I am considering a couple of hotels and need advice - which would you recommend? I want to be near shopping but cost is a factor too. The hotels I am considering are Tremont @ $199 or Hyatt Regency on Wacker Drive for $238 or Westin @ $254 (all per night) - Obviously Tremont is best price but is it a nice hotel? Thanks.

The Tremont is a darling little hotel close to Michigan Avenue. Haven't been there for a long time, but it was really good about 10 years ago. Can someone update this recommendation? Don't like the Hyatt--too big, too noisy. The Westin is OK. Have you checked with the Drake or Ritz Carlton? They would be my favorites.

the tremont would be a nice choice. it's a smaller hotel very close to michigan ave. and the major shopping venues. very traditionally furnished. i would recommend it.

Another vote for The Tremont. Location - excellent! The Westin and the Hyatt are great big places, which is a minus, in my book...and the Hyatt is at the far end of Michigan Avenue, not really in the thick of things. Go for the tremont!

The Hampton Suites is "close in" and is really pretty nice...the suites are spacious, it has a decent pool area, and the continental breakfast is included. I don't think you can do better for the money, if you want a suite. We spent a week there last summer and would stay there again.

Kathy you may want to try
www.priceline.com we stayed at the Westin for $65 a night through priceline. I would never pay $254 a night it's nice but a chain hotel, it's location is great and I was very happy with it had I paid $254 I would have expected a lot more. If you use priceline be sure you read the directions and that you are going for sure. I have always stayed in nice places through them but will not bid for
less than a 3 star hotel. You pick the area also. EZboard can give advice on bidding too.

The Tremont would be my choice. The location is great and the hotel rooms are nicely decorated. This small boutique hotel is charming.

You didn't mention how many people you were traveling with. If you are not alone, I've had great luck at the Residence Inn. It is located on the back corner of Water Tower Place (center of the shopping district) so walking to all shopping and good places to eat is feasible. Our room was a full kitchen, 2 nice sized bedrooms, living room with a pullout couch, desk area (perfect for my laptop) and one bathroom. It was great for our family and less than $200/night. If you are going it alone, I was able to get the Four Seasons (also within 2 blocks of Water Tower Place) for $189/night through a corporate rate. The Four Seasons is one of the 3 ***** hotels in Chicago (Ritz and the The Drake are the other ones).

The Drake?
Whoever rated the Drake a 5 star hotel needs to review their rating system (unless it's a 7 star scale).
The Drake is no longer even in the top 5 in Chicago.

Thanks everyone for your input. I got back last week from staying at The Tremont. It was so cozy and nice. The front desk guy was so nice as we had been delayed due to the thunderstorms and we must have looked pretty tired as they upgraded us to a junior suite with a nice view. The only thing we didn't like was the whipping wind by the windows - but overall it was a wonderful experience. I had to go back to Chicago this week and stayed at Hampton Inn (class site). It was comfortable but not The Tremont - not nearly as much class (however no wind noise). Looking forward to next trip.
Kathy