Am looking for some advice on visiting Chicago; would like suggestions on where to stay near the Golden Mile (?) as we would like to shop and dine out. Is it possible to get nice accomodation for less than $200/night (Cnd.)? Does Amtrak link to the Toronto area?

Yes, Amtrak goes to Toronto from Chicago, but the 12 hour ride will set you back over $100 American. For very little more, you could fly there.

Go to www.choosechicago.com for a good hotel map of the Magnificent Mile. There are dozens to choose from.
www.877chicago.com has hotel deals and packages.
www.tripadvisor.com has many hotel reviews.
www.hottix.org has discounted theatre tickets listed.

You should have no problems getting terrific accomodations in your price range, provided you're flexible with your time frame-if there's a big convention in town, everything will be booked up. We've used Quikbook.com many times for trips to Chicago and always gotten terrific rates for hotels on the magnificent mile.

I've successfully used hotwire.com and got ten four star hotels on or just off the Magnificent Mile for under a $100. There are lots of Chicago hotel and restaurant posts on this site.

I've found that Priceline for $59 will always get the Marriott on Michigan Ave. - no guarantees but that has always been my experience. It's a nice hotel with a great location in the middle of the MAg. Mile.

Do have a look at Priceline and before you bid have a look at www.biddingfortravel.com. Bid for North Michigan Avenue which is the closest to the Magnificent Mile.

Swalter518--you are RIGHT! We had a family trip to Chicago a year or so ago and my mother got the Westin for $59 (I stayed at the Sheraton for $80). In my expirence, Chicago is a great city to priceline a hotel!

You can definitely find places to stay for under $100 especially if you have an entertainment card. If not for $20 you could save $200. However, if you are going during the holidays it will be tougher to find a great spot for under $100.

Check the Omni on Michigan Ave. it's an all suites hotel and very nice. I just came back from there on the 16th of November. I'm sure you can stay at the Raphael and possibly the Doubletree for under $100 depending on when you go and if there's not a convention in town.