chicago-north or south hotel
 

Planning a weekend trip to Chicago in mid Dec. Can't decide on hotel. What location do you think is best - north or south of the river. I am celebrating my 5oth and want to be in a good location for shopping-restaurants-touristy stuff. Thinking about the InterContinental. Thanks for you help.

Absolutely be north of the river. The InterContinental is a great location.

Definitely North.. The Inter-continental is lovely. It has the most beautiful pool. If you have the $$, try the Pennisula. It looks fabulous (and out of my budget).

North is better for Navy Pier, Mi. Ave. shopping, River North restaurants. South is better for museums, Art Institute, State Street and theater. Although depending on the other hotel choice, they may only be a block or two apart. I second the Pennisula recommendation if your going all out. At least indulge in an $18 champagne cocktail in the lounge to celebrate your day--you're only 50 once and you deserve an $18 champagne cocktail from the Pennisula!!!

Ok-I just checked out the Pennisula - it's out of my league - $475/night. Might have to try the champagne cocktail there though.........

The Sofitel has an absolutely unbeatable location for shoppers and it's a very stylish, almost brand new hotel. Don't forget to look at www.quikbook.com (no "c" in quik) for some very good hotel discounts in all price categories.

North Michigan Avenue would be a great place for you. Have you tried priceline?

Definately go to the Pennisula for the champagne cocktail. It's top notch!

You won't want to be more than a block from a shopping mall if we get a good wintry wind blowing, so stay north of the river. The Intercontinental is close to the newest mall (with Nordstrom's), the Four Seasons is atop the 900 N. Michigan mall, and the Ritz Carlton is above Water Tower Place. And the Sofitel, while a block or two farther, is also a great choice. So is Sutton Place. You might want to check tripadvisor.com for lots of reviews.

Definitely north. The Intercontinental is in a great location. Ask for a room in the historic tower section, they're beautiful.

For shopping and restaurants I definitely recommend north of the river. We did priceline and got a hotel last weekend for $85 ($104 after priceline fee and taxes). It was north of the river, and convenient to shopping and restaurants. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton above Water Tower once. VERY convenient---altho pricey. Think that was the weekend after Xmas, so we got a "deal". ($245 a nite). But SO nice, and close to everything. The above poster mentioned weather-----convenience is definitely a must when the December wind starts blowing----we FROZE walking to the Sofitel to check it out one nite----nice place, but I was so glad to be at the Ritz right in Water Tower Place.

I stayed last weekend at the House of Blues and had a great time. On quikbook.com, I found a rate of $100/night for what they call their "cabin rooms". While smaller than average, the room was nice. The hotel staff couldn't have been nicer and we enjoyed having the lounge right downstairs. There's no cover for this weekend music venue and the crowd is diverse.

If you go shopping at Marshall Fields, pop up to the visitor's center on the 7th floor and ask for a out of town visitor pack. It includes a 10% off coupon for everything in the store.