I would very much appreciate your help in selecting a location for a hotel in early October (2 nights). My niece and I (ages 46 and 77) are interested in seeing the Art Institute, taking an architectural tour (walking or boat). We both walk a lot, like gardens, good food. We’re fine with taking the L a bit.

So far the hotels I’m looking at are near Millennium Park, Fulton Market, maybe River North or Old Town:
Chicago Athletic Association (great location, I love that it’s on the water. But expensive. Not sure if many restaurants nearby)
Publishing House (West Loop, reasonable, looks great - she hasn’t yet released rooms for October. Is it too far? is the neighborhood too “trendy”?)
Royal Sonesta River North (not sure if I want to be surrounded by all tall buildings...though)
Sono BnB (Old town - too far? What’s the neighborhood like?)

If possible, could you compare them to neighborhoods like Los Angeles or Paris? I live in the northern reaches of LA and love the vibes of Pasadena, Santa Barbara, etc. In Paris, I love the 6th St Germain des Pres, Palais Royal, Marais. Don’t know if that helps or not!

Thanks so much.

River North is a great area with easy access to what you are interested in seeing and doing in Chicago as you walk to the river for the boat ride and visit to the Chicago Architecture Center which is either included at no charge or minimal charge. Walkable to Millenium Park as well and easy access to train to Art Institute as well as the connection for O’Hare. Lots of restaurants, both casual and more upscale

Thank you! I’ll look into that some more.

We stayed at the Voco Chicago Downtown-Riverwalk a couple years ago when visiting our nieces who lived nearby in River North. There’s actually 2 hotels in the building, I think the other was a Holiday Inn. We found it to be a good spot to walk to many sights, including the architectural boat tour.

https://www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/us/e...X-_-US-_-CHIWP