The Loop is quiet, but hardly deserted. There are people at the restaurants, theatres and hotels as well as those traversing to other areas. Some stores are open until 7:30 or 8:00 so there are also people shopping.

Safety is relative. If you're wearing lots of expensive jewelery and flashing a large bankroll, you'll probably be targeted for robbery. As in any large city, be aware of your surroundings, use common sense and you'll be fine. I spend evenings after the theatre walking about and have yet to encounter problems.

It was the same in 2000. Perhaps the only thing that has changed is that people who are engrossed in their electronic devices to the exclusion of everything else have had them stolen. So, simply keep your smart phone out of view.

I'll second what Cityights posted. I'm often in the loop late for the opera or the theater, and I take the buses home. The streets are certainly more quiet but not deserted. I stick close to other folks walking on the sidewalks.

There'll be a different feel for hotels on State Street near Randolph or Lake (which is a lively area), then hotels further west in the loop... say west of Dearborn (which is much quieter).

But thieves target folks right off Michigan Avenue at 6 p.m. The last several years, I've been surprised at how crime is infiltrating areas that I felt were much safer than others. Criminals go where the crowds are. Smart phones, ipads... keep them stashed. The one thing I've seen out-of-towners do a lot is hang their purses on their chairs or put their shopping bags somewhat out of view, making theft easy.

But don't be too concerned or fearful, just aware. Most cases of violent crime are in areas like West Garfield Park or some areas of the south side, or other neighborhoods far from where most business travelers would be, and unlikely to target strangers.

I hope you have a great time! Chicago has the most incredible architecture and pubic art in the country, and much of that is in the Loop. Even if you're not all that interested in architecture or design (like me), it's difficult not to be impressed.