Pinkfest hotel rates dropping ...

[annie]

Heads up!

Many Chicago hotel rates have dropped over the Pinkfest days. Crowne Plaza (very very nice) is now $170-ish, which is almost unheard of! Hampton Inn is now well less than $200. If you've been discouraged at hotel prices for Pinkfest, check again, or have your TA check for you.

They just re-booked me for a saving of close to $200 over what I would have been paying.

Some of the hotels are still obscenely priced, but several of them are definitely easing up!

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
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The rates Annie posted are great and so much less than when I last looked.

I am booked through AirBnB at what seems to be a very nice location
based on the pictures and many reviews. The main reasons for selecting
it was that it is a two minute walk from the Berwyn Red Line Station, in
a safe, neighborhood, owned by two gay guys, and affordable, I'm
spending less than $100 per night, but found acceptable places in the
$50 per night range or less. There is also a bus from the location to
the loop that is supposed to be faster than the train.

This is my first experience with AirBnB so I'll let you know how it all
works out later. The most challenging requirement was establishing a
verified profile, not a task for those seeking anonymity or afraid to
divulge private information.

Ginger


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[annie]

> it was that it is a two minute walk from the Berwyn Red Line Station, in

Up by Big Chicks, huh?

Actually, Big Chicks is closer to the Argyle station but more or less the same area.

> This is my first experience with AirBnB so I'll let you know how it all
> works out later.

AirBnB appears to be very successful but I've heard of growing pains. I heard of an incident out in California where a guest refused to vacate and the host had quite a bit of difficulty getting the squatter out. In NYC there is controversy over the fact that some scumlords have been holding rental apartments off of the open market and renting them out daily via AirBnB.

> The most challenging requirement was establishing a verified profile,
> not a task for those seeking anonymity or afraid to divulge private
> information.

I have a feeling that this "verification" is cursory and that if there are no obvious red flags, the verification passes with little scrutiny.

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
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By the way if anyone wants to try AirBnB I can give you some links to
places that looked good and still have a vacancy when we will be there.

Ginger


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[Valerie]

I'm also doing an AirBnB this time around. I'm staying literally across the street from the Blue Line Clinton station. That's just two blocks from Union Station where I'll be arriving by train.

Be aware that you pay up front with AirBnB. They've had my money for a couple of months, ever since the PinkFest 2014 dates were finalized. However, when you only pay $441 including all fees to stay for six days, the advance payment is worth it.

[Valerie]

Regarding the AirBnB verified profile issue, I just looked at it as being no different from using my name and credit card at any other hotel. Unless you also maintain credit cards and separate ID for your feminine self, I wouldn't worry about having your booking under your male identity.

I will say that I told each potential host that I was a 50ish conservatively mannered and presented crossdresser. I felt it only fair since I'll be staying in their home, often while they are there also. I felt they shouldn't be surprised upon my arrival. The responses from my inquiries were all positive.

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
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> I'm staying literally across the street from the Blue Line Clinton
> station.

You probably got the place I was looking at, but procrastinated!

Just kidding!



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[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
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> Regarding the verified profile issue, I just looked at it as
> being no different from using my name and credit card at any
> other hotel.

Good points,

I think AirBnB's profile verification is really a credit agency check to
see if you have a good credit record. This is also a pretty good
indicator of one's character, employment history, and the like. Years
ago I regularly used a credit bureau check to learn about potential
employees.

Lots of employers do this and if someone is not employed because of a
negative report, the subject must be so notified so he or she can
challenge theinformation if it is inaccurate.

The credit bureaus know a lot about us. I know they have me by both my
female and male names and when I go to apply for a credit, usually for
some large interest free purchase, that information is available and
likely seen by whoever approves my credit. It's hard to be transgender
and totally hidden today.

In my AirBnB profile I too included that I was a transgender female. The
worst thing a transperson could probably do is show up at a bigot's
place who had agreed to host him or her and be a surprise. It has not
been an issue and at least one potential host, probably trying to entice
me to rent from him, told me his dad's best friend transitioned in
middle age and how great it had all been for everyone.

I have reservations booked for other fall trips and am very optimistic
about having found a convenient and inexpensive travel resource! I've
really enjoyed staying in family B&B's traveling in the UK and even the
worst experiences were OK.

The main issue I've read about with AirBnB concern hosts who have been
caught violating restrictive building covenants prohibiting subletting,
which this is. Zoning restrictions may also be involved in some cities.
Depending on the building and/or city, either can have serious
consequences for the host, but does not concern the renter.


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