I am going to Chicago July 21st weekend for my birthday. Have tickets to Comisky Park for games on Saturday and Sunday. Looking for recommendations for hotel to stay at (fairly nice one as this is my birthday!) and also a "don't miss" restaurant and "don't miss" attraction while I am there during short stay. Thanks!

I used to go to Chicago a lot for my job about 5 yrs. ago. The Palmer House is an old and wonderful hotel in downtown Chicago and is near a German Restaurant (Can't remember name) which was absolutely wonderful. The greek restaurants also are wonderful too in the greek section of town.

the german restaurant is The Berghoff. very good. also visit michigan avenue. no one is usually disappointed

We just returned from a wonderful weekend in Chicago. Do NOT miss the Art Institute--should be a "must see" on anybody's list. The architecural boat tour was amazing. Take a walk along Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue from Wacker Drive to Water Tower Place). The Hyatt Regency is at the Wacker Drive end of Michigan Avenue--super location and $119 weekend rate.

I forgot to mention there is a FREE courtesy trolley that runs between the museums and Water Tower Place. It could not have been more convenient. There are designated stops all along Michigan Avenue and in the vicinity of the museums. A super deal featuring outstanding drivers/tour guides.

If it's a special occasion and you want to splurge, the Four Seasons won't be beat. Several times ranked as best hotel in the US by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
The Fairmont is a very nice choice as well. I'd recommend passing on the Ritz for value reasons.
The Omni is a good deal, all suites in a great central location.
The new Park Hyatt is also a very nice option.
Next down the list I'd put the Drake, Intercontinental, Palmer House.
Please eat some stuffed pizza. The best? Everyone has their opinions but Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, Geno's are always near the top.
The Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium are all great.