pjwcanada

HELP!!!

Hi - I'm hoping for some local help, if possible. We'll be visiting Chicago for a conference at the end of June 2008. Unfortunately, we will have a car as we're driving from Canada (too long to explain, but we WILL have a car). I've just realized that parking at our hotel (Westin Michigan Avenue - 909 N. Michigan) is $46/day. Gulp.

Are there any public parking garages within walking distance that you might recommend, with cheaper rates?

And if you did only 2 or three things while in Chicago, what would they be??

Thanks for your help!
Cheers!
pjwcanada

Citylghts

Unfortunately, the going rate for hotel parking is $40-$50.

The Millennium Park garages are around $24 per day. You can enter them from northbound Columbus Drive near Monroe or the left lane of northbound Michigan near the Art Institute. It's about a half mile south of the Westin. You can either walk north on Michigan or catch the bus at Michigan & Randolph. Almost any bus that stops there will take you to the Westin. http://www.grantparkparking.com/Source/Rates.aspx

The Sterling Self-Park is on Kinzie between LaSalle and Clark and also charges around $24 per day. It's a little farther north, but also a little farther west.

If you're daring-or really thrifty, you could try a spot on the street in Lincoln Park, about 2 miles north. Head up Michigan Avenue past the Westin. Keep right to go onto the express lanes of Lake Shore Drive and exit at LaSalle Drive, the first exit. Follow LaSalle about a half mile to the first light which is Stockton Drive. Turn right on Stockton and there is parking on both sides of the street starting around the zoo. Just don't leave anything in view. You can catch the Number 151 bus southbound on Stockton that will drop you back at the Westin. The fare is $2. Your car should be fine, but there's always that outside chance that something could happen.

kelliebellie

My parents car died inside a parking garage in Chicago. They had AAA tow it to the dealer who drove them back to the hotel. The car stayed at the dealer for three days where they fixed it under warranty and then picked them up at their hotel to come retrieve the car. Long story short, it was free parking!

So, I'm saying that if you are very frugal and need some car repairs, make a reservation with a dealership for some service and see if they will drive you back to your hotel and pick you up again. You could get new tires and an oil change for your $46 a day.

pjwcanada

Citylghts,
Thank you so much for your detailed response - this will be very helpful. It's nice to know there are options.

Kelliebellie,
I love your idea - I had a great laugh reading it! Gee, I never would have thought of that one by myself!!

Thanks to you both - pjwcanada

andrews98682

The Lincoln Park idea might work. Otherwise, you're going to just have to pay the parking. Most parking is either metered or permit only, and they definitely ticket in the neighborhoods near the loop.

Chicago_Heather

Citylights is recommending garages close to Westin River North. Some closer parking options to Westin Michigan Avenue:

Enclosed garages -
900 North Michigan, $33.00 for 10-24 hours)
John Hancock, 875 North Michigan, same as above
Most of the hotel/office buildings in that area use Standard Parking to manage their parking, so the rates are pretty consistent. The hotels use the same garages (as above) that are also self-park, but charge a lot more. Self-parking has no in and out privileges, though, so keep that in mind.

Surface lot -
SW corner of Elm and Rush (about 5 blocks NW of hotel), $24.00 for 10-24 hours

For 2 or 3 ideas while in Chicago at the end of June, head to anything outdoors ... Cubs games, Millennium Park, the architecture river cruise, Lincoln Park Zoo, check for neighborhood/city festivals, etc.

Have a fun trip!

Chicago_Heather

Oh, and to save you frustration and money, if you park anywhere on the streets in the city, walk the length of the block to read ALL of the posted signs. There are many parking restrictions, varying by day, date, hours, etc., and towing is a healthy business around here.

pjwcanada

andrews98682 and Chicago_Heather,

Thanks to you both for your insights. Great that we have some slightly cheapter options (all the more to shop with!!). Can't wait!

Cheers,
pjwcanada

andrews98682

Just to be clear, I'm not saying your chances of finding a spot by Lincoln Park are good. There's a good chance you won't, actually, but it's not totally out of the realm of possibility.

cappygirl

Do the millenium garages allow overnight parking?

Chicago_Heather

Yes, cappygirl