Linda

I am planning a trip to Chicago the second weekend in December with my daughter. We would like to stay on or near Michigan Ave. to do some shopping and also plan to attend a Blackhawks hockey game. We are from the Virginia Beach area and are a little concerned about adapting to the cold weather so want to be within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, etc. What hotels can you recommend we might want to look at? Don't want to spend $200 a night, though. Thanks

Jay

I checked a couple booking websites and found some pretty good rates at some reasonably good/convenient places.
The Embassy Suites on State Street (very close to Michigan Ave) is only $149.
Residence Inn downtown is $99.
Omni $175.
All are convenient to shopping and restaurants. But keep in mind that December in Chicago can be just plain bitter cold (with the wind in particular). I find that for visitors from the southern climes, sometimes even a 7-9 block walk just isn't worth it and a cab seems a must.
But some days aren't all that bad. You just never know.

Linda

Which web site do you use for checking hotels?

Jay

Linda: there are oodles of booking sites and it's interesting how the rates can vary sometimes from one to the next for the same exact dates.
The catch-all technique (takes a bit of time to sift thru all the info, but the most thorough) is to go to a search site like www.dogpile.com and enter "Embassy suites chicago", for instance. You'll find dozens of booking sites.
You can also check places like www.180096hotel.com, www.orbitz.com and other clearinghouses which will list special deals.
Give this a try.
If you need more info, write back.
Good luck.

kam

Look into the Raphael on East Delaware. Very close to Michigan Ave. shopping. There used to be restaurants with buses out to Blackhawk games--wonder if that's still the case. We're going to be there the weekend before for the Bears game and to see family. Right now it's in the 70s in Chicago, but that can change abruptly. Check the weather a day or so before you go. The one thing I always take when going back to Chicago is a hat--if the weather turns cold the wind can be awful. Enjoy!

Susan

I hope you will be treated to some light snow & just below freezing weather, it will make your Chicago visit at this time extra special. Michigan Ave. will be all decorated for Christmas, it's just beautiful...enjoy! You must go to Marshall Field's on State to see their Christmas windows & also the tree in the Walnut Room.

arjay

You might consider making your reservation (wherever) and then, the day before you go, try Priclining a room. You are able to specify the neighborhood and you just might luck into something. We've used P'line quite a bit and have not had any problem with quality (once got the plushest of rooms at the Hilton for instance, for $25). If the weather is nice (and it *might* be (-; ) consider a stroll through Lincoln Park and the Zoo - nothing like it back home!

lena

it's been a few years since I was in Chicago. I always comment that Michigan Ave is the best shopping in the US. The best Crate and Barrell, everything cool is there...but it was cold. I stayed at a big hotel with underground shopping and transportation. It was on the other side of a river but I remember you could get around pretty far. The hassle I didn't like was what to do with your sweaters and coats once you're in the store. I loved the cold weather but to put it all on to go outside and then take it all off inside. What's the trick?