donajean

Eight of us females are visiting Chicago's loop between October 7 and 14th in 2019. Would appreciate lodging advice and any events we should check out.

tomfuller

Are you all coming from the same area? I don't think that you want to pay for parking more than one vehicle. My favorite way to arrive in downtown Chicago is by train. Just Google "events Chicago October 2019" for a good idea of what is going on.

gardendiva

Check out The River Hotel. It is located just a block west of Michigan Ave on Wacker Drive. Very good location. Sort of the middle of where ever you want to go. Their rooms are a little small in US standards but they are comfortable for 1-2 people. I have always gotten a good rate but it depends on what is going on at that time.

sf7307

Bitter

I don't recommend vrbo or airbnb, unless it is almost exclusively a tourist destination, as it can be a real annoyance and unfair to residents. I'm not sure why you are focusing on the Loop. There are certainly options there, but I usually stay in near north, which has easy access to the Loop as well as points north.

donajean

Thank you. Most of us will be flying in and none plan to have our own vehicles. We'll use some form of public transportation. Will check out Chicago's events on Google as well.

donajean

Thanks reply 3, 4, 5. We wish to attend the theater, go on a river cruise, and avail ourselves of the many wonderful interesting destinations in Chicago's loop. We will be able to walk and use public transportation easily. Have stayed in two of the loop hotels several years ago, and recently in another destination city had a delightful airbnb experience.

iowamom

I definitely recommend the Chicago Architecture boat tour although weather could be iffy/cold in October.

HappyTrvlr

Citylghts

The Loop used to be pretty dead after 5 p.m., however in the last few years, several hotels and restaurants have opened, theatres have fewer dark nights, and more apartments have been constructed in the area, so there is much more life in the evenings. That being said, the River North/Mag Mile area still holds the lead with more hotels and restaurants. If you don't find something to your liking in River North, The Loop is a fine second choice.

Also, keep in mind that the Chicago Marathon, one of the top three such events in the US which draws 45,000 runners from around the world, is October 13, 2019. Hotels and other lodging will be at a premium that weekend so you should decide on a place as soon as possible.

janisj

The Marathon will also complicate any plans you have for the 13th. Plus people coming in to the city the day before will crowd restaurants on the 12th.

donajean

Thank you posters #10 and #11 for the head's up about the Chicago Marathon and additional comments about the loop.

ruwithme

The gardens are beautiful!

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/

janisj

I don't mind the Loop at all really. Being close to the park / Art Institute /really good transport. Last trip I stayed at StayPineapple on W. Washington in the north Loop for a game at the United Center and for the Art Institute and it was great.

I usually stay somewhere north of there like the Omni, but really enjoyed staying in the Loop.

TDudette

Here's my 2017 trip report for Chicago FWIW for some ideas:

Chicago 2017

We were visiting the student daughter/granddaughter of 2 of us! Have a great time.

TDudette

PS--We left the day of the Marathon and it ran right in front of our hotel. See "Going Home" re our taxi challenge that day.

donajean

Thank you. Bookmarked it.

donajean

Read good things about StayPineapple but ended up booking The River Hotel. For our plans really liked the location. Art Institute is "on our list."

donajean

Thank you very much.

donajean

We kept the Marathon in mind and are leaving right before it. Would be exciting for sure, but don't relish greater crowds. Also, noticed rates for lodging climbing steeply over that weekend.