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Chicago in early summer, what to do with our car

Chicago in early summer, what to do with our car

Old Nov 20th, 2014, 08:41 AM
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Chicago in early summer, what to do with our car

My friend and I are planning a long girls weekend to Chicago in early Summer. It's only about an 8 hour drive and we like road trips, and it's much cheaper than flying. We plan on doing museums mainly, and some good eateries. My question is:
Is there parking? Do we just need to make sure our hotel has good parking?
I'm perfectly okay with walking or public transit once we get there, but wanted to make sure parking wasn't going to be an issue.

Thanks for the help.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 09:08 AM
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We always park our car in the hotel parking lot and from that point on walk or cab. There is only one hotel in Chicago with free parking, all the others charge a daily rate, it is a Best Western but I have never stayed there so do not know anything about it. I would read the reviews if interested http://www.rivernorthhotel.com/ There is also some public parking downtown but I have never used it and they do charge a daily rate.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 10:09 AM
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Where are you coming from? Would it make sense to take a train into the city and park in Galesburg IL, Sturtevant WI, South Bend or Indianapolis Indiana?
I consider a car in the city of Chicago to be an expensive burden.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 10:49 AM
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You will pay much more at a hotel parking garage. The best price we found for friends and relatives visiting us was the garage under Millinium Park
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 11:09 AM
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Hotel parking in the city is around $50-$55 per night. You can use www.spothero.com or www.parkwhiz.com to find less expensive parking near whatever hotel you book.

There are four interconnected garages under Millennium Park: The Millennium Garage, Millennium Lakeside, Grant Park North and Grant Park South. The rates range from $25 to $38 for 24 hours. Check www.millenniumgarages.com for rates and how to access each.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 11:48 AM
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This is the reason why you take public transportation into Chicago - the cost of parking there.

The cost will likely be even higher next year. There are proposed city parking tax hikes of 20-22% (over what it is now) in the 2015 budget, which percentage depends on the day of the week.

And, before you ask the next question about where outside the city you can park, discuss the repercussions about leaving an unattended vehicle for days on end with your car insurance agent first.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 03:35 PM
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I would think about parking at one of the extended parking lots at either airport and then taking the El into the city to your hotel.

If the difference in price is significant, then do it. If you find a relatively cheap rate in downtown and are only there for 2-3 days it may not be worth the hassle. Totally depends on what you find and how willing you are to park elsewhere to save money.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 06:19 PM
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Oh my, it does sounds like a hassle to drive into Chicago and park somewhere that my care might be safe at . It might be just as cheap to try to find a really cheap flight, especially if parking is upwards of $50 bucks a night!! Thanks you all, this is a great forum to ask questions.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 06:42 PM
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We had a great deal on a hotel room in Chicago - it cost more for the car to stay overnight in the garage than for each of us to stay in the hotel!
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 07:05 PM
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We drive to Harvard, Illinois, leave the car there and take the train in. It is all very easy and pleasant and much cheaper than taking the car into the city. We enjoy the train ride. I'm sure people can suggest other places that may be more convenient for you to grab the train.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 09:42 PM
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Wherever you park that car, it is parking at your own risk.

It should be mentioned that many businesses and municipalities either discourage or outright ban overnight (and extended) parking. Could be an expensive problem if your car gets towed away and impounded.

I again recommend that you should consult with your insurance agent first - about what type of parking facilities and their security features you need to be researching, if you go that route. They'll probably also remind you of deductibles and possible cancellation, depending on your circumstances, if any problems should arise.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 10:23 PM
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Do you or your friend live near any of the towns served by Megabus that goes to Chicago? http://us.megabus.com/routemap.aspx
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 05:34 AM
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We've never had an issue with Metra's extended stay parking lot at Harvard but then cars can get broken into sitting in front of your house.
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 06:50 AM
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That's very true, mdwest. But you are comparing apples to oranges.

In your scenario, with the vehicle sitting outside your house, the fact that someone might be at your home (or at your neighbor's) could be a deterrent to some wrongdoers. The chance that they may get caught in the act, you know.

Whereas, with the situation described above, here is an unattended vehicle with (perhaps) out of area plates, sitting for at least an extended period, perhaps days on end. And, in addition, anyone can figure out exactly why that vehicle is sitting there.

In addition, travelers who don't know an area have the extra burden of checking the crime at that particular location - even the area - to see if there have been a history of problems.

Once a person gets all the facts about what could occur from looking for that cheap or free parking, THEN they can determine if they are comfortable with the risk.
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 07:02 AM
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BTW, I should also mention that most Metra stations don't allow overnight parking. Most of the parking lots are owned/controlled by the various municipalities and they make the rules if that is allowed.

A person can always call the municipality's police department to see 1) if overnight parking is allowed; and 2) if there have been problems in the past.
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 07:06 AM
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<This is the reason why you take public transportation into Chicago - the cost of parking there. >

Yes, but then what is your solution for parking? You advise using public transportation to get into the city but provide no suggestions on where the OP should park prior to getting on that public transportation, just warnings about how dangerous it might be and advice to check with their insurance agent. Goodness.

I'm not sure why there's such an issue being made about cars being broken into.

Many many people use the overnight/extended lots by either airport and by various Metra locations. Most people leave nothing in their cars at these lots so it is not an attractive target. I don't think anyone recommended the OP simply park their car at some random business or on the street for free in a distant town.

Cars are broken into in hotel parking structures or city ramps as well. Let's not try to scare the OP into thinking her car is going to get its windows broken or will be stolen. If someone has stats showing that Metra/airport lots are rife with crime, please post them so we can accurately warn travelers. These vague warnings are of no use.
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 07:31 AM
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Another hotel with free parking is the Ohio House. Actually, it's an old-school type motel that has somehow survived in the River North. The location is not bad at all (Ohio @ La Salle -- right near that Best Western mentioned above). I haven't personally stayed there but some friends of mine do and they like it for the price, friendly proprietors, location, free parking, free wifi and free breakfast if booked on their website. http://www.ohiohousemotel.com/


You said you were planning to hit museums over your long weekend. Something you might keep in mind is that Bank of America sponsors a 'Museums on Us' promo for cardholders. On the 1st full weekend of the month you get free admission by showing your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card (debit or credit; one admission per cardholder). You mentioned early summer, so in June that is Sat 6th and Sun 7th. Participating museums are Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Contemporary Art and Chicago History Museum. http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

If you think you will be using public transit a lot, consider getting a 3-day CTA pass loaded onto a Ventra card. This gives you unlimited rides on CTA trains and buses for the duration (starting the 1st time you tap the card for transport). A new Ventra card is $5 (instantly credited for transportation if you register the card) and a 3-day pass is currently $20. You can order online or get them at most CVS and Walgreens or from machines in stations. http://www.transitchicago.com/travel...ridecards.aspx
http://www.transitchicago.com/ventra/
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 07:41 AM
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<Yes, but then what is your solution for parking?>

??? YOU'RE not driving anywhere. **Anywhere** you leave that vehicle out of your possession, perhaps for a number of days, has the same problems.

<These vague warnings are of no use.>

WhereAreWe, it is the responsibility of anyone who is contemplating this to check these facts out. Not to expect others to do their research for them.

But, since you ask...You can check several websites for crime statistics in a particular area (some connected to police departments, such as in the case of the Chicago Police Department), even the municipality's. In fact, a lot of times they will post crime alerts on those. Or just call them and see what they say.

Ask your own insurance agent what they suggest first.

There have been several newspaper articles in just last couple of years about the fact that Metra Police are concerned because the crime rate is up, where police warn of crimes occurring at Metra stations, etc. Just take a look yourself. And it isn't only Metra involved.

Ask yourself the reason why all these businesses and municipalities ban overnight parking.

And, I might add, we are talking about more serious things than simply coming just back and finding your vehicle has been broken into or vandalized. More serious crimes, too.
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 07:47 AM
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Oops! Sorry, a sentence was eliminated in my second paragraph. What I meant to include is that a person has to have friends/relatives/co-workers, etc. take them and pick them up from train stations/bus depots/airports as well.

It's up to a person whether they feel comfortable taking on this risk. But don't say you weren't warned.
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 08:16 AM
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<Ask your own insurance agent what they suggest first. >

That is silly. Do you honestly expect an insurance agent that lives 8 hours from Chicago to provide relevant advice on where to park?

<Ask yourself the reason why all these businesses and municipalities ban overnight parking.>

Ummm...because businesses reserve their lots for customers, not commuters. And municipalities don't want cars sitting on their streets for extended periods as it clogs up parking for residents. This is not unique to Chicago.

Again, what is your solution? Where should the OP park her car once they've arrived? You discourage her from parking outside the city in an extended lot, and also discourage her from using the expensive hotel parking.
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