I'm staying a couple of nights in December at the Alise Hotel on W. Washington Street, and will go to the United Center one night. The hotel is close to a Blue line station so convenient from ORD and (I thought) convenient to the arena. But a neighbor told me it isn't advisable to walk from the Illinois Med Center stop. I had just assumed because of the number of people walking to the United Center it would be OK . . .

Sooooo - is he just being overly cautious or should I work out a different plan?

Thanks

See if the United Center Express bus operates that night:

https://www.transitchicago.com/bus/19/

This is from May 2017 so probably still relevant.

Is the area around the United Center safe? (Madison, Alhambra: apartments, safe area) - Chicago - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

I'm assuming you're going for a game or other large event, in which case I would also assume there are a lot of people using that stop and walking to/from the United Center. I wouldn't worry too much if that's the case.

The UC neighborhood is better than it was say, ten years ago, but I still don't know if I was walk around there. The arena is surrounded by several parking lots and it's about two miles from the main part of downtown. Either the Number 19 or Number 20 bus will get you between there and your hotel. The Number 19 operates during Blackhawk/Bulls games and concerts. The Number 20 is the regular Madison Street route.

Thanks all. I'm now leaning towards the bus.