Anyone from Chicago?

[mar3990]

Looking for a recommendation on a hotel for a weekend in October. My kids have this idea of staying downtown so they can walk to stuff but I'm finding that very pricey. Any suburb that would be easiest to get around from? We will be coming from Madison, WI and haven't been to Chicago in 12 years. My youngest wants to see Sue the Dinosaur so I have to find out where that is located, we want to shop and go out to eat. We will be there for two nights. Thanks for any help.

 

[HERSEY]

Sue is at the Field Museum here is a link http://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibits/default.htm Sorry I can't help with any Hotel though.

 

[Chicago526]

Downtown is pricey, but it really will be the most convienant to the Museum. If you feel you must save money on the hotel, I recoment staying near O'Hare Airport (the airport is considered Chicago, but the area surronding it is Rosemont). Lots of hotels in the area for decent money, and to downtown it should be around 45 minutes or so by car, or you can take the Blue Line (the "El" or elevated train) to downtown and take public transportation from there.

Sue is at the Field, but if you want another museum to do, if your kids are 12 and under, I really recomend the Museum of Science and Industry, too. Not so great for older teens but for the 12 and under set it's fantastic!!!!

 

[geffric]

Also, don't forget that there is a Ghiradellis there and Ginos for pizza..

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/events/search.front?best_bet=today%20-%207%20days
check out metrolink for events going on in Chi that weekend

 

[Beth76]

Oh, you have to stay downtown. You'll spend too much time commuting otherwise. I recommend priceline. We went in May and got the Millenium Knickerbocker for $90/night (four star). It was very nice and a perfect location.

 

[mrsv98]

We did a vacation in the city (we live in the 'burbs) last summer and stayed at the Palmer House Hilton. We were able to get an excellent weekend rate and the location can't be beat. When you figure in the cost of transportation in and out of the city, or heaven forbid, parking in the city, then you really do save money in the long run.

In terms of Sue, she is on display and there are some other dinos out but the Hall of Time is still closed until March 2006 for renovation. Of course, there are still many wonderful things to see. Also, you should look into getting a City Pass. You save lots of money, and what is better, you don't have to wait in line to go to The Art Institute, The Field, The Shedd Aquarium, MSI or The Hancock Observatory.

There will also be activities in the City for Halloween and at Navy Pier. Have fun!

 

[Ava83]

We stayed in the Hyatt off Michigan on the river two years ago and it was around $99.00. When you look at hotels check parking rates also, that can get pricey. (we live outside of Chicago)

Peg

 

[slo]

Also, don't forget that there is a Ghiradellis there and Ginos for pizza..

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/events/search.front?best_bet=today%20-%207%20days
check out metrolink for events going on in Chi that weekend

To add onto geffric's post, there is a great new Hershey store right across the street from Ghiradellis. They have everything any chocolate lover could ask for - if you have time, you should check it out!!!

 

[Free4Life11]

The Cass Hotel is a no frills (I mean it!) hotel that is usually very reasonable when compared to other hotels downtown.

http://www.casshotel.com/

You might also want to try Hotwire. I know you can choose the downtown area and may find a good deal.

Oh yeah don't forget to budget for the hotel tax. I think it's something like 14 or 15%.

 

[debloco]

I've got to echo a couple of other posters and say, stay downtown. The commute isn't worth it, parking is such a hassle and darn expensive. By the time you factor both in, I don't think the difference in cost will be that great.
I'd also recommend the Palmer House Hilton. It's our favorite Loop area hotel and we've stayed concierge level (which includes continental breakfast, evening hors d'ouvers, beverages, late night cookies/desserts) for right around $109 or $119 (plus tax, of course).

 

[Kae]

There is a HI at Navy Pier & the one at Fashion Mart is nice. Palmer House is a good one. Don't forget House of Blues Hotel. I find with Chicago you should check the web & call the Hotel direct ask for the Shoppers package or Family Package. OR just ask for the Best Rate. Shedd Aquiauim(sp?) is cool too.

Kae

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Welcome to Chicago!

Try checking www.winterdelights.com its chicago's (city) own site for discount hotel's and tourist info. Usually has some decient prices. Also you can try using the Entertainment card (if you have one) I have gotten good discounts at the omni downtown. OR AAA discounts if your a member. Many hotels take that discount. Can always try expedia.com, etc....

Some downtown hotels in really nice locations that I've gotten good winterdelight rates on: Marriott on michigan ave., Sheraton downtown. Westin next to the Hancock bldg. OR try the Holiday Inn City Center, its pretty reasonable. for its location. OR the Hyatt McCormack is usually a good buy because its not right downtown, just a 5 minute cab. But not far from the museums, closer to museums.

Anything out of the "city" is going to kill you on traffic. I would really work on trying one of these. We are 30 miles south of chicago and that can be a 40 minute ride or a 3 hour crawl. But we have several red roof inn's & and howard johnson's.

Mky

 

[Dan Murphy]

These links are pretty helpful, enjoy your time in our great city............

http://chicago.travelape.com/

http://www.chicago.il.org/default.html

http://www.uchicago.edu/docs/chicagoguide/

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago_millennium_park.htm

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago_special_events.htm

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

http://www.chicagogreeter.com/index.html

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/....do?entityName=Tourism&entityNameEnumValue=41

http://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/

http://www.hancock-observatory.com/

http://www.millenniumpark.org/

http://www.museumcampus.org/

​

 

[mar3990]

I am so excited by all the great advice. Where is Ghiardelli's? It is my family's absolute favorite DTD spot. Do they have ice cream? I am calling tonight on some shop & stay rates (postcard) I received in the mail today. Are most of the things to see still open where Sue is? My 9 year old is the one who wants to see Sue but the rest of my kids are high school and college aged so thery may sit that part out. My other hotel dilema is there will possibly be six of us so I was thinking of a suite place in a suburb. Is the commute still bad if we don't go at rush hour? Thanks again for all your responses. I can always count on someone here to help me out, and I never gotten bad advice!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

problem about rush hour is it is usually all day. Not really sure when that occurred but it just blurred both sides togther and it never really dies down. The worse is 5:30am > about 10:30am (at least) and starts up again about 1pm>7pm. But traffic is always bad. *** I am refering to the SOUTH commutes. *** I don't think it is much different to the west or north either thou. (east is the lake).

Ghirradelli's definately have ice cream. it is just off michigan ave. Across from the water tower shopping mall area. behind barnes and nobles.

Agree if your truely set on the suburbs the "nicest" would be oakbrook area, shaumberg area (with large woodfield mall) or near o'hare airport. They all have hotel's available.

Mky

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I definitely would recommend staying downtown. Here are some reasonably priced hotels we've stayed at: Double Tree downtown (it's on Delaware), very nice and has an indoor pool on the top floor. We've stayed at Hotel Monaco, Whitehall, Hard Rock, and most recently we stayed at the brand new Four Points Sheraton on Rush Street. Unbelievable price. Very clean, brand new, indoor pool and within walking distance to all of the stores on Michigan Ave. (Right by Nike Town to be more specific). There are more and if I think of them I'll add them.

 

[mar3990]

I could not find a decent price on any of the recommended downtown hotels. How would either the Springhill suites at O'Hare or Lincolnshire be? Remember I do not know the area so which one do you think would be better for commuting? Can I get the train to downtown from either one and if I do will we be miles from the Field Museum and shopping?

 

[ahutton]

One thing I didn't see mentioned if you are looking at downtown hotels for deals - don't forget to check and see if they charge guests for parking. Some do and it will add a bunch to your bill. For suburb locations I would call the hotel and ask if the train is in walking distance. Or check for Chicago Transit Authority online and see if you can see on a map what is close. I know they sell vacationer passes (that are deals for a few days) and you would get great use of it for the sites mentioned.

 

[mrsv98]

Of the two, the hotel by O'Hare is closer. Lincolnshire is nice but at least an hour from the city by train and more by car.

From O'Hare, it can be anywhere from 20 mins to 2 hours to the city by car depending on the time of day and traffic. You can take the El into the city or perhaps get a cab but that will run you $20+ each way.

Did you try Priceline? I know it seems like a lot of upfront money, but getting into and out of the city can be such a pain and so expensive, the bit more money is worth it.