Where to stay in Chicago?

[Iott Family]

We are thinking of taking the kids to Chicago for a few days over Spring break at the end of March. Shedd's, Museum of Natural History, Planetarium are all on our list of must do's. Maybe even a day at the zoo if temps are reasonable. We are from the Indianapolis area so we are familiar with the weather/temps and the chill that comes off of Michigan!

I am looking for a good place to stay for our fam of 6. Indoor pools are nice for the kids to play in down times, cost needs to be around 100-150 a night tops.
What can u recommend?

Thank you!

 

[HappyGilmore]

We stayed at the Best Western River North back in July 2006. It was a very nice clean hotel (in a older building) had a wood smell like and old church but the rooms were very clean and huge. http://www.rivernorthhotel.com/ looked just like on the website . It has an indoor pool and I think a hot tub, it also had a parking garage. It was close to grocery store, Rock and Roll McDonalds, Hard Rock Cafe, Bus lines etc. We vistied Lincoln Park Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry as well as the Sears tower (now Wiggens tower or something) and the Hancock center. I think back then we paid about 125.00 or so a night which was excellent for the location as most of the other hotels right down town cost over 300.00 (Palmer House Hilton).

 

[mr.bungle]

Wife and I stayed this past June at the Hard Rock Hotel. It was in a great location, reasonably priced, etc... I'd stay there again. Short walk to the area across the river where Hard Rock Cafe and tourist junk is. We were really close to State/Lake train station and a couple others. Although, re-reading your thread it may not be the best for your situation, but I'll go ahead and post in case others could use the info.

 

[Anne34]

With a family of 6 I would suggest the Embassy Suites downtown. The only problem is that parking is VERY expensive -- you need to add that cost into the room cost -- check around for rates. Even in March the rates are closer to $150/night.

 

[sunshine1178]

Wife and I stayed this past June at the Hard Rock Hotel. It was in a great location, reasonably priced, etc... I'd stay there again. Short walk to the area across the river where Hard Rock Cafe and tourist junk is. We were really close to State/Lake train station and a couple others. Although, re-reading your thread it may not be the best for your situation, but I'll go ahead and post in case others could use the info.

We stayed at the Hard Rock in November. The reservation agent wouldn't let me put 5 people in one room, even with one a baby. I finally booked a Platinum queen room with an adjoining room, and my parents stayed in the adjoining. The Platinum queen was a corner room, very spacious, and gorgeous views! The room next door though was teensy. Definitely a tight fit for two people -- no way more would fit.

 

[FINFAN]

I'd check into here:
http://comfortsuiteschicago.com/

recently redone by comfort suites...location is good, short cab ride to museums. If weather was oddly warm your could walk it, but more than likely it will be cold ( sorry)
I doin't think they have a pool tho..also we LOVE the Sheraton Hotel and Towers on Illinois street, 2 blocks from Navy Pier. They do have a pool on the 7th floor...sometimes you can snag a great deal, but the rooms are not large, you will need 2 for sure. Be sure to add parking in your costs, roughly $25 a night unless you are coming in by train.

 

[Danemom]

Best Western River North also had free parking when we went for Spring Break last year. Big savings!

 

[cabanafrau]

IMO the Embassy Suites at State & Ohio is the best for location, plus includes breakfast & evening snacks/beverages. Right next door is the Jewell Osco where you can buy a visitors CTA pass which will get you anywhere you want to go for just a few dollars a day.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Embassy Suites on State St.
Four Points Sheraton on Rush/Ontatio <-----never stayed here but I know the rates are cheap, the location is AMAZING, and there is an indoor pool!
Comfort Inn on Ohio St.
Holiday Inn Express (Hotel Cass) on Wabash

PM me if you have any Chicago questions - I've lived here for a few years now and would be happy to help!

 

[Iott Family]

Embassy Suites on State St.
Four Points Sheraton on Rush/Ontatio <-----never stayed here but I know the rates are cheap, the location is AMAZING, and there is an indoor pool!
Comfort Inn on Ohio St.
Holiday Inn Express (Hotel Cass) on Wabash

PM me if you have any Chicago questions - I've lived here for a few years now and would be happy to help!

Thank you for this great offer! I will be taking you up on it after I compile a list Yes, a list! My biggest question has to do with transpo and how to negotiate the area. We know where we want to go and we are thinking of taking the train up from Indy...........

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

I have OCD and have to make lists for EVERYTHING, so I know what you mean! Taking the train would be a fantastic idea because parking around here is so expensive. You can get anywhere you need to go by train, bus, or cab!

 

[mom2grace]

Thank you for this great offer! I will be taking you up on it after I compile a list Yes, a list! My biggest question has to do with transpo and how to negotiate the area. We know where we want to go and we are thinking of taking the train up from Indy...........

I live in Indy too, Amtrak is notoriously late with this route, another option is to drive to Gary & take the South Shore train.

I would budget $50/day parking in Chicago.

 

[DonkeyGreatness]

The Hard Rock is a nice place right on Michigan Avenue and should be at the upper end of your price range.