Going to Chicago for a conference and would like to go early and stay late but not pay huge $$$$ for lodging on the days the company isn't paying for. Any suggestions on clean, affordable hotels downtown that won't cost me an arm and a leg ? Thanks.

Try posting your question on this week's hosted forum which is all about Chicago. I live in Chicago but I never stay at the hotels!

Try calling 1-800-HOTEL-00

They are "Hotrooms" - a consolidator specializing in Chicago rooms at a discount. Their website indicates that they're sold out for Aug. 15 - 18 due to a lrage convention but have other dates open. A friend just used them and got a room last weekend at the Best Western downtown for somewhere between $90 -100 per night.

There's a Best Western, just about a block east of Michigan Avenue -- the best location you could ask for. And the prices are quite reasonable -- better on the w/e, than during the week of course. In the heart of shopping, restaurants, etc. We stayed there last winter and found it to be ideal.

There's a Best Western, just about a block east of Michigan Avenue -- the best location you could ask for. And the prices are quite reasonable -- better on the w/e, than during the week of course. In the heart of shopping, restaurants, etc. We stayed there last winter and found it to be ideal.

There's a Best Western, just about a block east of Michigan Avenue -- the best location you could ask for. And the prices are quite reasonable -- better on the w/e, than during the week of course. In the heart of shopping, restaurants, etc. We stayed there last winter and found it to be ideal.