We will be visiting Chicago in early June and have found decent rates at the Allerton Crowne Plaza - N. Michigan and the House of Blues -Dearborn (both for $170 per night). Both appear to be in good locations. We (group of 20-something women) would like a comfortable hotel near some of the major attractions(shopping/sightseeing/restaurants/nightlife).The HOB appears to be a fun hotel but the color scheme looks a little "busy" however the Crowne Plaza looks "old".

Do you have any insight to either property or can you recommend other locations that are less than $200 per night?

Thank you!!!

The HOB hotel was just built a few years ago. Housed in a beautiful historic building, this would be my choice for a group of young women on vacation.

If you are staying at the same hotel, call the group desk and ask for a better rate.

You might try the Emassy Suites or the Westin, which are close to the Hancock Tower and all the shopping on Michigan Ave.

If you want a really nice meal go to the Ambassador Hotel.

Have a fun time in Chitown.

we had stayed at the sherraton by the lakes i think it's called. nice, clean & very reasonable at the time! you'd have to check to see what their rates are for the month you'll be traveling!

Location wise, I don't think you can beat the Westin at 909 N. Michigan Ave.

I just stayed at the Downtown Marriott for 189.00.

Great hotel and great location!!

Thank you to those who've replied so far however, do you have information about the two specific hotels that I have listed? Unfortunately, I have looked online and called most of the recommended hotels and their rates are greater than $250 per night in June.

Thanks again.

What's wrong with a "busy" color scheme? I've heard that the HOB hotel is a nice place to stay. Are you opposed to it for other reasons?

The Allerton was built in the 1920's and was completely remodeled in the last few years. It's location is ideal for shopping (I used to live a block away, and my closets will bear witness.) HOB is housed in Marina City on the river; there have been some problems with noisy patrons of the nightclub itself, and it is a long walk or short cab ride to the best clothes shopping; however, HOB is more convenient to the Merchandise Mart and the home-decorating retail trade centered in that area. There are plenty of good restaurants in both areas, more clubs near HOB (Jazz Showcase, Blues on Clark)

Hi Sarah:

I was in Chicago a couple of times over the last 2 years -- we LOVED the Omni. Great location, wonderful staff, very nice pool/hot tub (usually I won't go in hotels, I'm pretty fussy). It should be around $200/night. It was definitely nicer than either the Hilton and the Inter Continental (stayed at both previously).

Have fun!

Unless the Allerton was entirely gutted and redone within the past 3 years (which I highly doubt) I would definitely avoid it. It was very run down and dingy 3 years ago. Location is great but it was in very poor condition. Legitimate restoration/upgrading would be beyond the budget of most non-upscale hotel chains.
Agree with suggestion above about the Omni. Even for a few extra bucks it's a very good choice.

The Allerton is a historic part of Chicago and I would stay there since it's been renovated. There used to be a radio show broadcast from the Allerton in years past. You could never beat it's location. There are many hotel choices in Chicago, but if this fits your budget, I would go for it. Just please don't even think of the Sheraton Towers--it's a miserable excuse for a hotel.

Haven't looked at it lately, but check
out the website "www.hotrooms.com". My
extended family was planning a trip to
Chicage & we needed several rooms - we
found some great rates, & the site is very good - maps, rates, amenities
information,etc.

Sarah, Two different student nurses (late twenties)and their parties, which I happen to know quite well and value their opinion highly, have stayed recently at HOB and loved it. But if the location is better for you, take kam's advice. She has been so right on with suggestions in the past, that I have subsequently used, that I would strongly consider her suggestion.

Sarah, you might look into the Homewood Suites on E.Grand. It's all suites and would be very comfortable for hanging out (full kitchens, living room areas) and you could double up to save $$ if need be. Rate (not sure what they are as I had a conference rate) includes breakfasts which also saves significantly. It's a very understated hotel with a small presence on the street (just the door/bellman lobby. The lobby is many floors up). It's one block from Michigan Ave (via the Marriott lobby for ease of access) and across from the new Nordstroms I believe. It's owned/run by Hilton. Very nice property and gracious service.

I would like to thank everyone for their input. I did contact Hotrooms and unfortunately, they are sold out in the better properties (ie Westin and Omni) or the nightly room rate was greater than the HOB or the Crowne Plaza (ie. Knickerbocker, Holiday Inn). We haven't determined where we will stay but I think we are leaning towards the CP because of its location right on Michigan Ave.

On the budget side, what about the Best Western at Ohio (I think) and Michigan Ave.? Has anyone stayed there? Probably pretty basic, but the price is reasonable: $130 and up/night, from what I have read. OK rates on the rant/rave section.

I am going w/a group of 5 couples in April and found some great rates on www.onetravel.com we are staying at the Embassy Suites on State St for $169/night and you have to remember that with this price you are also getting a cooked to order breakfast each day plus 2 hours free drinks at night. This site has a lot of other hotels listed as well and seemed to offer a lot of good deals on centrally located hotels.

I would suggest you try www.quikbook.com I've had great luck ($119 for a room at the Whitehall) with it in Chicago and for other locales.

Two cents: The Allerton is in a much better area and WAS refurbished not long ago. Also, never EVER refer to Chicago as Chi-Town unless you're a knuckle-dragging mafioso or an incurable rube.