I am a late-twenty something female traveling to Chicago Nov. 5-9 for business. Our conference has given us corporate rates at a long list of hotels and I'm trying to figure out which one will be the most convenient to the public transportation, safe and close to shopping and dining for the evening. I'm been given a rate between $200 and $220 for the following places. Any help on which one is the best for my situation would be much appreciated.

Ambassador East $179
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro $214
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza $189
Hotel 71 $219
Hotel Indigo $199
Knickerbocker $219
Swissotel $219

I originally thought that Hotel 71 looked like my kind of place, but the reviews I have read lately haven't been nice. I was leaning towards Knickerbock or Swissotel and have made tentative reservations at Swissotel. Any input is much appreciated.

The conference is at McCormick Place and I'm not planning on renting a car. I was going to just get a 5 day metro pass.

The Swissotel is where I would stay given those choices. It is very nice and has terrific views of the lake. It's a good location - on Wacker Dr.,close to the bus stops and rather strategically placed between the Loop and N. Michigan Ave. Tons of dining options in both areas.

You've made an excellent choice - enjoy your stay in Chicago!

I haven't stayed there, but if I were you I'd stay at the Swissotel. Great location and the reviews all rave about its cleanliness. The Knickerbocker was tired the last time I stayed there four years ago. Hotel 71 is in bankruptcy (or just came out). That's reason enough not to stay.

Thank you both. I'll stick with my gut instinct and keep the Swissotel reservation.

I 3rd the Swissotel!

PS...my recommendation really has nothing to do with being single, or female.

Just to clarify. I'm not single. I'm married, but am traveling alone. I was just concerned with having a safe place since I'd be traveling by myself.

I've stayed in most of those hotels under the same circumstances as yours. First, I would knock off the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza. I really didn't like that one. Too bad the Hotel 71 has gone downhill, that would have been my rec.
Unlike the others, I'm not crazy about the Swissotel. It was ok, but very bland and corporate. And my corner room was freezing cold (this was in late November), nothing seemed to make it comfortably warm. The business center staff are very good but we're not as thrilled with the front desk staff. One of my colleagues reported an expensive pashmina missing from her room and the staff were not helpful at all. The onsite (and expensive) restaurant gets VERY crowded, as does the basement breakfast room during conventions. Go down *early* if you want to avoid standing for a long time in line. Also, check whether your rate includes access to their fitness center. If you have a discounted rate during a peak period, it probably doesn't.

Before buying that pass, check that your convention planners aren't going to give you one for that trip between Randolph and McCormick for your stay...it's always provided for the convention I attend at McCormick later in the month. Or that there aren't any convention buses.

The Swissotel is at the top end of your budget and remember that taxes will put it well over $220.

FWIW, I'd far rather stay at the Sofitel, a shame it's not on your list. The Sofitel's atmosphere and zest reflect its French ownership, while the Swissotel is much more staid. Think of the difference between Paris and Zurich.