I'm pretty sure I signed up on the Next list the day it went online so I got pretty lucky. Got the email yesterday around 4pm. I feel very fortunate as I'm in a similar situation. I'm moving to Boston in 3 weeks and am travelling for work the next two, so not only was I able to make a reservation but I was able to get it for one of my last 14 nights left in Chicago. Good luck. Enjoy Alinea.