Help in Chicago! Hotel and area to stay in for two 21 year old girls.
May 3rd, 2011, 06:55 AM
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Help in Chicago! Hotel and area to stay in for two 21 year old girls.
We need help finding a good, safe hotel (not too expensive) in mid June for two 21 year old girls. First time trip to the city and want to see the sights. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
What to see, where to eat and how safe is it for us????
Thanks sooo much.
jacylou
What to see, where to eat and how safe is it for us????
Thanks sooo much.
jacylou
May 3rd, 2011, 07:07 AM
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Embassy Suites lakefront or downtown usually has good rates through Hotels.com.
Safe area not far from Navy Pier. Hub51 has great food, celeb sitings and a dance club (Sub51) that's supposed to be cool. Original Uno's or Due's for the best Chicago pizza. Too many good restaurants to list! Go to the top of the Hancock (or Willis Tower) if it's a clear day. Check out Millenium Park, Art Institute, shopping on Michigan Ave., catch a Cub's game if you can. Architecture tour is cool, so it the Wendella Boat Ride (if you feel touristy). Have fun!! You will feel safe, just be aware!!
Safe area not far from Navy Pier. Hub51 has great food, celeb sitings and a dance club (Sub51) that's supposed to be cool. Original Uno's or Due's for the best Chicago pizza. Too many good restaurants to list! Go to the top of the Hancock (or Willis Tower) if it's a clear day. Check out Millenium Park, Art Institute, shopping on Michigan Ave., catch a Cub's game if you can. Architecture tour is cool, so it the Wendella Boat Ride (if you feel touristy). Have fun!! You will feel safe, just be aware!!
May 3rd, 2011, 07:35 AM
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Hi jacylou,
You may also want to try quikbook.com for hotels, too. Any of the hotels in River North and the Magnificent Mile area are in lively, walkable, safe areas - and convenient for sightseeing. If you find a good rate, check the hotel at tripadvisor.com and post the options here, too, for feedback.
I think the Amalfi hotel might offer good rates, and I put clients there who don't want to spend too much on a hotel. They have a nice continental b'fast on each floor, and the staff seem eager to help as they've only been open a couple years.
http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/
Good luck!
You may also want to try quikbook.com for hotels, too. Any of the hotels in River North and the Magnificent Mile area are in lively, walkable, safe areas - and convenient for sightseeing. If you find a good rate, check the hotel at tripadvisor.com and post the options here, too, for feedback.
I think the Amalfi hotel might offer good rates, and I put clients there who don't want to spend too much on a hotel. They have a nice continental b'fast on each floor, and the staff seem eager to help as they've only been open a couple years.
http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/
Good luck!
May 3rd, 2011, 07:50 AM
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Any hotel in the River North, Streeterville, Magnificent Mile or Loop neighborhoods would be fine. There is a greater concentration of hotels and restaurants north of the river while the museums and large theatres are south of the river in or adjacent to The Loop.
As for rates, they are very sensitive to supply and demand. There are two large conventions in town from June 13-16 that will bring about 53,000 people into the city.
If you can work around those dates, you'll probably find better deals. If price is your primary concern, go through the bidding sites. Before you do, check www.betterbidding.com or www.biddingfortravel.com for tips on how to get the hotel you want and decipher the descriptions.
For sights or activities, check the Convention and Tourism Bureau site at www.choosechicago.com or the city's website at www.explorechicago.org.
For transit info, www.transitchicago.com has maps, schedules and a trip planner.
You will be fine around most of the tourist areas, just use common sense. If you're in large crowds or on a crowded train, beware of pickpockets and don't be so engrossed in yoru smartphone that you don't pay attention to who or what is around you.
As for rates, they are very sensitive to supply and demand. There are two large conventions in town from June 13-16 that will bring about 53,000 people into the city.
If you can work around those dates, you'll probably find better deals. If price is your primary concern, go through the bidding sites. Before you do, check www.betterbidding.com or www.biddingfortravel.com for tips on how to get the hotel you want and decipher the descriptions.
For sights or activities, check the Convention and Tourism Bureau site at www.choosechicago.com or the city's website at www.explorechicago.org.
For transit info, www.transitchicago.com has maps, schedules and a trip planner.
You will be fine around most of the tourist areas, just use common sense. If you're in large crowds or on a crowded train, beware of pickpockets and don't be so engrossed in yoru smartphone that you don't pay attention to who or what is around you.
May 3rd, 2011, 08:47 AM
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I'm a big fan of Hotwire.com when I go to Chicago - I usually stick with the Mag Mile/Streeterville zone, since it's close to what I usually want to do, but if there's something cheaper in the North Michigan or Loop areas, those would also be fine with me. I've gotten the Hyatt Regency on E. Wacker and the Westin River North using Hotwire and was very pleased with both. Definitely note the dates Citylghts mentioned if you can be flexible. We paid more than we wanted to for the Westin because there was a race, a convention, baseball games for the Cubs and the Sox, and two U2 concerts that weekend!
In terms of safety, I've never felt unsafe in the main downtown areas. If you'll be out late (1 or 2am) you might plan to take a cab back, but otherwise just use common sense.
For restaurants/sights - what are your interests and budget? The Art Institute is great, but if you're more interested in the nightlife on Rush, that recommendation won't help you much!
Xoco on Clark and Lou Malnati's (several locations) are my two favorite places, and neither is terribly expensive. But if you're interested in finer dining, there's lots of that too. Lots of threads about Chicago on here as well, if you do a search.
In terms of safety, I've never felt unsafe in the main downtown areas. If you'll be out late (1 or 2am) you might plan to take a cab back, but otherwise just use common sense.
For restaurants/sights - what are your interests and budget? The Art Institute is great, but if you're more interested in the nightlife on Rush, that recommendation won't help you much!
Xoco on Clark and Lou Malnati's (several locations) are my two favorite places, and neither is terribly expensive. But if you're interested in finer dining, there's lots of that too. Lots of threads about Chicago on here as well, if you do a search.
May 3rd, 2011, 11:27 AM
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Citylghts gives you some great advice. If you are flexible with your dates, use Hotwire to search hotel rates on several different weekends. They vary according to events and conventions. The hotel rates the weekend of June 10th are steep because it is the Old Town ArtFest and the BluesFest--and then the conventions on the 13th.
May 3rd, 2011, 12:31 PM
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For hotel, try The River Hotel on Wacker Drive. It is just half a block from the intersection of Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive on the river. The rooms are small but nice. Although I did not feel the lease bit unsafe, you need a room card to get to your particular floor. It is also very centrally located and near a Loop station.
May 4th, 2011, 03:56 AM
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There are many nice hotels in Chicago. Since only have 2 travellers, I would really encourage you to use Priceline or Hotwire. Priceline only guarantees one bed. If you have more than 2 travellers, Hotwire does let you add additional guests.
I have not read many negative reviews from travellers to Chicago who used these bidding sites. We have always gotten very good rates.
I have not read many negative reviews from travellers to Chicago who used these bidding sites. We have always gotten very good rates.
May 4th, 2011, 04:27 AM
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My advice:
Listen to anything Chcgo Gal or Citylights say. They helped me plan trips to Chicago w teens/young adults years ago and all of their advice was perfect!
Definitely use Hotwire or Priceline. Save your $$ for the fun stuff.
If you like music, Chicago has an incredible scene. My kids and their friends loved to go to the Metro on the northside. (not too far from the el - btw, did someone say get a CTA visitor's pass yet? Do it.) There's not a whole lot listed for June yet but there is always something playing either at the Metro itself or in the Smart Bar.
Check www.centerstagechicago.com for music info.
They liked to shop at the ever-funky Strange Cargo shop down the street (or is it up?) too. Getting t-shirts made there is a blast.
Of all the places we've eaten in the city, the one place that EVERYBODY loved was Grand Lux Cafe on the corner of Michigan and ...? It's upstairs and if you can get a table near a window, grab it for some of the best people watching ever. The decor is lovely. The food is good. And the prices aren't bad either.
Speaking of views, I'd skip the tourist trip up the Hancock Center in favor of expensive but oh-so-worth-it drinks in the Signature Lounge on the 96th (?) floor. While you are there, duck into the women's room. Hands down, the best view of Chicago in the city.
Ahh, you're making me long for those days again. Have fun!
Listen to anything Chcgo Gal or Citylights say. They helped me plan trips to Chicago w teens/young adults years ago and all of their advice was perfect!
Definitely use Hotwire or Priceline. Save your $$ for the fun stuff.
If you like music, Chicago has an incredible scene. My kids and their friends loved to go to the Metro on the northside. (not too far from the el - btw, did someone say get a CTA visitor's pass yet? Do it.) There's not a whole lot listed for June yet but there is always something playing either at the Metro itself or in the Smart Bar.
Check www.centerstagechicago.com for music info.
They liked to shop at the ever-funky Strange Cargo shop down the street (or is it up?) too. Getting t-shirts made there is a blast.
Of all the places we've eaten in the city, the one place that EVERYBODY loved was Grand Lux Cafe on the corner of Michigan and ...? It's upstairs and if you can get a table near a window, grab it for some of the best people watching ever. The decor is lovely. The food is good. And the prices aren't bad either.
Speaking of views, I'd skip the tourist trip up the Hancock Center in favor of expensive but oh-so-worth-it drinks in the Signature Lounge on the 96th (?) floor. While you are there, duck into the women's room. Hands down, the best view of Chicago in the city.
Ahh, you're making me long for those days again. Have fun!
May 4th, 2011, 05:07 AM
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I do agree with the Signature Lounge suggestion. For the price of the elevator ride to the observatory, you can get a drink at the lounge and same views, just 1 floor below. The elevator ride to the lounge/restaurant is free.
May 4th, 2011, 09:01 AM
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First, two 21-year old girls are going by themselves. That means they need to take more care than usual. To the OP: In addition to the usual "Big City" precautions, do not go walking by yourselves late(r) at night, especially after you've been out at clubs/bars indulging - take cabs. This advice is applicable for wherever you are in the city.
That out of the way: The best part of the city is *AWAY* from the touristy zones of the Magnificent Mile, River North and the Loop, although most first timers will usually stay there, as that is where the greatest concentration of hotels is located.
If you are wanting to go to the major museums, you'll be traveling to them from these areas anyway (exception: the Art Institute is in the Loop). Same thing if you want the better dining choices in Chicago.
I daresay that the neighborhoods which you girls will find the most interested are 1) Wicker Park/Bucktown - for the atmosphere and shopping; 2) Lincoln Park (around the DePaul University area especially) and 3) Wrigleyville - perhaps for a Cubs game and the nightlife.
Agree with Citylights. Make particular note of the convention calendar, as that will have a definite impact on what they pay.
Places to eat: Rarely do any of the pizza places mentioned above make it even into the top #5 - sometimes not even on the list. And I certainly hope that you don't frequent chain restaurants, such as Grand Luxe (or the Cheesecake Factory, its sibling) - W-A-Y too many better offerings (read this as independents) for them to be doing that.
Strange Cargo is in the Boystown area of the Lakeview neighborhood. Wrigleyville is in the same neighborhood - just to the west of Boystown.
The length of time you'll be in Chicago - and your interests - would determine what you'll want to see. How long here? And what do you like?
That out of the way: The best part of the city is *AWAY* from the touristy zones of the Magnificent Mile, River North and the Loop, although most first timers will usually stay there, as that is where the greatest concentration of hotels is located.
If you are wanting to go to the major museums, you'll be traveling to them from these areas anyway (exception: the Art Institute is in the Loop). Same thing if you want the better dining choices in Chicago.
I daresay that the neighborhoods which you girls will find the most interested are 1) Wicker Park/Bucktown - for the atmosphere and shopping; 2) Lincoln Park (around the DePaul University area especially) and 3) Wrigleyville - perhaps for a Cubs game and the nightlife.
Agree with Citylights. Make particular note of the convention calendar, as that will have a definite impact on what they pay.
Places to eat: Rarely do any of the pizza places mentioned above make it even into the top #5 - sometimes not even on the list. And I certainly hope that you don't frequent chain restaurants, such as Grand Luxe (or the Cheesecake Factory, its sibling) - W-A-Y too many better offerings (read this as independents) for them to be doing that.
Strange Cargo is in the Boystown area of the Lakeview neighborhood. Wrigleyville is in the same neighborhood - just to the west of Boystown.
The length of time you'll be in Chicago - and your interests - would determine what you'll want to see. How long here? And what do you like?
May 4th, 2011, 09:17 AM
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There are a few things which I do recommend to you without hesitation:
Go on the ***Chicago Architecture Foundation's*** River Cruise. Please keep in mind that this cruise only goes on the Chicago River (north, south and main branches). It's more expensive than the others and it does sell out often, especially on weekends and holidays. You might also take a look at their other walking tours.
Go to the Art Institute. It's most likely that you'll walk right past Millennium Park on your way there.
If you are hesitant going into one of the neighborhoods (which you shouldn't be), consider the *FREE* Chicago Greeter Service. And I'll also mention one of the other neighborhoods which I think you should consider for this: Hyde Park. That's where the Museum of Science and Industry; the University of Chicago, including the Oriental Institute and Smart Museum of Art; Jackson Park, including the Osaka Japanese Garden; President Obama's previous neighborhood; and where you can see Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. BUT if you want to save the *FREE* Chicago Greeter service for another neighborhood, you could consider taking a tour of Hyde Park with Bobby's Bike Hike. You'll need to review the requirements for this bike hike, as it takes more skill and stamina than others.
Go on the ***Chicago Architecture Foundation's*** River Cruise. Please keep in mind that this cruise only goes on the Chicago River (north, south and main branches). It's more expensive than the others and it does sell out often, especially on weekends and holidays. You might also take a look at their other walking tours.
Go to the Art Institute. It's most likely that you'll walk right past Millennium Park on your way there.
If you are hesitant going into one of the neighborhoods (which you shouldn't be), consider the *FREE* Chicago Greeter Service. And I'll also mention one of the other neighborhoods which I think you should consider for this: Hyde Park. That's where the Museum of Science and Industry; the University of Chicago, including the Oriental Institute and Smart Museum of Art; Jackson Park, including the Osaka Japanese Garden; President Obama's previous neighborhood; and where you can see Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. BUT if you want to save the *FREE* Chicago Greeter service for another neighborhood, you could consider taking a tour of Hyde Park with Bobby's Bike Hike. You'll need to review the requirements for this bike hike, as it takes more skill and stamina than others.
May 4th, 2011, 10:10 AM
#13
Your cheapest option: I have stayed there with my wife.
Chicago HI Hostel. College students live on the top floors.
http://www.hichicago.org/directions.shtml
I have no problems saving money at a HI Hostel even if I don't use their kitchen.
Chicago HI Hostel. College students live on the top floors.
http://www.hichicago.org/directions.shtml
I have no problems saving money at a HI Hostel even if I don't use their kitchen.
May 4th, 2011, 01:44 PM
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I bow to your expertise exiledprincess Actually, I didn't know Grand Lux was a chain. It sure didn't feel like one to me. I still say the people watching is good, as is the decor and the food but you can probably steer them in a better direction. I'll be taking notes.
Actually, I didn't know Grand Lux was a chain. It sure didn't feel like one to me. I still say the people watching is good, as is the decor and the food but you can probably steer them in a better direction. I'll be taking notes.
May 4th, 2011, 07:12 PM
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edeevee, sorry, I didn't mean that comment to sound harsh. But, truthfully, there are some really great to very good independent places all around town for all types of budgets.
I don't think I'm alone when I say it's a darn shame to see any area turning into plain vanilla ice cream when it was so flavorful in the past.
Once the OP posts the details we can recommend some options.
I don't think I'm alone when I say it's a darn shame to see any area turning into plain vanilla ice cream when it was so flavorful in the past.
Once the OP posts the details we can recommend some options.
May 6th, 2011, 09:14 AM
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I just wanted to make a clarification for something I stated above. When I re-read this, I thought that maybe it might be construed in a manner in which I didn't originally mean.
When I was speaking of the OP not being hesitant about going into neighborhoods away from the Magnificent Mile, River North and the Loop, to explore Chicago, I was specifically referring to the ones mentioned above (Lincoln Park, etc.).
As with other metropolitan areas, there are places in Chicago which are very nice and some that are not so great. Sometimes the nice areas are adjacent to those which may not be so nice or may even have pockets within them where it might be rough(er).
That's why I mention the Chicago Greeter service for Hyde Park neighborhood, in particular - or at least taking a guided tour. That's one place I would definitely recommend having a local guide.
I'm mentioning this for a reason. I know that many individuals only read these threads without posting; and, instead of doing exactly what the advice offered is, some might try to get near the same experience with but by taking shortcuts. (For example, they may want to just rent bikes instead of going on a guided tour to save some $$.) And that is certainly NOT a good thing to do in certain circumstances.
When I was speaking of the OP not being hesitant about going into neighborhoods away from the Magnificent Mile, River North and the Loop, to explore Chicago, I was specifically referring to the ones mentioned above (Lincoln Park, etc.).
As with other metropolitan areas, there are places in Chicago which are very nice and some that are not so great. Sometimes the nice areas are adjacent to those which may not be so nice or may even have pockets within them where it might be rough(er).
That's why I mention the Chicago Greeter service for Hyde Park neighborhood, in particular - or at least taking a guided tour. That's one place I would definitely recommend having a local guide.
I'm mentioning this for a reason. I know that many individuals only read these threads without posting; and, instead of doing exactly what the advice offered is, some might try to get near the same experience with but by taking shortcuts. (For example, they may want to just rent bikes instead of going on a guided tour to save some $$.) And that is certainly NOT a good thing to do in certain circumstances.
May 6th, 2011, 09:17 AM
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exiledprincess, that is so true. Several years ago, we took your advice to go to Wicker Park, which was great. We decided it would be great (for exercise, among other things) to walk back to downtown. Let's just say that in parts, I was very glad there was a very tall chain-link fence between me and whatever was on the other side!
