Chicago- where to stay?

[jacksmomma]

Meters are not free on the weekends. Additionally, many more meters have been installed at my formerly favorite free parking areas and meter prices have gone up a lot. Expect to pay $1.50/hour in a regular neighborhood, and $3-5/hour in more desirable areas. I parked between Michigan Ave and Navy pier today and it was $3/hour.

Good to know, it has been almost a year since we have been to Chicago. I will have to keep that in mind for future trips.

 

[VAN]

Just back from our three days in Chicago.

We stayed at Best Western River North. Free parking. I think I got a rate for 4 adults $125/night + tax.

We went to Brookfield Zoo first day. Disappointed.
Ate at The Parthanon (Greektown) first night. Recommend only if you like Greek food.
Got discounted tickets for Skydeck/Willis Tower at hotel desk ($10.50 vs $17.50) and went just after opening. LOVED IT!!!
Wendella River/Lake Boat Ride. WORTH EVERY PENNY - LOVED IT!!!
Took Red Line to Lincoln Park and ate at Joy's Thai Noodles (it's BYOB) - GREAT!!!
Navy Pier - waste of time.
Got discount tickets for Aquarium from hotel desk ($27 vs $35) - two of us went to aquarium (they said was great!) and didn't have to wait in the LONG line for tickets / DH and I went to Field Museum. Then we all took bus to Chicago-style pizza place Lou Malnati's ... GREAT.

Then drove home.

Very nice trip. I purchased metro passes (2 one-day passes for each) on-line, so we had those with us upon arrival.

Recommend Best Western ... basic, but clean, cheap, friendly staff, and free parking!

 

[Karenj2]

Thanks for the info! We're hoping to go to Chicago in October to visit family & see a ND game. Good tips about the metro - DH's cousin lives in the 'burbs, so we might be staying with them and taking mass transit into the city.

 

[Princesa]

Just stayed this weekend at the Chicago Hyatt on Wacker Drive. Beautiful hotel, right in downtown, very friendly staff.

Booked directly through their website on a Surf/Turf package for $119 that included free internet access and valet parking.

Loved being in downtown with free in/out valet parking...saved us a bundle as we drove to specific restaurants, etc.

Usually we stay farther out just for a deal, but with parking included and being able to walk a block to Michigan Ave....yep, enjoyable

 

[VAN]

So when they say free valet parking ... it means free parking using the Valet, right?

I'll have the keep the Hyatt in mind for a future visit.

 

[griergirl2]

There are deals to be had depending on when you want to go. We just booked The Conrad for our anniversary in December for a fantastic deal with their Christmas in July promotion. Hilton is running it through the end of the month for some of their Chicago properties (The Conrad, The Drake, and The Palmer House Hilton for sure) and you can get rooms at these hotels for less than $100/night for stays from the end of November till the beginning of January! Might make for great holiday trips or shopping trips on the Mag Mile Or a holiday surprise for your little American girl lover

 

[aclov]

Just stayed this weekend at the Chicago Hyatt on Wacker Drive. Beautiful hotel, right in downtown, very friendly staff.

Booked directly through their website on a Surf/Turf package for $119 that included free internet access and valet parking.

Loved being in downtown with free in/out valet parking...saved us a bundle as we drove to specific restaurants, etc.

Usually we stay farther out just for a deal, but with parking included and being able to walk a block to Michigan Ave....yep, enjoyable

WOW, you got FREE valet?! I was also there this past weekend and loved it Very nice hotel, good size room since some in Chicago are the size of a closet, and great location. I didn't book on their site, it might have been through TravelZoo at $120 with 1/2 valet so paid $25 which I didn't think was too bad. They let you keep it there until 6pm the next day so we were able to also enjoy the city a bit longer.