What kind of shopping? If you're talking about department stores and chain stores, then you'll want to be near the Magnificent Mile. Pricey boutiques - Oak Street off No. Michigan Avenue. Funky boutiques - could be Wicker Park.

Probably mostly department stores and chains. We're mid-price shoppers. Any specific hotel suggestions?

Westin Michigan Avenue is a good location and within your price range

Google hotels on Michigan Ave, River North(just west of Michigan Ave) and Streeterville(just east of Michigan Ave) for access to good shopping. Doubletree in Streeterville may have good prices and Kimpton had a good Chicago deal recently. Many choices, have a great time. Be aware that Affinia is next to the new Children's Hospital construction site and Omni is next to Ritz Carlton residences construction.

The Hyatt Regency on Wacker is a possibility. Also the Marriott on Michigan Ave.

Thanks for the suggestions but unfortunately neither the Hyatt or the Marriott are available.

In my experience, most of the year Chicago is a tough city to get a good last-minute hotel deal. You've only got a week to go, and it's a holiday weekend, so you need to bite the bullet and book something - like tonight or tomorrow. Prices will only keep going up and availability down.

For the best deals on Hotwire, the name of the hotel won't be released until you've booked it. Same with Priceline. I've had good luck with both of them in Chicago but I limit my areas to the Loop/Theater District and River North/Magnificent Mile (those might not be the exact names they use for the areas) and I go for 3* minimum. For only two nights you want to stay downtown in the thick of things and any hotel within those areas would be fine (location-wise) for your shopping weekend. Personally though, I'd avoid the Congress and Travelodge. If something is listed as Grant Park it might be located on the southern fringe of downtown; Water Tower could be the northern reaches of downtown, but they are both very close-in and transport is good, you can even hoof it.

Have you tried Travelocity, Expedia, hotels.com, Orbitz? If you see something of interest check the hotel reviews on tripadvisor and yelp, and look at the location on a map.

Also check on www.hotrooms.com -- it's a Chicago-only hotel booking site. If something in their inventory looks good to you, call them ask any questions you might have. I've found them to be very friendly and knowledgeable.

You'll find something; have a fun weekend.

On my last trip to Chicago, I stayed at The James. I liked the hotel location and thought the service was great. Looks like they have rates between $250 and $300 for Labor day weekend. Other favorites are more high end - Peninsula (loved the old pool), Four Seasons (great location, and wonderful tea), and the Drake and Palmer House have history. Have a great time in a wonderful city!

Look at Doubletree on E. Ohio St. Older place but they often have good deals. Nearby Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott.

When friends come to visit, they are content staying in the burbs and shopping here. Oakbrook(like The Doubletree) or Schaumburg work, and with the money you save on a hotel & parking, you can shop more

Check out The River Hotel on Wacker Drive. It is on Wacker about half a block off of Michigan Ave. Central to everywhere. It mostly caters to business travel but it would be perfect for a shopping weekend. I will say that the room I had was a bit small but how much room do you need to sleep. A room with 3 beds may be bigger.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. We decided on the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.