Thanks again for the earlier replies about the Arlington hostel but i decided that I'll spend some more money for a hotel in Chicago. So I narrowed it down to two: The Majestic or The Willows. I'd love to be in a neighbourhood where bars and resataurants are within walking distance so which one should I go with ? Again, any reply is massively appreciated !

We loved our stay at this little hotel: The Hawthorne Terrace, a Best Western
http://www.hawthorneterrace.com/

It's in a lovely neighborhood with restaurants and bars. Also close to Wrigley Field.

I haven't stayed at any of the three, but I used to live near them. They're all in good neighborhoods, within about a 20-minute walk of each other and near trains and buses not to mention bars and restaurants. The Willows is a little farther south, meaning it's closer to Lincoln Park (which has a great zoo) and downtown. The Best Western is closest to Boystown and Wrigleyville, although the other two aren't far.

Well...depends on what type of bars you want to visit, Passenger.

First, you are no longer looking at hotels in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, but now the Lakeview neighborhood. These three hotels are *all* located in the Boystown area of Lakeview, as Diversey is the southern boundary between Lakeview (East Lakeview aka Boystown) and Lincoln Park.

Boystown has the largest concentration of gay and lesbian bars in the city, most being located on N. Halsted between Belmont to Addison with a couple on N. Broadway in the same general vicinity. However, the area does have straight bars as well and some that cater to both crowds.

If you wanted to be closer to Lincoln Park, you might consider the Days Inn Chicago on Diversey. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in that area as well.

From time to time, you can also get some deals at the Belden-Stratford, although you would be a little further towards Lincoln Park (the park) than I think you wish to be.

They all sound like great suggestions. May I also suggest The Avenue Hotel in Downtown. Within walking distance of bars, restaurants, sight seeing - pretty much anything you could desire. Hotwire is offering some awesome deals you might want to check out. Good Luck!

Thanks again for all the replies, much obliged !

BTW, Passenger, I would never recommend for any visitor unfamiliar to an area to be walking alone at night to return to their hotel after visiting a bar - in *any* neighborhood in Chicago.

Spend the few $ for a cab.