My husband and I along with our 4 yr old son are planning a trip to Chicago for 5 nights over to include Memorial Day. Ideally, we are looking for a suite or some set up where our son can have his own bedroom so we don't have to go to bed when he does! We want to stay downtown so we can hit all the museums, but are hoping to stay under $229 per night. Any recommendations for the hotel?

Also, if there are other families out there, any ideas of places to not miss other than the old stand-bys which we are for sure planning on...Shedd, Field, Children's Museum...

Thanks so much for your help!

If it's warm enough, your son should enjoy splashing around in the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. It's the one with two large video monitors showing various faces on them.

Here's a list of some hotels to check out. I'm sure there are others with suites, but it should get you started:

Comfort Inn & Suites
Doubletree Guest Suites
Embassy Suites Downtown
Embassy Suites Downtown Lakefront
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites
Homewood Suites
Omni Chicago (used to be that if you signed up for their loyalty program you could get a coupon for 1/2 off a single stay - worth looking into)
Radisson Hotel & Suites
Residence Inn Chicago (should also have kitchenette area, nice if you want to eat breakfasts in room)

For activities, don't forget Lincoln Park Zoo (go in the morning when the animals are most active), riding the el (kids seem to love it), a boat ride (probably not architecture tour with a little one - but a speedboat or water taxi might be fun), eat Garrett's popcorn (several locations on Michigan Ave. and in the Loop), Lego store on Michigan Ave.

A meal at Rainforest Cafe might be fun, or the new Rock & Roll McDonalds (an amazing looking place to impress all but the most fervent McDonalds haters).

We were extremely pleased with our stay at Homewood Suites in Chicago. Some units have two bedrooms.

try the Seneca Hotel. www.senecahotel.com(6 of us stayed in a 2 bedroom suite, w/a kitchen (incl fridge, microwave, dishwasher), & a washer dryer, 2 1/2 baths . I'm sure they have smaller suites / rooms available. It's 1 block off Michigan Ave, just kitty corner from Water Tower place. It worked great for us, we walked just about everywhere, great location. We liked the hotel, too!

Not sure if it's still available,
but check Travelzoo.com They were
offering the Hyatt for $69.

Oakwood Apartments on Huron. You can actually get a huge nicely furnished 2 bedroom apartment for less than that. We loved our one bedroom and will return.

This is not "downtown", but in the popular River North area, easy walk to Miracle Mile and next door to major bus lines.

If you're planning on going to the Field Museum, you may want to check into tickets now. The King Tut exhibit opens May 26 and runs through January 2007. I don't know how ticket sales are so far, but if the 1977 tour is any indication, they'll go quickly. Check www.fieldmuseum.org.

Wow, this is my first experience posting to a travel forum and I am so appreciative for the advice you all have shared, thank you so much. We will start researching tonight with this information in hand!!

Thanks again,

como_mom

If you like what you read about Homewood Suites, you will like it when you stay there. In addition to breakfast, they serve a child-pleasing supper Mon-Thu, and there is also a good supermarket very nearby.

happytrailstoyou,

Wondering if there is a Homewood Suites in downtown Chicago or just Schaumburg? Anyway you could post a website for the one you stayed at because I am finding quite a few in Chicago.

Thanks!

Angie

If you want a zoo, the Brookfield is ten times better than the Lincoln Park zoo. The LP zoo is depressing actually.

The Homewood Suites Downtown is the one on Grand Avenue.

And this is the first time I've ever heard anyone call the LP zoo depressing. It's small, but it's easy to do in the middle of a day of other activities, is manageable for a small child, and is free. I've never been to Brookfield, but I'm sure it's wonderful. But just because it's better doesn't mean the LP zoo isn't a valid alternative when a big trip to Brookfield just doesn't fit in the schedule for whatever reason.

I don't mean to insult the zoo. It is just built in the old style where the animals are more in metal cages than open areas. I'm used to zoos with the large pits between the people and the animals so it seems like the animal has more freedom to walk around and play. After seeing LP, we just felt a little sad for the animals and their tight quarters.

kelliebellie, I'm a Brookfield Zoo member and past docent, so I thank you. I too am a strong advocate for open air zoos.

Lincoln Park is beautiful and free and it is where it is, easier to reach from downtown.

Actually I think you might have plenty to do without roaming far. Take your son to the Shedd Aquarium and don't miss the tide walls. My 3 and 4 year old grandsons didn't want to leave them for about 45 minutes last year. It's far more than just an aquarium.

kelliebellie - Given that explanation, I understand what you mean. I also prefer zoos with open space for the animals, but do know that many people enjoy the ease of convenience and size with the Lincoln Park zoo.

We've been to Brookfield Zoo and I've been to Lincoln Zoo and I do know what you mean. Given our time constraints and the fact that we are flying this time, I think we'll consider LP. The Shedd Aquarium is one of my favorite sites to visit and my son has been there once. We will definitely go back this time.

Thanks again for the exceptional advice. We are considering everything right now. We've booked airfare, but not a hotel yet. Has anyone heard of China Doll vacation home? Good or bad?

Thanks!

Since you originally asked about "downtown Chicago" I'm surprised you'd be interested in China Doll which is at the very northern end of Lincoln Park.

Neopolitan,

Right you are! I want to stay downtown, but my husband is trying to convince me to stay at this China Doll place. We are concentrating on the downtown area, but he must have found this place in one of his searchs.

Thanks!

Angela

Try http://www.vrbo.com and try to rent a condo. A lot of times it is cheaper than a hotel and way cooler.

There's nothing wrong with the area the China Doll is in, but it isn't convenient for the downtown museums, etc. (It would be great for visiting DePaul University) Having a child along makes things complicated; he may need a nap some days. Whenever I travel with my boys, I make sure the hotel has a pool for an evening swim. It helps to burn off their energy after dinner and they sleep very well. Also, there isn't much else for young children to do in the evenings. PS - Bring a small plastic ball for games in the pool.

Besides the hotels mentioned, the Fitzpatrick and Wyndham both have suites and excellent locations, just off of north Michigan Avenue.