CHICAGO in August
 

I am planning to travel with family to the Chicago downtown area in mid-August. I have NO place to stay though and everyplace I've called says they are booked. I thought staying outside downtown would be nice although driving in everyday may not. I am trying to find a low price hotel near all the attractions and don't want to spend more than $200 a night. I found Doubletree Guest Suites Chicago to be open on the Internet although haven't heard a lot about the place. <BR> <BR>ANY HELP would be appreciated! <BR> <BR>Jim Lloyd

Our family of 4 likes the Swissotel, a great location just a couple of blocks off Michigan Ave. The hotel is spotless and all of the rooms we have had were spacious. Helpful staff. <BR> <BR>Of course I don't know whether it's booked.

I've stayed at Doubletree Suites in other locations (Western USA) and they were very good. Haven't stayed at the Chicago location, but if it's close to Michigan Ave./ Water Tower or Navy Pier etc. I would take it.

Jim, I had good luck getting last minute reservations in mid-June at <BR>The Talbott on E. Delaware..only 2 blocks from the John Hancock Bldg/Mich Ave/Rush st, etc. <BR> <BR>Nice hotel that I will stay at again. <BR> <BR>I think they have their own website. <BR>Kal

I hope that you're stil looking for a hotel room in downtown Chicago, because I have a good tip for you. There is an internet site called 'Hot-Rooms' that serves only the Chicago-land area and can offer accomodations at a discount. I've used it with GREAT success in the past. Rooms, rates, availability and maps/locations are all delineated and, although they advertise that the typical savings is between 40-50%, my husband and I have (at times) experienced greater. Web site: www.hot-rooms.com Hope this is helpful for you and your family!!

If you get stuck, you might try places in Evanston or Skokie -- not far from confenient commuter rail or "El" -- and not as steeply priced as downtown.

Hotels do book quickly in the summer in Chicago... I go quite often, and if you can stay at the Westin on Michigan, it's pretty reasonably priced and nice. I believe the DoubleTree you are referring to (if it is downtown) is nice, although I have not stayed there (it looks nice on the outside). You also might want to try the Sheraton downtown. Try Expedia.com...they tell you what is booked and what is not with the best rates available.

I will check all of the Internet sites given and will look into also all of the properties given. I think that staying downtown will be the best and will be right down by all the attractions. Although if I can't get a hotel there I guess I will stay in the suburbs. <BR> <BR>Thank you to everyone who has replied to my message! <BR> <BR>

I just stayed at the Homewood Suites on E. Grand, just off Michigan Ave. Excellent! Two rooms, full kitchen, two TV's, king bed plus Queen sofa bed (and if needed, single rollaway for an extra $10/night). Breakfast included, and even light supper on Monday to Thursday. Pool, exercize room. No public rooms, small lobby. Excellent staff. If you can get in, and get your price, you'll like it. It's owned by Hilton, and in between the Hilton Garden Inn and the Mariott on Mich. Ave. Very small presence on the street, just a door and bellman's area. Lobby is on the 6th floor. Sort of a hidden away place. I'd return any time.

You might also try the Days Inn on Lake Shore Drive which is close to Navy Pier and to Michigan Ave. Or maybe try Best Western, there's one on Ohio near Michigan Ave listed on their website (www.bestwestern.com) that's available mid-August. Also you might try www.hoteldiscount.com, there were several hotels under $200 per night listed for mid-August. I think if you use that site though, they charge you if you cancel reservations so read the fine print before booking. <BR> <BR>You don't really want to try to drive in every day, traffic on the expressways during rush hour (and sometimes in between) is brutal and driving through the city is even worse. Not to mention parking...