Hello,
We are taking a 3 day trip to Chicago in August, our daughter will be 9 months old in August. I have never been, the husband has been but a long time ago. We are keeping it very low key for plans, have tickets to a Cubs game during the day, and want to see Millenium Park and Shedd Aquarium. Not getting too strict on an itinerary because with a baby you never know what's going to happen.

We'd like to stay somewhere downtown, where we can walk to many attractions and restaurants easily, pop back into the hotel for a nap for the baby, etc. And we would like a pool, since it will be hot and if we have to hang at the hotel it'd be nice to take a quick dip.

I have been looking for a couple of weeks and am having trouble deciding. There is a Holiday Inn that looks like a decent option. Any suggestions? If it could be less than $200 a night that would be awesome but am willing to pay more if it's nice and a good place to call home for a few days.

TIA

For a couple of family trips, we stayed at the downtown Homewood Suites. Here is a link:

http://www.homewoodsuiteschicago.com/index.shtml

The pool was rooftop, the location was great, plus the extra room, free breakfast and afternoon reception and small kitchen would be very handy with a baby. As I recall, I got a good rate through Quikbook.

Almost any hotel in the River North/Magnificent Mile area or The Loop would be fine.

One of the suite-type hotels may be your best option as it would give you that extra space. In addition to Homewood, there are 2 Embassy Suites, 2 Residence Inns, Spring Hill Suites and the Omni on Michigan Ave.

You say Holiday Inn looks like a good option, but don't say which one. If you're considering the Holiday Inn Express on Harrison or Crowne Plaza Metro on Madison, they're not.

Also keep in mind that most downtown hotels charge around $50 per night for parking. You can find less-expensive options for around $25-$30 near the hotel you choose at www.chicagoparkingmap.com or www.chicago.bestparking.com. If you'll be driving into the city, you can drop one person, the baby and luggage at the hotel, then park at a garage a couple blocks away.

You may also want to consider transit passes. A 3-day pass is $14 and allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. You can purchase them at most CVS or Walgreens in the city. For a trip planner and complete transit info, check www.transitchicago.com.

Your daughter may also enjoy The Lincoln Park Zoo. It's about 15 minutes north of Michigan Avenue via the Number 151 bus. Admission is free, so if she gets cranky after you've only spent a short time, you haven't wasted admission.

I agree with musicfan, Homewood Suites sounds made to order for you if you can get a good price. I've only stayed there once but the room was clean, and large w a separate bedroom. The kitchenette and fridge would probably be handy with a baby too. Didn't use the pool while I was there but I saw lots of others take advantage of it when I stayed at the Marriott nearby. On top of everything else, it's a great location if you want to take the red line up to Wrigley. Please bring some luck for the Cubs when you come

Haven't stayed here, yet -- but booked a room for my brother's family because they also would like a pool (for the kids). Great location and decent reviews on tripadvisor.com. Maybe worth a look?

Oh geesh... I failed to mention the hotel - the Four Points Sheridan. Sorry.

Embassy Suites Lakefront.