Which is the best (easiest) place to stay in Chicago for tourists w/o a car? Hotel recommendations?

Your question is really general but the short answer is that there are a ton of hotels that are accessible to activities for tourists without a car. From Chicago Hilton and Towers, to the Palmer House Hilton, to the Intercontinental, to the Drake, to the Days Inn and so on. You have a multitude of choices.

Just got back from a week in Chicagono car) we stayed downtown at the Drake, friends at the Intercontinental and Hilton--all these were great but did cost average $250. per night for 2 people.Which for us is a lot but this was a business expense. Days Inn Lake Shore ( 3-4 blocks from downtown) was $139 to 178, has a pool and is across from NavyPier where you can get 3 type of transportation to see the city.(water taxi, city buses and Chicago Trolly-sightseeing plus can get off and on all day for one price)
Another Day Inn --Gold Coast across from Lincoln Zoo is north of downtown but 151 bus (across the street) takes you right downtown--10 minutes. This Days Inn is not fancy but clean--$109 to139)
This is probably more than you wanted to know....Good Luck

The Michigan Avenue area (Magnificent Mile) is the "best (easiest)..for tourists without a car." Most of the hotels will be somewhat pricey, but you don't indicate that that's a problem. There also is a Motel 6 and a Best Western located within a block of Michigan Avenue, and several other "mid-range" chains within 2-4 blocks. Hope you have a great time.

Try the Raphael, also in Watertower area, has nice rates, Seneca does too both are ajacent to the Drake. Motel 6 on Superior was formerly the Richmont, one of our favorite little hotels a few yrs ago. Lenox House is fine too. The best western across from it is ok. heard the Allerton is better, but heard horror stories about it. Sometimes Essex House has deals too. You will probably be better off to stay in the Watertower/mag. mile area. Lots to do 24 hours a day. Days Inn on Lakeshore and Ontario is well located, but iffy. There's a Holiday Inn nearby too, but I'm not a fan of Holiday's or Days anywhere.

Brand new Park Hyatt opened 6/13/00 located at 800 N. Michigan. Otherwise the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Fairmont or Drake not to mention the Whitehall, etc.

Just spent five nights at the Homewood Suites Hotel on Grand Ave. It was terrific. All suites, breakfast daily (cold breakfast on weekends, hot selections on weekdays) and even a light dinner for folks who don't feel like restaurants (business people, etc.). The staff was great. It's one block off Michigan Ave, but since Grand passes under Michigan, I found that walking through the lobby of the Mariott was the best way to get to the street. I understand the full price for this hotel (owned by Hilton)is around $250/night, but I'm also sure you can find lower rates. I was there for a convention and paid $129/night. Having two rooms and breakfasts was a great added value.

Oh, it's not a huge place, and has no frills like a restaurant or bar (aside from the area for breakfast/dinner). But there's always a coffee service in the lobby, a conciege, pool, health club. It just seemed very friendly. Each suite has a full kitchen as well, though we never used it. I would stay there again in a moment.