Can you suggest accommodations in Chicago for 3 couples, for the weekend of October 10? The following are already fully booked: Talbott, Raphael, Knickerbocker, Tremont, Claridge, etc. Looking for $100-$140/night, three rooms, three nights. Any idea what is going on that these are all full? Expensive hotels seem to have rooms but...

Chicago is a really popular host city for many conventions and conferences. I think the really good deals get scooped up fast and what is left is often the really expensive or the not so good. Have you tried Double Tree Suites? Their location close to Delaware Place is good. See if they have any specials going on. Another place to try is the Blackstone Hotel..they are running a really good deal right now for $58 a room. The Blackstone is located on South Michigan Avenue close to the Art Institute. It's in the process of being restored so you can get a good deal right now. The Palmer House in the Loop also sometimes offers weekend specials. The Allerton is inexpensive but I don't like that place. Other than its great location, it gives me the creeps. good luck!

Chicago is always busy! I've also had problems booking accomodations. I've been to the Palmer House Hilton but don't like it. It's an old hotel. I've enjoyed my stays at both the Swissotel and the Hyatt. They are only a block apart. THe service at the Swissotel is excellent. The Hyatt has a great bar called "BIG". I like that they are not right in the middle of the action but across the river. It's only a 10 minute walk across the river to the action anyhow. The restaurant in the Swissotel is excellent-called the Palm Court. It's a steahouse. Another good restaurant is Ben Pao-Chinese.

You might try the Courtyard Marriott. It looked average so call for prices at several places 'cause last time it was almost the same price as Swissotel which is certainly nicer.

Krystyna

Try the Marriott Suites it's about two blocks north and one block east of the Raphael. They do offer weekend discount rates if you book early enough.

I strongly discourage staying at the Blackstone, whatever the rate, unless you don't care if the wallpaper is peeling, you get a smoking room when you ask for non-smoking (or vice versa), you don't get washcloths, you don't receive messages because the front desk erroneously says you've checked out--and that's if they honor your reservation at all because they probably will have messed up your reservation, even after you've repeated it 3 times.

Check out the posting "Chicago Where to Stay".