I'm in a fix!! Which hotel to pick. I kind of narrowed it down to 4 or 5. The Lenox for $87, Claridge for $99, Swissotel for $105, Seneca for $77 and oh yeah, the HoJo in Skokie for $89. I'm driving in, wife is to scared to fly so I have the car to figure in at $25-30 a day. The HOJO has free parking so that is appealing ... HELP!!!

Free parking or not, I can't believe you're comparing a HoJo with a Swissotel! DEFINITELY go for Swissotel. Second choice is Claridge, then Lenox.

Having stayed in the Lenox, the Claridge and the Swissotel, I would say the Swissotel is the best in terms of amenities and rooms, but the Claridge is in the best neighborhood (and has parking almost next door). The Gold Coast neighborhood of the Claridge is great for dining, shopping and just strolling around. But the rooms are small. The Lenox is ok, but the decor is bland, and the hotel doesn't make any particular impression. Plus, the neighborhood isn't as nice as the Claridge's.
The Swissotel definitely will have the nicest rooms and most "professional" atmosphere. However, if you don't care about room size and are more interested in being in a great neighborhood, pick the Claridge. Skip the HOJO at all costs. Don't forget that even if the parking is free, you still have to pay to get in and out of Chicago--either drive in, fighting traffic and paying to park anyway, or going in by mass transit, and wasting time commuting when you could be out and enjoying beautiful Chicago. In the end, I don't think the HOJO would be a cost-effective choice, despite the free parking. And anyway, if you plan to visit Chicago, then STAY in Chicago if you can!
BTilke

ABC

The Claridge has a beautiful location in the Gold Coast's residential district. Beautiful brownstones and greystones on Dearborn near Michigan Avenue.
The Swissotel is also nice for the price and offers river and skyline views.
I would pass on HoJo unless free parking is a main priority.

http://www.chicago.il.org/

has a very helpful hotel map under "Accommodations."

I'll second (third?) the Swissotel. Nice building, pretty good rooms w/vu. Be aware that the hotel is slightly off the beaten path -- a little bit of a walk to the Magnficent Mile, etc. The walk isn't awful, especially in decent weather, but I mention it in case you think the hotel is in the middle of all the action.

No question Swissotel. We were last weekend. For $30.00 you may up grade to a corner suit.. Very nice.

sorry corner suite

Is there parking around the Claridge? Not the valet parking, but garage or lots that are cheaper.

There's not much parking, period, in that neighborhood. You must pay, and through the nose!

The HOJO is Skokie is literally 1 block away from the Old Orchard Shopping Center (premiere mall in 30 minute surrounding area, has marshall fields, nordstroms, etc.....) Also, HOJO is accross the street from a Jewel Osco (Grocery Store) and Old Navy and Marshalls. Its totally safe and within 30 minutes of downtown chicago. I would stay there, save the extra money and your wife can hang at the mall if you need something to do near the hotel. Also, Its 10 minutes west of Evanston, where i live, which is a bustling cool college town (Northwestern Univesrity )with tons of bookstores, restaurants and the Lake Michigan lakefront......Id pick Skokie.....

I think you will love the swissotel. I have stayed there before and they have separate showers from the oversized tub and all of the shampoos and conditioners are netrogena soap products. I was wondering when you were going because, my husband and I are going from june 21-27th and I was trying to find a hotel closer in, but the swiss rate was at 169.00 per night. Where do you get the 105.00 rate or less at. We go to Chicago every year to see the cubs play at wrigley field. Also if you can go to eat at a Italian rest. called Rosebud. You have to get there early I don't think they take reservations until you show up, so we usually run from the baseball game to catch the L train and then try to get to the place for before 6:00pm to get a table after that your wait can be as long as two hours or more. But someone get back to me about getting a good room for the money. We usually stay for a good seven days and we are not even in the room that much. So if you can let me know how you got that price. Thanks for all your help and have a great trip.

Liz

Liz

I found that price on www.quikbook.com and we are going in July 13-19 thanks for your reply.

I compared prices from several online bookings
www.travelnow.com
www.quikbook.com
www.expedia.com
www.hotelkingdom.com
www.travelocity.com

DDDD

Thank you everyones responses, I think the wife and I are going with the Claridge. Great price on the Swissotel, but prefer the location of the other. Plus there is parking areas that are cheaper than valet, so that helps makes that decision a little easier.

Liz did those sites help you at all???

Bob, Where exactly are the Claridge's nearest parking facilities??? Thnx, Ando.

Have you tried priceline? I just got The Westin Hotel Chicago at 909 North Michigan Avenue for $100 a night. It is considered a 4 star hotel.

Thanks for all your help, the network was down at home and office from a thunder storm on friday night, so I haven't been able to check until this a.m.. The only site that I was familar with was expedia. But also, I hate having to pay the entire stay now, through expedia to keep the room, but I will check those other sites. I just love this talk section. Because I always love to hear about other peoples experiences at hotel adn restaurants. We frequent Chicago because we love to go see the cubs play and that is pretty much all we do and find some good italian restaurants in town. I love to shop so I take a couple of hours and run down michigan ave. by myself. But for all the help.

Liz

The Westin should not be considered a 4 star hotel. Its location can't be beat though.