I am driving to Chicago on the week-end of June 28 to July 1, 2002 and will be staying at the Sheraton Tower on Water Street. Hotel parking is between $25 to 35 per day. Does anyone know of a better alternative considering that this is the weekend and most parking lots serving dowtown office workers should be empty? Is there free city street parking during the week-end?
Thanks for your assistance.

There are no FREE parking lots in Chicago on the weekends. If you try a public parking garage you are likely to get a better rate though. Most public garages are $18-$20 for a 24/hr. period. You will see several all over the place and they usually say something like City Park. Another alternative but would require walking and I'm not sure if they allow cars to stay overnight, you'll need to check, is one of the outdoor lots. There is a great one that is almost always empty at Wacker and Dearborn. Everyone thinks it is closed because of the Wacker construction but it isn't. Would be a few blocks walk though. That lot charges $10/day but again I'm not sure if they allow you to stay overnight. Even if they do, there is no guard on duty 24/hrs so it may be kind of iffy even though that is a nice area. I think a City Park garage is probably your best alternative.

If you're feeling lucky, you might find free parking on the street within the Loop, especially on the streets where the El runs. Some areas are marked no parking Monday-Friday, but weekends are free. We found a spot on Sunday, but not Saturday. There aren't a lot of spaces like this, but if you don't mind leaving your car on the street all day, it might be worth a cruise around before pulling into a garage. (This probably won't help if you're looking for 24 hour parking; I don't think I'd leave my cr on the street overnight.)

The garages were cheaper than during the week, I think, but not by a lot. But even during the week they are well below what your hotel is charging. (Of course, if you need in-out privileges, the hotel may work out cheaper.)

Free parking on Saturday??? I am pretty sure parking is only free on Sunday and then it is really hard to find a spot.

I don't know about downtown I don't drive there on Saturdays but in my neihborhood of Chicago, parking is only free on the street on Sundays not Saturdays. Also, you cannot leave your car parked on the street overnight downtown.

Thank you all for the information provided. You have been very helpful and the fodorites travel forums continue to be top notch.