nantucketgirl

I am a female in my early 40's, going to Chicago on a business trip in mid-May. Have never been there so plan to extend the trip, take a day or two off and enjoy. I'm such a Chicago novice so does anyone have any advise for a hotel where I wouldn't need a car, can experience this great city - and I'm all for safety and creature comforts - but would not be looking for a totally expensive hotel - maybe $200-250 (or less ideally but it is a major city) - but something very nice. Your thoughts are appreciated!!

LLindaC

I hope you're not going the 7-9 because the food convention has "gobbled" up all the rooms, lol. Chicago is a great city, easy to get around unless you are driving, IMO. Where do you need to be on business? That would be important in your planning of a hotel. The train is easy to use from the airport, cabs are plentiful and aren't very expensive. Get a good Chicago guide ( can find them cheap, used on amazon.com) I've been very successful finding hotels on priceline. Since you're solo, that would be an easy option for you!

nantucketgirl

Thank you Linda - I'll be about an hour from Chicago on business, but on the 10th (good timing based on that festival!), when my co-workers go to the airport - I plan to stay in the city and catch a flight a day or two later. I'm not sure where to stay (locations) where I can walk and enjoy Chicago in the time that I'm there....

ji321

if you stay downtown, the buses are plentiful and you subway is easily accessible. the most central location is the river north/gold coast area (though its also pricey). i live near the intersection of state st. and grand ave. and i think its the perfect area for a tourist. there is a red line stop at that intersection (which will take you to state street and north michigan ave. shopping areas, the hancock bldg, and connects with all the other subway lines all within a few stops), a bus that takes you down to navy pier and the lake, and its also a great area for walking around. also lots of restaurants and bars there too. plus, its a safe area where a girl can walk around late at night without worries.

dont stay in the loop, its really dead at night and on weekends.

patg

The downtown, North Michigan and River North areas are what you want, and they blend together, so nothing will be too far to walk. To me, the most central location is where Michigan Avenue crosses the Chicago river. Just south of there are Hotel Monaco, Renaissance, Hard Rock, Hotel 71 and Club Quarters. Just east are the Hyatt on Wacker, Swissotel and the Fairmont. A little north are the moderately priced chains: Hilton Garden, Courtyard, Hampton, Four Points. The Intercontinental, Marriott, Wyndham, Westin and Drake(a Hilton) are along North Michigan Avenue north of the river (the Wyndham is a block east.)

If you want a cute boutique hotel in a nice residential neighborhood, look at Hotel Indigo. Another great choice would be the Sofitel. Prices will vary greatly depending on convention traffic.

jent103

I agree - for your first visit, you'll probably want something in the downtown area (River North/Mag Mile, maybe Loop). See what you get on Priceline or Hotwire - we used Hotwire in March and got a good deal on the Hyatt on East Wacker, and were really pleased with that location (I think the area was technically called something/Streeterville on the site). Lots of busses, but we walked just about everywhere downtown. And walking in May will be MUCH more fun than walking in March freezing cold and snow!