northern suburbs are great. We usually stay in Schaumburg. The Woodfield mall has almost everything that the Mag. mile does. We usually head downtown for a day. If you get into the parking garages before either 9 or 10 you only pay $13 for the whole day (until 5 or 6 PM)!