snowrooster

We are planning a trip to Chicago w/our kids and are looking for a hotel in the Chicago area (suburbs are fine) that offers at least 2 bedrooms and three beds (not sofabeds). Any suggestions? I know where we live in Cincinnati there is a hotel that was previously apartments then converted to a hotel, so I'm wondering if there are any options like this near Chicago.

Thanks!!

missypie

1. What part of town is ideal for you?
2. Will you have a car?

snowrooster

Yes, we will have a car. Any part of town is fine, even outside the city in the suburbs would work.

exiledprincess

Why do you not want a suite hotel (per your other thread)? That might be your best option. But, even if you use a suite hotel, carefully check the maximum occupancy of the room - some only allow 3 individuals (fire codes).

I can give you a suggestion for an apartment-like B&B (walk-up only) with a fourth floor two-bedroom. Flemish House of Chicago in the Gold Coast. Max. occupancy 5, per their website.

If you use a site such as vrbo, then you have to do quite a bit of additional research. For example, vacation rentals (less than 30 days) MUST be licensed with the City of Chicago to be legal. You have to research *carefully* to make certain the described location isn't a scam - that means checking facts; is the description of the location accurate - or does it even exist?; and (probably) crime statistics for the area. Some of the descriptions might paint the location in a more optimistic light than it deserves. For example, it is not unknown to read that a particular locations is in such-and-such neighborhood - when it isn't. Might be blocks away from the neighborhood.

And, in your particular case, you have another issue with which to contend - your car. Does the location offer suggestions or recommendations where to park (as it is highly unlikely parking is included)? It's gonna cost you extra, so you might as well find out in advance what it will be. Can you even park in the immediate area (see below)?

Someone should have already told you not it is not recommended to bring an automobile into Chicago. Parking is very expensive in the "downtown" areas (anywhere from $25-60+ per night); and if you were to stay in any of the better outlying neighborhoods, huge portion of them have resident parking by permit only. Violators are subject to towing - at a heavy cost.

If you decide to ignore this advice, then I can only recommend that you park that vehicle once and not use it again until you leave. Every time you move it (unless you are paying the highest tier of parking, which includes in/out privileges) will just cost you more. And you will be paying additional parking for every attraction - not cheap in and by itself.

On the other hand, if you stay out in the suburbs, you are looking at a lengthy commute into the city via public transportation. For example, if you stay out by O'Hare, it is at least one hour each way, just to get to the Loop. Then you have to add on the commute time to get to the attractions in which you have interest. For example, if you wanted to go to the Museum Campus (where the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are located), that's another 30-40 minutes (depending on the time of day and traffic). That's a lot of time spent on a bus - 4 hours or more daily. Is it worth it to you while on vacation?

And, before you ask the next obvious question, where you can leave your vehicle outside of Chicago for overnight/multiple day stays is extremely limited. And you'll be paying for parking there, too, as a rule. The only exception might be finding a hotel which offers free parking, with a shuttle to the airport and then take CTA into the city.

You could also look into what hotels in Evanston might be available, as CTA service runs between the two cities. Of course, you may have to utilize cab service, which will add onto your total outlay.

exiledprincess

Forgot to mention: Flemish House usually requires multiple night stays (2 nights midweek and 3 nights on weekends) but you could always contact them to see if they have any single nights available for the two-bedroom around the time you are contemplating being in the Chicago area.

sarabaudo

If you want to stay in Boystown (not too far from the Addison red line or express buses on LSD), there is the Hawthorne Terrace Best Western. They have 2 bedroom suites.

http://www.hawthorneterrace.com/wrig...bedroom-suites

jill_h

Try this site:

http://www.dewittplace.com

A friend at work stayed her with her son and it worked out well.

LBloom

Pretty sure there is a Residence Inn somewhere in the Chicago suburbs. Google it. They have 2 bed suites that come with hot breakfast (a bargain for 4 people worth probably $50).

Here is a link for the Residence Inn on the Mag Mile near all the shopping. More than likely, this would be the most expensive one in the city, but there are others. If you go to suburbs, look for one near good public transportation into/from the city. Good luck!

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...nificent-mile/

HappyTrvlr

There is a Comfort Suites on Michigan Ave, just south of the river. Full kitchens, washer/dryer, etc..

cd

There is an Embassy suites downtown, lakefront: http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/...EES/index.html
exciledprincess gives excellent advice, I would not stay outside of Chicago without really knowing neighborhoods. Chicago has some bad ones full of crime.

HappyTrvlr

With either the Comfort Suites on Michigan Ave or Embassy Suites Lakefront, you would not be far from the underground garage at Millenium Park, one of the best rates for 24 hrs. in this area.

Tabernash2

I also highly recommend the Hawthorne Terrace. Parking is in a secure garage next door. Continental breakfast included. Very charming old mansion-type building.

exiledprincess

The "very charming old mansion-type building" Hawthorne Terrace used to be an old SRO. I know it very well because it sits right at the end of the block where I used to live for over 20 years. In fact, it was converted to a hotel while I lived in the neighborhood.

I don't believe they have three beds in the two-bedroom suite, but you'd have to call to confirm. And they may still require multiple day stays, at least part of the year.

exiledprincess

Just please remember (for less than 30 days) within the City of Chicago, it must be licensed in order for it to be legal. You should not get be getting any type of run-around for this information, if you are looking at a legit operation.

Tabernash2

Is there something. Wrong with having been an SRO years ago? It is totally charming now. Also a great little neighborhood.

NeoPatrick

Oakwood apartments generally is by the month only, but we got a great one week deal when they had a vacancy. A fraction of the suite hotel costs, but lovely.

fishee

I think if the vrbo listing has been up for awhile (the original posting date is at the bottom of each listing) and there are positive reviews, I'd be comfortable booking, especially when the info about the owners match up with the person I'm in contact with (correct names, area codes, etc). I've done vrbo or homeaway in many cities in the U.S. and in W Europe over the past 10 years and they've always turned out well.

exiledprincess

To answer Tabernash2: To describe an old converted SRO as an "old mansion-type building" is just simply not accurate. For one thing, if I read that description, not personally knowing this property, I would assume that it has rooms of more generous size - which is probably what the OP wants - and assume that the quality of the property was of superior type.

I'm not saying that the property is bad. Just don't make it something it's not.

Although I still have strong feelings about my old neighborhood, visit whenever I have the chance several times a year, and do still think it is a wonderful one, it just isn't what it was a few years ago, IMHO. Just doesn't have the same "personality", it's slowly becoming too "vanilla". Could see it starting years ago when the local Woolworth's closed and they put in a Gap.

Could say the same thing about several other neighborhoods around Chicago. Gentrification definitely has its downside - like becoming TOO gentrified.

Tabernash2

Our double room at the Hawthorne was huge. Look at pics on-line, because it really is lovely with a front garden and large lobby sitting room with fireplace. I stick by my description, as it does look mansion- like OMHO. Service was very good there, too.

HappyTrvlr

Wth two,little kids, the washer and dryer at Comfort Suites(1 br w. living room/ kitchen and sofa bed) makes the most sense.