My husband & I are flying out of Ohare for a weeks vacation in early Sept. Upon return we plan to stop over in Chicago for 3 nights before heading on home. What hotels have good views of Lake Michigan? We plan to rely on public transportation from Ohare in & out of city, so convenient to el would be a plus. Any suggestions?

Sheraton Towers has views of Lake Michigan. and Hyatt Regency and perhaps Swiss Hotel.

Babs, we stayed in a Chicago city centre hotel last year (no view of Lake Michigan, river view instead) but we did get FREE transportation to and from O'Hare in the hotel minibus. This bus serviced loads of hotels in the city, might be worth thinking of instead of the L.

If you are taking the subway from O'Hare the nearest hotel is the Hilton Palmer House -- I can't remember the specific stop. Other hotels downtown include the Midland and the new Hotel Burnham.

Myself? Well when do a local "getaway" we stay at the Swissotel, but there are other great options on or near the "mag mile" -- what I would do is take the subway -- go in a side door of the Palmer House, then out the main one and get a cab to your hotel Or, with luck, hail one on the street.

Well I COULD answer the rest of the question Downtown the closest hotel with lake views is the Congress Hotel -- but it's pretty tatty. Swissotel has great views -- but be sure you confirm that the lakeview comes with whatever "package" you get.

You shouldn't have a problem catching the 'L' from O'Hare to take you to a hotel, but check with the hotel to see if they can provide you with a free shuttle. Hotel Burnam, Hotel Allegro, and Hotel Monaco are sister hotels that are very close to the lake, no lake views, but you'll be hard pressed to find that without spending a fortune. The only thing I can think of is the Drake. Hotel Monaco is perfect, and I saw a deal for only $89/night. It's right in the loop near our small theater district, close to shopping, etc. I think you would take the 'L' "blue" line from O'Hare to the red line & off at Monroe...check with the hotel to be sure.

Many thanks to all of you. I must have had a brain blip - didn't even think of hotel shuttle!! I'll research the hotels mentioned. Again, thanks.

Executive Plaza is also another option for you that is great and probably more affordable. It gives a great view of more than just the lake, you can see the river, skyscrapers at night, etc. We had a beautiful view when we stayed. ALSO- get a suite, its a tad more but WAY worth it, it is HUGE and very comfortable. Have fun!