I just booked the Westin North River Hotel in Chicago for only $98. through Priceline.com. It is suppose to be a four star hotel and one of the best in Chicago. Is this true. Is it nice and is it near the important things? How's it set for resteraunts and nearby attractions (MagMile, Navy Pier, Museums, etc.)? I would appreciate you putting my mind at ease on this hotel or telling me I blew it big time for changing from my reservations at the Marriott. Thanks.

The Westin River North is the one that used to be the Hotel Nikko. It is on Dearborn, which is three blocks west of Michigan, and then I think it is just north of the Chicago River. I would think this would be a very nice hotel--I would certainly take it over the Marriott. River North is being re-developed with galleries, restaurants, etc. Depending on how energetic you are, you could easily walk to Art Institute, Mag Mile, including Water Tower Place etc. This hotel is just a little south of a new entertainment area being developed with things like DisneyQuest, ESPN Zone etc.

I found this hotel to be one of the best in Chicago, close to everything important and a great view. There are bath robes in each room and all the little extras you expect from a classy place. The rooms a huge at around 425 sq. feet. If you got this hotel at $98. you got true bargain.

There are a lot of restaurants in the area. You can walk to the Art Institute (free on Tues), but a cab will probably be needed to get to the museums. The Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum (natural history) are all in a campus are together, not far from downtown Chgo. The Museum of Science and Industry is much further south, 57th and Lake Shore Drive. Not sure on the public trans to there.

TroyMan--
I work just a couple of blocks away, directly across the river from the Merchandise Mart(which is a great place to visit too!). The company I work for has had many of our company meetings at the Westin. It is definitely a beautiful hotel. Centrally located. Just a short walk to Michigan Avenue or you can walk to the Mart and catch the El. It will take you all around the Loop. A short walk from the Quincy stop to the Sears Tower. My favorite place to eat is the Cheesecake Factory, located under the John Hancock building on North Michigan Avenue. Have a great time in Chicago! I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might think of.

Congratulations!
You won the lottery at that rate.Good location While the staff may be a little less then friendly in places the guest rooms are some of the more attractive in the country.Marriott would have a tough time in any city to compare to the product quality here.Enjoy because you really got lucky this time.A good rate here will normally fetch at least $140
And with the money you saved you can blow it all with a great meal at Spago
which is in close walking distance.