Trip to Chicago - Need Help

[NotTooGoofy]

I know it's not Disney related (would have been if DQ still existed in Chicago) but... I'm traveling to Chicago in early May with family for a weekend. We'll be spending much of our time on Michigan Ave (aka the Magnificent Mile) but don't want to stay in a hotel near there due to the $150+/night rate (would only pay that for the Disney magic).

I wouldn't mind staying 15-20 miles out if the rates are a lot cheaper. Question is, which area of Chicago is the safest and easiest to get to downtown Chicago? Does anyone have a specific hotel recommendation for the Chicago without spending an arm or a leg?

Thanks!

 

[Tiggerish]

Have you considered bidding for a room on Priceline? Frequently you can get a great North Michigan Ave hotel in the 45 to 60 range. If you want to check it out, try the biddingfortravel.com site.

Otherwise, there is a Clubhouse Inn in Westmont, Illinois that is about 20 miles from downtown. On Expedia there is a special rate of $51 which includes breakfast buffet and early evening snacks. It has an indoor pool and a hot tub. Rooms are not that big but have coffee maker and sink is separate from toliet which can be handy. It is about 5 - 10 minutes from the very nice Oak Brook Centre shopping mall. It is in a very nice, safe area but it will take you any where from 30 minutes to an hour to get downtown depending on traffic, etc.

I have NOT stayed there but I visited and saw room, etc. two weeks ago checking it out for a group of my family who will be in the area for a wedding this summer and I think we are going to stay there.

 

[goofyrn13]

How ironic but I just stayed at that hotel last night.We visited family in LaGrange and stayed at that hotel.It's an ok place.It is safe,but about 30 minutes from Michigan Ave on a low traffic day.I would say more like 45 minutes to play it safe.It is just off 294 and a few blocks from I80.It is rather close to Brookfield Zoo though ,I'd say 15 minutes.That is a great zoo if interested in that kind of thing.Personally I'd stay downtown, so you don't have to deal with the commute and traffic.Plus you get that special feeling walking down Michigan Ave, knowing your in one of the best cities in America.

 

[robinb]

I would also suggest Priceline. I stayed at the 3* Embassy Suites in the North Michigan Ave zone for only $43 per night via Priceline. That particular hotel has 2 room suites and includes free made-to-order breakfast and drinks in the evening . It was half way between Michigan Ave and Navy Pier ... an easy walk to each one.

Make sure to check out www.biddingfortravel.com for hints on "informed" bidding.

 

[mummajea]

Another suggestion is hotwire.com. We have stayed at Mag Mile hotels for around $50-70 a night. We also just stayed at the Doubletree out by Ohare for $35 this Easter weekend.

The only thing about hotwire is you don't know the hotel till you pay for it, but we have found that the ratings are compatable to AAA and sometimes better.

Hotels in the northwest area are probably your best bet if you decide to not stay DT. You want them to be "off the Kennedy" or close to Ohare. Be aware that they are doing construction on 290 and 90/94 in the Schaumburg area this year. I am not sure when this is starting. Also when hotels tell you that they are a certain amount of minutes from somewhere, I think they do their timing at 2AM!

If you are really adventurous, using public transportation (CTA or what is called the "L" ) is really one of the best and cheapest ways to get around Chicago. ANy of the hotels should be able to help you aout or got to CTA's web set. it has a routing feature.

FINALLY.....
Having grown up in Chicago, I have to defend my home town! It really is a safe place to go and visit. Yes it is very big and very busy and very crowded at times, but it is a great place to go!!! The Muesums are awesome and the parks on the Lakefront are fun. Mag mile is a fun place to experience (Dream at Gucci's or SAKS). There is so much to explore and the resturants are awesome! Don't always eat at the tourist places. Stop into the hot dog stands (Demon Dogs or the Weiner Circle!) and small pizza joints. That's where you will find the best food. Visit Navy Pier if it is a nice day. Go to see a ball game(but bring a coat it can get cold in the shade at Wrigley). Just like in any place, be aware of your surroundings and always act like you know what you are doing (even if you haven't a clue) and you will be safe. Enjoy the Windy city...it is MY KIND OF TOWN!!!!!

 

[pips]

Check out quikbook.com. They often have good deals for hotels in major cities like Chicago. Hot Rooms (hotrooms.com, I think) has special rates for Chicago hotels. I have never used priceline or hotwire and it seems their rates would be lower than quikbook or hot rooms. I prefer to select the hotel and I do not believe priceline or hotwire allow you to specify which hotels you would accept. Have a great time! We go to Chicago for several weekend getaways each year. We usually try to stay downtown because it is so much more convenient. Parking can sometimes be difficult and is always expensive. But sometimes, during large conventions, it is impossible to get a reasonably priced room so we have stayed in Deerfield (a northern suburb) or in Schaumburg (a northwestern suburb). Enjoy Chicago - there are many great restaurants, museums, and of course wonderful shopping on Michigan Ave.!

 

[Michele Rossi]

I always recommend Embassy Suites in Downers Grove. It is around the Oak Brook area and right across the street from Yorktown Mall. There are several restaurants in the area. I have gotten the room for 109 per night. This includes free open bar for 2 hours per night and made to order breakfast buffet in the morning. Rooms are very nice and big. It is a great place to stay and only 30 minutes from the heart of Chicago. There are also brand new hotels minutes away from Midway airport. They have built up that area and it is really nice now. There are about 6 hotels in the "Midway Airport Complex" and a TGIF's. This would only be 10-15 minutes away from downtown. There is a Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard Marriott, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn in the complex. Enjoy!!!

 

[DonnaW]

If you really want to stay near Michigan Avenue, but not pay Michigan Ave prices, consider the Radisson Hotel which is right off of Michigan Ave. We have stayed there twice and it is a great location, walking distance to all Mag Mile shopping, a good value and a nice hotel.

 

[NotTooGoofy]

Well thanks everyone for your help and insight. For better or worse, through Priceline I got the Hilton at O'hare Airport for $80/night. Looks like the hotel is fairly close to the L train station so that's how we'll get to and from Michigan Ave. We'll plan for 45 minutes to an hour each way.

I greatly appreciate your comments. Thanks again!

 

[emuboy]

We use price line sometimes. Put 5 star hotel and a very low rate and if it's not excepted raise your price in $5 or 10$ incriments. We got a suite at the Windom Palace in Downtown Dis. for $75/night in March 2002. Also got a room in the heart of New Orleans at the Shereton for $50/night one weekend in 2000.

Good luck!