Thanks to all for the advice.
we were able to book the Hampton Suites downtown for a good price and are narrowing down all your other recommendations. Your advice is thouroughly appreciated.

Oops...Somehow I posted what was supposed to be a reply as a new post. It's titled What to Do in Chicago. Sorry!

Irec --

I love http://www.choosechicago.com/ because it has a searchable calendar of events. Right now it only goes through Sept., but I'm sure the October events will be posted shortly.

877Chicago.com is another site -- not as good, IMO, but it does have a few October events posted already.

Enjoy your trip -- Chicago is an awesome city -- especially in the fall!

thanks!!! I appreciate that.
Cant wait!!!