In about 5 weeks time I will be traveling from Europe to the US and I've planned to spend the last two days of my visit (22-23 June) in downtown Chicago - only thing I still need to do is make a hotel reservation. At first I wanted to stay at something cheap, such as Essex Inn, or Travelodge, but after reading the rather negative comments of several people who stayed at these budget hotels, I decided to look for a mid-range priced instead of a budget hotel.

After reading tons of information on the internet and several forums regarding downtown Chicago (hotels), I've "narrowed" my hotel-choice down to the following four: 1 - Best Western Inn ($148); 2 - Holiday Inn City Center ($146); 3 - The Tremont ($152), and 4 - The Raphael Hotel ($141). The prices in brackets indicate the room rate, which my travel agent is able to offer to me - these are INcluding local taxes.

Question I have: which of the above four is the "best value for money", when looking at things such as hotel location (preferably near the tourist attractions), hotel facilities, etc. or isn't there a significant difference?

Ilke the tremont alot, it is located in the gold coast area. You are right by Michigan ave and rush street. It ia a charming hotel and good service. My 2nd choice would be raphael good location the rooms are getting old and tired. PJ

Definitely skip the Best Western. Of the rest, any of them would be ok. Although I think you could do better with www.quikbook.com. For that rate, you could a room at hotels that are better than the choices you've been offered. You should also check quikbook for comparison and availability of your hotels--you may find rooms at the hotels you mentioned for much less $$. I'm going to give it a quick look and se what you can get.

Hi again Marc:
I checked on quikbook for your nights. In the $100-$150 range, you can stay at the Westin Chicago River North ($139 per night; used to be the Nikko, I believe) or the Hotel Allegro ($149; this is a nice boutique hotel very popular with Europeans). The Quikbook rate for the Best Western River North was $99 per night. For $159, you can get a room at the Inter-Continental, which moves you into the luxury category.

Marc did say that the rates he quoted included tax which can add about $20 on to the rate. Do the quikbook rates include tax? My in-laws have gotten the Raphael on Priceline for $79, the Marriott for $99, and the Whitehall and the Inter-Continental also for under $100 on Priceline plus the fee.

Marc, one rason why most readers here at Fodor's don't use travel agents is because they frequently don't get the best deals (at least here in the US).
Above you have several examples why a little independent research can both save you money and make your trip more enjoyable (better hotels at lower rates).

Check out www.biddingfortravel.com, there have been prior successful bids thru Priceline for 4 star hotels for ~$60.

Of the hotels you mentioned, I would go with the Tremont.

Marc, if you are still looking at the hotels you first asked about, we liked the Holiday Inn City Center. It has a great location 3 blocks off Michigan Ave and near Navy Pier. There is a great Health club and fabulous views at night from both the rooms and the atrium enclosed swimming pool. The staff were very friendly and there is a great cheap coffee shop for breakfast.
Have fun it is a fabulous city.

If the Best Western you mentioned is called "Inn of Chicago" on Ohio Street, I can recommend it heartily. The rooms were very nice, although not terribly large. Lobby is nice enough. Location is FANTASTIC. 1/2 block off Michigan AVe. and thus very close to the Magnificent Mile.

Marc,

I just reccomended the Tremont to you, but after looking at its reviews I'm not sure if it's as nice as it used to be. I just called Hotrooms, they have a site www.hotrooms.com too, and they told me you could stay at the Hotel Burnham for $155 the first night and $105 the second. It's in the Loop, a few blocks off Michigan, but it has become a very popular hotel. Check the reviews on this site. Enjoy your visit to the city.

Istayed at TRemont a year ago and I can assure you it is very nice! But if that is true what Dan says for pricing of Burnham no contest, definitely stay at Burnham. I think it is the best and it is my personal favorite!! Free wine reception at Burnham also.PJ

Well pj, you made me nervous that I didn't get the price of the Burnham correct. I double checked, and either the rate changed or I was off by 4 bucks. The rate is $155 for night one, and $109 for night two. King or two beds. I called the toll free number, 1-800-468-3500.

You are good Dan!! I am booking for my husband and myself at those great prices! Thanks PJ

The Burnham is a delight! And it is so easily accessible from O'Hare. The subway at the airport drops you off about one block from the front door. The other hotels mentioned would require a train change and some walking. No need for a thirty dollar cab ride or rental car when the train is $1.50. And please don't forget about the cost of parking in Chicago!

Topping for our Australian friend.

The Burnham has a good location and really well decorated, but my gosh the rooms are small. A king bedded room barely left room for more than one of us to be out of the bed at a time.

Thanks for all your replies; below are my responses to a few of them:

Quote (Alex):
"My in-laws have gotten the Raphael on Priceline for $79, the Marriott for $99, and the Whitehall and the Inter-Continental also for under $100 on Priceline plus the fee."

I’ve visited the Priceline website, and if I understand correctly there's no way you can tell in advance in what hotel you will end up eventually, am I correct?


Quote (Naomi):
"Marc, one reason why most readers here at Fodor's don't use travel agents is because they frequently don't get the best deals (at least here in the US).
Above you have several examples why a little independent research can both save you money and make your trip more enjoyable (better hotels at lower rates)."

Naomi: I'm aware of this, but fact is that the weekend of 22/23 June is a "bad" time to get low hotel rates in downtown Chicago. From what I've heard, a major convention will be held in the city then. Apart from that the holiday season will also have just begun, which again doesn’t help matters – correct me if I’m wrong. Considering the fact that the rates my travel agent offered are including taxes, I think they're pretty reasonable.

Quote (S):
"Marc, if you are still looking at the hotels you first asked about, we liked the Holiday Inn City Center. There is a great Health club and fabulous views at night from both the rooms and the atrium enclosed swimming pool."

S: With regard to the fabulous views: can you be a more specific, meaning what are you able to see: Lake Michigan, Hancock Center, etc.?

Quote (Dianna):
"No need for a thirty dollar cab ride or rental car when the train is $1.50. And please don't forget about the cost of parking in Chicago!"

Dianna: If I'm not mistaken: I should take the "blue line" from O'Hare to get downtown. Cost of parking won't be an issue, because even the thought of using a car in downtown Chicago is almost enough to give me nightmares...

Quote (zztop):
"Topping for our Australian friend."

Actually: born in Australia, but have been living in Europe for over 25 years.

That is correct.

Reply to marcs reply queries. The view I mentioned is right up from level on the map with Navy Pier up to the Hancock. At night it looks pretty spectacular. From the pool at night you can see all the skyscrapers lit up from the Hancock to the NBC buliding.