I have read all the threads but I'm more confused than ever. My husband and I will be in Chicago Oct 10-13. We want to be in the middle of things - nightlife and museums. Is east better than west? north better than south? there seem to be many Hilton owned hotels all around the center city area - one better than another? We are usually out all day and night and we would like inexpensive but clean and fresh looking and great location. I have a reservation now for Embassy on N. State St. for $170. Is that good?

I have also considered renting a car from the airport to go to Oak Park and Robie House and then returning it before we go to our hotel, especially since I now know that the Marathon is on Oct. 10. Good idea?

The marathon is on the 10th, so Grant Park will be jammed, and the Chicago Hilton is the host hotel. I'd be stunned if it's not booked.

Actually if you want to vist Oak Park, you can take the train to Oak Park and walk just a few blocks to the Frank Lloyd House and see several of his designed homes on the same street. No need to rent a car.

Have a great time in Chicago.

The Embassy Suites sounds like a good deal. It's 1 block from the Chciago Ave stop of the Red Line subway and three blocks from the Mag Mile shopping district. If you want to reach the Museum Campus, you can take the Red Line to Roosevelt or take the Number 146 bus southbound on Michigan Avenue. For shopping in The Loop, the Art Institute or Grant/Millennium Parks, take either to Monroe.

At what airport are you arriving? If you rent a car and drive from the airport to Oak Park, you'll have to drive back to the airport after walking around the Wright District all day, then take the train into the city which takes about 1 hour.

The Green Line train from The Loop to Oak Park would take about 45-minutes. You'd be wise to purchase transit passes when you arrive. A 3-day pass allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses for $14. They're available at vending machines at both airports.

That is a very good rate for the Embassy Suite. It's a busy weekend so you're lucky to get it.

Thank you. I think I will keep my hotel reservations. Everything else is more expensive south of the river and it doesn't sound as though it is worth the extra money to be closer to the museums.

I am hoping to take the car to Oak Park, then to see Robie House and then drop it off in the city. I am concerned however about the Marathon on October 10, when we arrive, but expect the Marathon crowds will be gone by the time we finish we our little tour.

ezn, the Embassy Suites is in a MUCH better location than staying near the museums (assuming by that you mean the Shedd Aquarium etc.).

You don't want to saty near the museums unless yo mean the Art Institute.

I'd still advise against the car. I-290, the primary highway between Oak Park and The Loop, is undergoing major construction and is reduced to two lanes for much of the distance between the two areas. You can get the latest info on closings and construction at the Illinois Dept of Transportation site at www.dot.state.il.us/I290/index.html.

Chicago is a large city and though Grant Park and the marathon route will be crowded, if you're not in those immdediate areas, you won't be able to tell anything is happening. As the ES is over a mile away from Grant Park, crowds and traffic won't be much different than most other Sundays.