I've been browsing the threads and have found a few great finds, but we're on a very tight budget for our Chicago trip and stupidly booked our flights without checking conventions, etc. We're going Sept 15-19 - there are two major conventions before and after our weekend, and a massive World Music festival during. Ugh.

My brother lives in Schaumburg and we'll probably stay with him for at least a couple of nights to save on $, but we had hoped to stay downtown to visit with other friends for a night or two as well - so far, we're most likely looking at The Seneca as they have a great rate for Sunday night; the Belden-Stratford has an even better rate, but I think negotiating buses with an infant will be harder than the El. Thoughts? Or more importantly, other smaller finds that expedia, etc. aren't going to tell me about? We have to keep it below $200 a night after taxes...

Also, tips for what to see/do? I went to college in Chicago but never touristed, and never with a baby. This is mostly a visiting-friends trip, but we're thinking of at least going to the Field or something since I've never been...

Sorry, forgot to add - we could do Priceline, but because of the baby it makes me nervous. If we get stuck with a place less accessible by public transit, we'd be in trouble.

I would suggest the Homewood Suites on Grand Ave. You could get it for a little over $200 and you would have a suite with kitchen. The price includes breakfast and also drinks and a lite dinner Monday-Thursday-breakfast everyday. We have stayed there several times and are going back in Sept. It is in a great location for walking around the city.

There are several all-suite hotels that would give you a bit of extra room. In addition to Homewood Suites, there are 2 Embassy Suites, 2 Residence Inns, Spring Hill Suites, Hilton Suites and the Omni on Michigan Ave. Several also include breakfast.

People take strollers onto the L and buses regularly. Outside of rush hours, it's not a problem if you don't block aisles.

For what to see or do, check the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.choosechicago.com or the city's tourism site at www.explorechicago.org.

If you'll be utilizing public transit while you're here, visitor passes would be a good investment. A 1-day pass is $5.75 and allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. A 3-day pass is $14. The CTA site has maps, a bus and train tracker and trip planner at www.transitchicago.com.

Most of the suites are outside our budget, and most of our meals will be with friends and relatives, so we're not worried about breakfast included. But thanks for the links to the passes - we hadn't thought of that!

Any other smaller budget places anyone knows about?

Hi thursday,

Ideally, you'll be able to stay around the mag mile so you can avoid the train and buses as much as possible. Both the Cass Hotel (Holiday Inn Express) and the Inn of Chicago - Magnificent Mile are both very well situated. I'd try their websites for rates, and then try Quikbook.com to see if better rates are there. I always like to recommend the Amalfi hotel as my clients like staying there, but they may be right at your budget. But this hotel is well situated.

If you stay in a neighborhood hotel (Days Inn Lincoln Park, Best Western Hawthorne Place, Inn at Lincoln Park), you'll be in very lively neighborhoods to meet with your friends (lots of eateries, coffee shops, etc.) but if you meet friends "downtown" -- the 1-2-3 miles south into the city, then you'll be on the buses. (But consider, if you aren't traveling that much and don't have a bus pass -- for two, the bus is about $2.50/person, but if you're in the neighborhoods, a taxi from Lincoln Park down to the Mag Mile is about $11-$14. It may be worthwhile (for your patience and mood) to taxi with a baby.

I only mention taxis, because I often see how miserable tourists can be when they have to juggle their baby gear on a jerking, crowded bus. People bring strollers on the bus all the time, but if you travel with your baby and all your gear during rush hour (8-9:30 am, 4:30-7 pm) on a weekday, be prepared for annoyed looks. Especially if you don't collapse your stroller and leave the aisle clear. In the summer, the natives aren't always pleasant if they're waiting for the family to settle into their seats and they're late for work. So, a light, umbrella stroller would be good for bus travel.

http://www.casshotel.com/reservations.php
http://www.innofchicago.com/
http://www.quikbook.com/

But don't let us scare you! You'll love Chicago! September is a great month here in the city.

I think it would be hard to find a weekend that doesn't have a large convention or festival if you are visiting during the summer or fall. I would suggest that you book a hotel you can cancel and then start trying Priceline/Hotwire 4* Michigan Ave--you have time to look for a good rate. All the hotels in Chicago are near public transportation and I have never read anyone getting a hotel in Chicago that they were unhappy with. We mostly just walk, walk, walk when we are in Chicago, so you will do fine with the stroller. The small umbrella stroller is a great idea.

The Seneca is very nice and in a great area. You can take the lakefront walking path all the up to the zoo if you want and the Seneca is very near Michigan Avenue too.I would grab the Seneca deal and book it.

The Hampton Inn Majestic has rates from $149-$179 (before taxes) during that period. If you are a AAA member, you might be able to get it cheaper. We have stayed there and found it very comfortable. A light breakfast is included.