Chicago

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Hi all - we may (or may not) - book some flights to Chicago for next August.

However, I am not sure what to do for the holiday. We have been to Chicago and stayed 4/5 nights - but has anyone stayed on the outskirts or got recommendations as to what else we can do?

Looking at hotel prices in Chicago, near the Magnificent Mile, the prices seem pretty - well - city prices!! So a few nights elsewhere will help the budget. Hope you can help

 

[Netty]

Just seen a great price on travelzoo, but not sure if it goes up to august
www.travelzoo.com

Save 45% on regular rates at a 4-star property conveniently located at the gateway to the Magnificent Mile and within walking distance to most major attractions.

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago is offering a $99 rate for any night of the week, November-February. Book a more spacious room for $20 more per night or a suite for $40 more per night. Guests staying two nights or longer get further discounts on upgraded room types.

Shop for the holidays on Michigan Avenue, take a five-minute stroll to The Museum of Contemporary Art or get a bird's-eye view of the city from the John Hancock Building.

Travelzoo Tip: Stroll along the Magnificent Mile after dark to enjoy the holiday lights between stops in the boutiques along Michigan Avenue and nearby Oak Street.

Not available on: Nov. 24-30; Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 29-31

Book by Nov. 23. Top 20 deal – sells out quickly.

 

[Netty]

oops just read its nov-feb... might be worth you signing up to travelzoo if you already haven't!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Netty thanks for posting this - the deal goes to the end of Feb - I looked and there was another hotel and that went to the end of April. I haven't booked the flights - still deliberating over spending it on the house!!

 

[robinb]

You could stay out near O'Hare airport and take the el (subway train) into the city every day. It's about a 45 minute ride each way and pretty safe. Unfortunately, once you get out of the downtown area (Magnificent Mile, Loop) a car is a requirement. You'll be able to get to/from your hotel OK but there is nothing nearby those airport hotels except other airport hotels. I would bite the bullet and pay for a hotel downtown. Travelzoo will have some specials for August in a few months.

You may want to take a look at the Chicago Convention Calendar here: http://www.choosechicago.com/meeting-professionals/convention-calendar/ to see if there are any big conventions in town for your dates. Big = 30,000 attendees or more. I don't see anything too big, but there is a 10,000 person convention and a 12,000 person convention on the same weekend (8/13-8/17) and that may be enough people to have an impact on the hotels downtown.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Thanks for the tip - this is around the time I was looking at, so may make a bit of difference.

 

[Netty]

Forget the house-go to Chicago

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Forget the house-go to Chicago

Thanks for the vote