My daughter and I just returned from our Chicago Asics volleyball weekend. We stayed at the Hyatt on Wacker that we had booked for $75/night through Priceline. What a steal! Hotel was absolutely beautiful and was in a perfect location. Valet parking at the hotel was $39/night. We parked in the Millennium Lot a few blocks from the hotel for $15.75/night.It was clean, well lit and safe. The hotel allows you to park in front, check in and unload. We checked out a lot underneath the Tribune building but found cheap parking was for daytime only and was told by the attendant overnight was $32/night. It smell of sewer.

We took the CTA bus, EL and finally a cab. The CTA visitor pass was the best deal. It is very easy to get around and if you called the CTA nunber they will tell you exactly what to do. Very helpful. Locals were very helpful also. Only glitch is that we didn't realize the bus schedule changed on Sunday and we were forced to take a cab because we were running late and the cab driver didn't believe in underarm deodorant! The concierge's at the hotel were a little uppity as they advised us twice no buses were available to Navy Pier or not to take the bus to McCormick Place because it went through "Bad" neighborhoods and only take a cab. We, of course, ignored them, found buses and never felt unsafe. Food advice was great. We at at the Billy Goat Tavern underneath the Wrigley Building - what a hoot! J. Randolphs and 65 Chinese Restaurant. All were excellent and very reasonable. Went shopping in the Loop, Michigan Ave, attended Mass at the beautiful Holy Name Cathedral, waw fireworks and rode the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. Can't wait to go back. Thanks Fodor posters!!

Glad you enjoyed yourself-come back again soon...

I too booked thru Priceline and got the Hyatt- Will bethere there July 4th weekend. Any tips on inexpensive breakfast places close by? How long did it take via bus to the pier? Also can you walk to the downtown loop area-Marshall Fields etc.... Were the taxi's expensive? Thanks for your help

Jackie,
You can definately walk to MF on State or Water Tower and even walk to Navy Pier (about a 10-15 min. walk) I just took a cab yesterday from the Loop to an area north of Water Tower (at Rush and Division basically) and it was $6.00 non-rush traffic if that helps...

Didn't eat breakfast in Chicago. Our girls had to play so early we just brought muffins for a quick go in the a.m. Check this website for cta information http://tripsweb.rtchicago.com You can type in a starting address and ending address and you will get different routes to take. Very helpful. Also call them, they are great. The walk to Navy Pier is o.k. if you haven't been playing volleyball and shopping all day. Otherwise take a bus or find out where the free trolley stops.

Mary's Cafe for breakfast on Grand Ave..., a block east of where Grand crosses under Michigan Avenue


Some info (Marriott is close to Hyatt also):
Cheap eats near the Marriott The following places near the Marriott offer food at the LOW END of the price range, around $5 per meal.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
Offering local color for breakfast or lunch are: Billy Goat Tavern (Descend stairs on Michigan Avenue in front of Walgreens, two blocks south of Marriott) and Mary's Cafe (along Grand, a block east of where Grand crosses under Michigan Avenue)
LUNCH / EARLY DINNER
North Bridge Shopping, including the Nordstroms store, is a block south of the Marriott on the same side of Michigan Avenue. It has a food court on the third floor, offering, for example Potbelly Sandwiches.
Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Avenue has the Skylight food court on the eighth floor (with fast food places, more standard than at North Bridge Shopping), and a small upscale grocery store in the basement.
Grand Plaza Market (Jewel-Osco), on the corner of Ohio and State street (take the Rush street exit from the Marriott) is a full size grocery store.
Jimmy Johns Subs, just west of the Marriott, on Grand between Rush and Wabash, is a chain store selling sandwiches.