Downtown Chicago

Old Feb 8th, 2016, 06:34 AM
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Downtown Chicago

Hello all, could someone please clarify for me what area of Chicago is classed as "downtown"? Some posts I read on various sites give the impression that the Magnificent Mile or River North is downtown, while others indicate the Loop. We will be in Chicago in May and we are looking for good areas to stay. Thank you!
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Old Feb 8th, 2016, 06:52 AM
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It may depend on who you talk to. When I say downtown I mean the Loop, but that might not be the case for everyone. Since I live in the 'burbs I don't have hotel recs for you, but I'd stay somewhere other than the Loop. It tends to empty out on week nights. I know you'll get some good advice here!
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Old Feb 8th, 2016, 06:57 AM
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Sure enough. And it's not surprising that you are quite confused, because it changes based on the source. Everyone wants that cachet. I'll explain.

The real "downtown" Chicago is the Loop - and only the Loop. That's because it's the financial and governmental center of the city.

The Loop is bounded by the Chicago River to the north and west, and to the south at Roosevelt Road (12th Street). It's eastern boundary was previously understood to be Lake Michigan - but there are now some "communities", such as the New East Side, which have sprung up over the years.

The New East Side area is understood to be north of Grant Park; west of Lake Michigan; east of N. Michigan Ave. south of the Chicago River; and south of the main branch of the Chicago River.

But when you get into businesses such as real estate or travel, they include these areas in their description of "downtown Chicago":

River North (the portion of the city to the north of the main branch of the Chicago River, to the east of the north branch of the Chicago River and west of N. Michigan Avenue)

The Magnificent Mile (N. Michigan Avenue north of the main branch of the Chicago River and south of Oak Street).

And perhaps some other areas, such as Streeterville (which is the area north of the main branch of the Chicago River and east of N. Michigan Avenue).

I've even seen the Gold Coast mentioned in some, but it's not usually - yet.

And just to show you how this gets even more nebulous as time goes by: the Magnificent Mile is ONLY N. Michigan Avenue with the parameters I've mentioned above. But you'll find many other businesses stating they are in/on the Magnificent Mile when they aren't on N. Michigan Avenue at all. (Those infamous "steps from" kind of descriptions you know.)

All of these areas are within fairly close proximity of each other. The ones which might be a little "optimistic" are the ones that claim they are in the Grant Park or South Loop areas. They may be *very* "optimistic", as a matter of fact.

The last thing I want to mention to you is this: The huge majority of the hotels in Chicago are located in the three areas: the Loop, River North and the Magnificent Mile. These areas are considered "central".

That doesn't mean that the majority of the attractions are located there as well, although there are a few. It's likely that you'll be traveling to many of those attractions at least 30-45 minutes, each way, by bus (depending on what's on your agenda).
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Old Feb 9th, 2016, 06:01 AM
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Thank you so much for all your responses! You've been very helpful with your advice. I'll continue my reading and planning, but might be back with more questions
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Old Feb 9th, 2016, 07:55 AM
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I suggest The River Hotel. It is on Wacker Drive just half a block east of Michigan Ave. Close to public transportation and within walking distance of many sites. I just saw a Groupon that goes into May.
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Old Feb 10th, 2016, 03:59 AM
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Thanks I will check out the River Hotel!
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Old Feb 10th, 2016, 08:03 AM
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Hi, JoCad.

I work in River North and I always think this is a nice area for a tourist to be centered. (The Loop hotels, I think, are less so, unless you're nearish Michigan Avenue X Chicago River. If you find a hotel more west/south in the loop, it does empty out at night.)

Don't know your budget, or what sort of amenities you're looking for, but checking the hotels near, say, State and Grand, would put you in a good position for the subway (CTA), the bus, Michigan Avenue, lots of restaurants and grocery stores.

So here's a quick list from yelp. I was just at the Freehand hotel bar last night, and that place looks really cool. Don't know about the rooms, but the lobby feels great.

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...Grand,+Chicago

If you're hoping for a more budget option, that is well located, the Holiday Inn Express/Hotel Cass is in a great location.

Post back if you want suggestions on hotels you're interested in, and maybe we can help.

Have fun in Chicago!
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Old Feb 10th, 2016, 12:40 PM
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I fecommend River North and Streerterville areas for tourists. One is west of Michigan Ave and the other between Michigan Ave and the lakefront. The Loop is the business center.
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Old Feb 10th, 2016, 03:16 PM
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I'm sorry and I'd like to help but based on MY interests in Chicago I usually stay in the Langham and I think that is a great area. Why? Because it is easy to reach the things I like to DO from that hotel. It is also one of the most expensive hotels in the city!

You say nothing of what your interests are and what are the priorities other than a "good area" so how about some more specifics?

There are quite a few things to do near that "business center" but you may not be interested in any of them.
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Old Feb 12th, 2016, 10:27 AM
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Oh, man, Dukey1. The Langham is swank! Wish I could afford to stay there. Great location. (And outclasses the TRUMP hotel across the street a hundred-fold.)
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