I'm from the UK and taking my husband to Chicago for his 40th birthday as a surprise, I need help with where to stay for our few days. We like areas like Times Square in NYC where there is lots to see and do, shopping, restaurants and things to do at night, not necessarily bars and clubs. As it's his birthday I can spend up to $300 a night. We're arriving 6th September , thanks

Most hotels and tourist sights are concentrated in a relatively small area. The central city is divided by the Chicago River. The area north of the river is divided by The Magnificent Mile, the shopping district along Michigan Avenue that extends from the river north to Oak Street. You'll find Macy's, Saks, Tiffany's, Cartier, Chanel, H&M, The Gap, Top Shop, Polo and almost every other store imaginable. The area east of the Mag Mile is Streeterville. The area west is River North. You'll find several hotels, restaurants and clubs scattered throughout.

To the south of the river is The Loop which has the Financial District, government offices, State Street shopping district and theatres. There are also several hotels and restaurants. To the east of The Loop is Grant Park. It holds Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.

Check www.choosechicago.com for attractions, hotels and more info. For restaurants and events, check www.chicagoreader.com or www.chicagomag.com. For info on plays, take a look at www.chicagoplays.com. For transit info, maps and info on purchasing farecards, check www.chicagotransit.com.

I was very happy last year with a stay at the Hyatt Regency which is right on the river (south side). We had a great view of the river and city (facing north) from an upgraded room on a high floor. We walked everywhere (except the Shedd). It was an easy walk to Michigan Avenue and the sights on the north side; the architectural boat ride was near the hotel; and it was a very easy walk to Millennium Park, the Art Institute and the walking tours in that area. Evening entertainment was only dinner so I can't address other nearby activities.

The Sheraton Hotel downton has fantastic views of the river and is within walking distance of nearly all popular tourist destinations. You can even travel to many places using a water taxi which will give you amazing views of the skyline

River North area. Many wonderful hotels within your budget, Short walks to many great restaurants, nightclubs, attractions, shopping, basically a very lively area.

https://www.google.com/search?source...icago%20hotels

We've stayed in four different hotels in the past couple of trips to Chicago. All of them were very nice and fairly well located (Hotel Monaco, Swissotel, two different Embassy Suites). However, I think my favorite location was the Embassy Suites located in the River North area. It was extremely convenient to everything. There were tons of restaurants all around us and plenty to do. It was a short walk over to Michigan Ave for shopping, etc. After staying in the Loop, the Magnificent Mile area, and River North, I think we will always aim for River North in the future.

Last year we stayed at the Renaissance on Wacker. Great views and a short walk to Millennium Park, Art Institute & Theater District. The only thing I didn't like was that the area was too quiet in the evening. While walking back to the hotel from a show at the Bank of America Theatre, we were in a crowd of people. We briefly stopped at a convenience store for a bottle of water and by the time we came out everyone was gone and there was no one on the street except us.

We were in Chicago last weekend and stayed at the Fairfield Inn in River North. We definitely preferred this area. We came back from a Cubs night game using the nearby red line stop and there were plenty of people out and about. I'd stay in this area again.

Thats great, thank you everyone for the information

I liked The James when we stayed there a few years back. 55 East Ontario It was a short walk to the major Michigan Avenue shops, the river and Millennium Park. The hotel is very modern in design. The rate was terrific (under $200, check for specials). Also David Burke Steakhouse!