I plan to stay in Chicago for 5 nights when I go to see the
Tutankhamun exhibit at the Field Museum at the end of September 2006. 
I found a travel agent web site called Hotelrates.com.  They have an
extraordinarily good price at the Chicago Athletic Association.  But
they want payment up front.  This would be a great deal if and only if
the site is legitimate.  Is this site legitimate?

Hi,

I've never booked through hotelrates.com, but I've booked through two
similar sites www.passionasia.com and www.hotelclub.net and find them
to be legit and very good value. These sites require you to pay
upfront upon bookings, however they have a refund policy. Just read
the cancellation policy and most of them offer a refund should you
change your mind, as long as it's not done within 48 hours of your
booking date. Some hotels don't so be careful and read those policies.
They would also have a hotline/online chat service where you can ask
any questions.

Hi, the site appears to be merely a travelnow.com affiliate, that is
one of the larger booking sites and most definitely legit. You should
feel comfortable booking at hotelrates.com or travelnow.com.