ezahn

We are going to Chicago on Halloween of this year-taking the train to South Bend for the FSU Notre Dame football game. There will be a group of around 20 -looking for a reasonable, clean place to stay. Something in the $100 - $150 range in a good location - any recommendations?

BeachBoi

Anthony Travel is on campus at SB.They have a lock on accomodations for home games.We have used them before and found very reliable and professional and a good rate.

srj9920

FSU fan?

irishdame

Wake up the echo's!
GO IRISH!

patg

Did I misread your message? To me, it seemed as though you are looking for accommodations in CHICAGO, not South Bend. The train for South Bend leaves from the Randolph/Michigan station and takes about 2 hours, 20 minutes. They only run about every 3 hours, so you'll want the 8:45 a.m. train. Please note that the end of Daylight Savings plays a role in the time difference between the two cities. Starting the last week in October, you will lose an hour going east. Given the early start, and with such a large group, I would stay in the Loop. You should be able to get good rates that late in the year, unless there is a major convention. (Check convention dates on www.chicago.il.org website) The Palmer House Hilton or Chicago Hilton and Towers (catching the train at Van Buren) might be good bets.

ezahn

Thank you for the info - you were right we are staying in Chicago. We have signed up for a special "FSU" train/tailgate party that will take us to South Bend and bring us back....no driving! I'll try the Palmer House.

Thanks again!
ez

Dan

My fave Chicago hotel is the Omni Ambassador East but I don't know if it's convenient to the train to South Bend.

ezahn

Thanks everyone for your help. We ended up booking the Swissotel on hotwire for $95.00 per night....we'll take a cab to the train station.

Now we are looking for casual/fun dining for 12 people - good food of course, but don't want the gourmet dining on this trip....any ideas?
ez

rjw_lgb_ca

Good rate on Swissotel! Love that place.

Ohh, so many choices for good eats in Chicago!! I have my faves-- for pizza, Lou Malnati's is great (if a bit clich&eacute. For kinda informal Mexican near where you are, Frontera Grill on Clark is "haute", but the room is casual. Don't know if they can put all 12 of you at one table, but.... Kinda pricey, but this is good, good stuff. Can't recommend it highly enough (and I'm spoiled with lots of good Mexican eateries around where I live and work, so...)!

Dori

Go to Jake's on Superior and Rush. Lots of good food, good prices, beer, tvs at the bar, can hold big groups. I think it will be exactly what you are looking for.

martytravels

If you like deep-dish pizza, Chicago has two of the best - Giordano's on Rush St. and Gino's (tho I hear Gino's isn't as good in it's new location).
Grand Lux Cafe, owned by the Cheesecake Factory people, is also a good casual choice.

Kristi

There are several Spanish tapas restaurants in Chicago. My favorite is Cafe Iberico at 739 N. LaSalle, not too far from Michigan Avenue. Great place for a large group of people as you can share the appetizer portion dishes and pitchers of sangria. Call for a reservation if it is a weekend, very popular place.

Another suggestion would be to head over to Greektown, many restaurants that would be fun for large groups.

One of my favorite casual steakhouses is Wildfire on Erie. It's a little pricey but all steakhouses are. You can see the menu at www.leye.com.

Lou Malnati's is a good suggestion, you'll want the location on Wells Street.

I haven't tried Heaven on Seven on Rush but the original one on Wabash is a good casual place to have Cajun food. The one on Wabash has hours more for business clientele (lunch only) but the one on Rush should be open in the evenings.