Chicago Hotel Recommendations
Oct 29th, 2006, 08:30 AM
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Chicago Hotel Recommendations
I'm traveling to Chicago 3-5 November to meet up with a friend who is driving from Detroit. We are looking for a hotel in the downtown area. I stayed at the Omni a few years ago and really liked it, but the rates are a bit high. We were hoping to find something under $150 per night.
I qualify for a government rate, which is still pretty high in Chicago. We would really like to make this a special trip since I'm in the Army and deploying in two weeks. This will be my last hurrah for quite awhile.
Also, my friend is a sports enthusiast and would like to see the stadiums. I would like to go to the history/science museum. We would both like to check out some of the Chicago hip/trendy neighborhoods where we could stop at a coffee shop or two and have a nice meal in a restaurant that isn't filled with tourists and cost an arm and leg.
Any recommendations?
I qualify for a government rate, which is still pretty high in Chicago. We would really like to make this a special trip since I'm in the Army and deploying in two weeks. This will be my last hurrah for quite awhile.
Also, my friend is a sports enthusiast and would like to see the stadiums. I would like to go to the history/science museum. We would both like to check out some of the Chicago hip/trendy neighborhoods where we could stop at a coffee shop or two and have a nice meal in a restaurant that isn't filled with tourists and cost an arm and leg.
Any recommendations?
Oct 29th, 2006, 08:40 AM
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Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott get good recommendations and are reasonably priced. November has its fair share of conventions, so many hotels have sold out of their reasonably priced rooms. You may want to look into some BnBs if your goal is to get into the neighborhoods and away from the tourists. You might also look into the Hotel Blake, which is in the south Loop in the Printer's Row neighborhood.
Oct 29th, 2006, 10:32 AM
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I had a very good experience at the Silversmith, a hotel that often gets overlooked.
The Hilton Garden Inn disappointed me, it felt like I was constantly being nickeled and dimed above and beyond the norm. Also, the bed was uncomfortable, not because of the mattress, but because the sheets were too short for the bed. It was as if they were putting queen size sheets on a king-sized bed. The last thing I didn't like about it was the pervasive smell of barbecued/grilled meat. Even though I stayed on a high floor, I could smell it in the corridors and on one night, even in my room. I'm not a vegetarian, but even so, it made me a little queasy to smell the meat for hours on end at night.
However, this is a very last minute trip, what have you found available in your price range?
Also, is your friend who's driving in planning to park in town (very expensive) or is she going to leave the car somewhere in the burbs or in the long term lot at the airport?
The Hilton Garden Inn disappointed me, it felt like I was constantly being nickeled and dimed above and beyond the norm. Also, the bed was uncomfortable, not because of the mattress, but because the sheets were too short for the bed. It was as if they were putting queen size sheets on a king-sized bed. The last thing I didn't like about it was the pervasive smell of barbecued/grilled meat. Even though I stayed on a high floor, I could smell it in the corridors and on one night, even in my room. I'm not a vegetarian, but even so, it made me a little queasy to smell the meat for hours on end at night.
However, this is a very last minute trip, what have you found available in your price range?
Also, is your friend who's driving in planning to park in town (very expensive) or is she going to leave the car somewhere in the burbs or in the long term lot at the airport?
Oct 29th, 2006, 11:11 AM
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I was able to book a room at the Westin on the river. It was the only hotel or B&B that I could find that wasn't booked and offered a military rate. It's still more than I wanted to spend and the parking seems to be a hassle and expensive. But, at least I have something booked and I can cancel if necessary.
Are the any recommnedations for hip/trendy areas that would have fun restaurants?
Are the any recommnedations for hip/trendy areas that would have fun restaurants?
Oct 29th, 2006, 09:57 PM
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If you want to stay downtown, it may be difficult to do much better. There are two large conventions in town with an expected attendance in the neighborhood of 120,000. You may be able to get something in your price range through Priceline, Hotwire or one of the other online bidding sites. If you've never used them, check www.betterbidding.com for tips.
If not, you'll find better rates at one of the hotels around O'Hare. You'd only be about 40 minutes from downtown using the CTA Blue Line subway. Many of the Marriott properties around ORD have rooms at the GOV rate for $173. Their cheapest rate is about $100. The Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Westin, Sheraton and Holiday Inn in Rosemont have vacancies for around $100. Other cities around O'Hare are Elk Grove, Des Plaines and Schiller Park.
If not, you'll find better rates at one of the hotels around O'Hare. You'd only be about 40 minutes from downtown using the CTA Blue Line subway. Many of the Marriott properties around ORD have rooms at the GOV rate for $173. Their cheapest rate is about $100. The Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Westin, Sheraton and Holiday Inn in Rosemont have vacancies for around $100. Other cities around O'Hare are Elk Grove, Des Plaines and Schiller Park.
Oct 30th, 2006, 05:44 PM
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I was in the windy city last year on a last minute trip and the only hotel I could get in to was the Hampton Inn, which most business travellers know is the business persons best kept secret.
The price was so good I thought for sure this would be the one that would not be up to par and would be a dump!
Well I was pleasantly WRONG...it was a very clean and nice hotel...not a W...not a Ritz...but a well run Hampton!
Can't remember the street, but it was a block off of the Magnificent Mile and walking distance to everything.
In fact there is a FANTASTIC Fusion Thai Restaurant a few blocks away that will knock your blocks off with traditional and fusion food.
I had a squash or pumkin soup there with Salmon thai fusion style, that to this day I still dream about!! Wish I could remember the name of the restaurant.
The price was so good I thought for sure this would be the one that would not be up to par and would be a dump!
Well I was pleasantly WRONG...it was a very clean and nice hotel...not a W...not a Ritz...but a well run Hampton!
Can't remember the street, but it was a block off of the Magnificent Mile and walking distance to everything.
In fact there is a FANTASTIC Fusion Thai Restaurant a few blocks away that will knock your blocks off with traditional and fusion food.
I had a squash or pumkin soup there with Salmon thai fusion style, that to this day I still dream about!! Wish I could remember the name of the restaurant.
Oct 30th, 2006, 07:49 PM
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As for restaurants...for Italian, I'd suggest the Italian Village (3 options there), Trattoria #10, Harry Carey's, any pizza place. For Steak - Gene and Georgetti, Houstons, Capital Grille, Hy's of Canada. Seafood - Riva on Navy Pier. For 'outside the loop' - take a cab to Little Italy on Taylor street for a huge variety of very authentic Italian restaurants - Rosebud, Tuscany are two of my fav's. If you want a unique pizza experience, take a cab to Lincoln Park and the Chicago Oven Grinder. Neighborhoods - definitely Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, maybe Lincoln Square.
Oct 31st, 2006, 02:45 AM
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MizzEve, with all due respect to the previous poster, Houston's is closed.
Although Riva is the best place at Navy Pier, there are better options for seafood around town, IMHO. Try Shaw's Crabhouse or Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, for example. Both are popular with locals and tourists but neither are inexpensive. If you go to either, you could easily walk to Andy's Jazz Club for some excellent music, as well.
The latter for steak as well - however, I've had excellent steak at Golden Budha (Chinese steakhouse just west of the Cadillac Theatre on Randolph).
I have to admit I'm not even familiar with Hy's of Canada - where is that located in Chicago?
Since your friend is a sports enthusiast, I'd recommend either going to Harry Caray's or Ditka's. You'll find a mix of tourists and locals, but much memorabilia inside each.
In the neighborhoods:
Coffehouses: Intelligentsia (on N. Broadway just south of Belmont) - there are two other locations in the Loop, though: one in the Monadnock Building on W. Jackson and the other just west of the Chicago Cultural Center on Randolph. Also, there is a Julius Meinl at the corner of N. Southport and Addison in Lakeview (if you had interest in going to Tango Sur and that neighborhood).
Italian - LaTavernetta on N. Broadway just south of Briar (in Lakeview) or Bistro Campagne (in Lincoln Square) or A Tavola on W. Chicago.
Steak - Tango Sur (Argentinean steakhouse in Lakeview) - on N. Southport just north of the Music Box Theatre. BYOB, no reservations taken. Take your cell phone, give your number to the host - get a drink next door at Cullen's - excellent Irish bar - they'll call you when your table is ready. By the way, to get there: Take the Red Line up to the Addison stop (Wrigley Field) - then take a cab or the #152 EB CTA bus 5 blocks to N. Southport. The restaurant is only 3.5 blocks north.
You might be interested in going to Smoke Daddy's for some BBQ and blues. Fun place.
Other suggestions: A la Turka on N. Lincoln for wonderful Turkish with bellydancers (some evenings) and hookahs, if you wish.
Duke of Perth (on N. Clark in Lincoln Park) has an all-you-can-eat fish n' chips special on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
For breakfast: Orange at the original location on N. Clark (just north of Belmont - 1 block from the Red Line station) or on Harrison. LONG lines on the week.
Flo on W. Chicago for wonderful New Mexican cuisine - for brunch or later.
Hope these suggestions help a bit!
Although Riva is the best place at Navy Pier, there are better options for seafood around town, IMHO. Try Shaw's Crabhouse or Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, for example. Both are popular with locals and tourists but neither are inexpensive. If you go to either, you could easily walk to Andy's Jazz Club for some excellent music, as well.
The latter for steak as well - however, I've had excellent steak at Golden Budha (Chinese steakhouse just west of the Cadillac Theatre on Randolph).
I have to admit I'm not even familiar with Hy's of Canada - where is that located in Chicago?
Since your friend is a sports enthusiast, I'd recommend either going to Harry Caray's or Ditka's. You'll find a mix of tourists and locals, but much memorabilia inside each.
In the neighborhoods:
Coffehouses: Intelligentsia (on N. Broadway just south of Belmont) - there are two other locations in the Loop, though: one in the Monadnock Building on W. Jackson and the other just west of the Chicago Cultural Center on Randolph. Also, there is a Julius Meinl at the corner of N. Southport and Addison in Lakeview (if you had interest in going to Tango Sur and that neighborhood).
Italian - LaTavernetta on N. Broadway just south of Briar (in Lakeview) or Bistro Campagne (in Lincoln Square) or A Tavola on W. Chicago.
Steak - Tango Sur (Argentinean steakhouse in Lakeview) - on N. Southport just north of the Music Box Theatre. BYOB, no reservations taken. Take your cell phone, give your number to the host - get a drink next door at Cullen's - excellent Irish bar - they'll call you when your table is ready. By the way, to get there: Take the Red Line up to the Addison stop (Wrigley Field) - then take a cab or the #152 EB CTA bus 5 blocks to N. Southport. The restaurant is only 3.5 blocks north.
You might be interested in going to Smoke Daddy's for some BBQ and blues. Fun place.
Other suggestions: A la Turka on N. Lincoln for wonderful Turkish with bellydancers (some evenings) and hookahs, if you wish.
Duke of Perth (on N. Clark in Lincoln Park) has an all-you-can-eat fish n' chips special on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
For breakfast: Orange at the original location on N. Clark (just north of Belmont - 1 block from the Red Line station) or on Harrison. LONG lines on the week.
Flo on W. Chicago for wonderful New Mexican cuisine - for brunch or later.
Hope these suggestions help a bit!
Oct 31st, 2006, 05:39 AM
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exiled princess, I went to Golden Budha a couple of weeks ago before a show. Thanks! It's easy to miss, you could walk right by it.
I like downstairs in venues, because it is SO much quieter. Thanks, for the tip. I think I could bring pre-teens there too.
I like downstairs in venues, because it is SO much quieter. Thanks, for the tip. I think I could bring pre-teens there too.
Oct 31st, 2006, 08:21 AM
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Anyone know the name of that fast food place at the entrance of the mall by the Navy pier? They serve steamed dumplings and buns?
That was my idea of fast food!
Incidently...I stayed at the Peninsula while back and loved it(?) They probably offer a govt rate.
They had a fantastic Chinese restaurant there as well...cant remember the name either.
That was my idea of fast food!
Incidently...I stayed at the Peninsula while back and loved it(?) They probably offer a govt rate.
They had a fantastic Chinese restaurant there as well...cant remember the name either.
Oct 31st, 2006, 09:41 AM
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exhiledprincess, Hy's did have a restaurant in Chicago that opened in the early '70s.
It probably closed around 1990 when the company restructured and shed most of its properties outside Canada. There's still a Hy's in Honolulu, but it's independently owned. Not sure if there are still others out there.
It probably closed around 1990 when the company restructured and shed most of its properties outside Canada. There's still a Hy's in Honolulu, but it's independently owned. Not sure if there are still others out there.
Nov 2nd, 2006, 08:29 AM
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I came back to give a couple of other last minute suggestions and see that I made one mistake above.
I meant to post the suggestion about dining at Bistro Campagne (in Lincoln Square) under the "Other" category and not "Italian". Oops! Bad, bad me.
So now for the other suggestions:
For something really special, Tru has a five-course dessert menu for $25. Reservations necessary.
It's been mentioned before many times here, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder on N. Clark for lunch or dinner.
If you are coming up to Lakeview (where Wrigley Field is located, Wrigleyville being a part of Lakeview), then maybe try the Casbah Cafe or Joy's Noodles (have the Pad Thai) on N. Broadway.
And, if you were looking for a quiet dining experience, leisurely European style, not too far from Wrigley Field, try Rick's Cafe on N. Sheridan (just 1 block from the Sheridan Red Line stop).
Just a last note to you: "Hip/trendy" neighborhood restaurants tend to have higher price-tags - and watch out for the tapas-type or small plate establishment prices because they can add up pretty darn quick. Instead, what I'd recommend is looking at some of the newer places opening up in Uptown (such as Marigold Indian) and the South Loop, although the issue with those areas are that they ARE in the process of gentrification and there are pockets of "not so good" and some downright "rough".
Have fun when you are here!
I meant to post the suggestion about dining at Bistro Campagne (in Lincoln Square) under the "Other" category and not "Italian". Oops! Bad, bad me.
So now for the other suggestions:
For something really special, Tru has a five-course dessert menu for $25. Reservations necessary.
It's been mentioned before many times here, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder on N. Clark for lunch or dinner.
If you are coming up to Lakeview (where Wrigley Field is located, Wrigleyville being a part of Lakeview), then maybe try the Casbah Cafe or Joy's Noodles (have the Pad Thai) on N. Broadway.
And, if you were looking for a quiet dining experience, leisurely European style, not too far from Wrigley Field, try Rick's Cafe on N. Sheridan (just 1 block from the Sheridan Red Line stop).
Just a last note to you: "Hip/trendy" neighborhood restaurants tend to have higher price-tags - and watch out for the tapas-type or small plate establishment prices because they can add up pretty darn quick. Instead, what I'd recommend is looking at some of the newer places opening up in Uptown (such as Marigold Indian) and the South Loop, although the issue with those areas are that they ARE in the process of gentrification and there are pockets of "not so good" and some downright "rough".
Have fun when you are here!
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