We will be traveling to Chicago in Aug. and also driving to other nearby states, so we will need a rental car. Others have commented on the difficulty in parking near the Mag Mile, which is where I'd planned on staying for a couple of days to be close to the Navy Pier, ESPN Zone, etc.

Should we reconsider and stay outside of the area and just take a taxi? If so, what other safe, affordable, good areas would you recommend?

It depends on the experience you want. If you want to really feel like you are "in Chicago", stay on the Mag Mile. Yes, you can park there, but it is expensive. So you park your car when you get there, and either take a taxi or walk everywhere. I love Chicago -- enjoy!!

I would recommend staying on the Mag Mile and walking or taking public transportation to get around while you are in town. You can always pick up you car in the city--there are several rental car offices in the 'Loop--on your way out of town.

Definitely stay near the Mag Mile, parking isn't that difficult - just expensive.

Definitely stay near the Mag Mile. It is fabulous.

I agree with Catherine. Don't pick up your rental car until your ready to move on to your next state. Parking at the hotels can run from $25-35 per night. Plus, if you move the car you will incur parking where ever you are going or you will be paying for taxis.

Stay on the mag mile. Hotel's typically valet for around $30 per day (cab fare would be close to that anyways). Also, if not using the car while in Chicago (and I recommend you don't), drop off bags at hotel and then go park car yourself in one of the many nearby garages (probably will save you about $10 per day).

During the summer months there is a fairly extensive free trolly service in the downtown area. They run along Michigan Avenue (Mag Mile), into The Loop, out to Navy Pier and also the Museum Campus. They run semi-frequently, and, again, are free. Chicago is quite walkable. We locals walk everywhere.

Thanks, everyone--I appreciate your advice!

We always stay downtown and just walk everywhere. There is no reason to hassle with a car in the city. If it's not within walking distance, take a cab. Tim