hotel near university of chicago
Jan 26th, 2005, 02:36 PM
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hotel near university of chicago
Will be flying into O'hare in the evening, staying overnight, and then having a quick meeting at University of Chicago next day. Flying out that night. Where would you recommend staying? Won't have the time to "enjoy" the city, so I'd rather not pay city prices for hotel/parking. Any suggestions? Yes, safety is a factor! Thanks for your help.
Jan 26th, 2005, 04:27 PM
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I'm afraid you don't have too many choices. There is, or was, only one hotel in Hyde Park that I knew of. I think it was a Best Western, but I'm not sure if it's even still there. There's a Hyatt attached to McCormick place, which would be quicker and more convenient then going a few more miles into the loop. Finally, for cheap rooms and free parking, head down the Dan Ryan (90/94) to the Bishop Ford Freeway down to Sibley Blvd. There are several hotels around there in Calumet City/Dolton about 20 or 25 minutes away. I wouldn't reccomend strolling about those towns, but it should certainly be safe to stay there. There's also a large mall and many other shopping centers on Torrence Ave. south of 159th St. in Cal City and Lansing if you're looking for restaurants or last minute shopping. Torrence Ave is safe.
Jan 27th, 2005, 06:10 AM
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Have you seen this link?
http://www.uchicago.edu/uchi/visitors/
The university has a contract deal with the hotels listed. Unfortunately, the only one within 3 miles of the university is the aforementioned Ramada, which is not a nice place.
The Hyatt McCormick is quite new, and located right off of Lake Shore Drive about 2 miles south of downtown; it's very convenient, as you'll miss the downtown morning traffic. It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes by cab from McCormick Place to Hyde Park. If you decide to rent a car, stay out by Midway airport.
http://www.uchicago.edu/uchi/visitors/
The university has a contract deal with the hotels listed. Unfortunately, the only one within 3 miles of the university is the aforementioned Ramada, which is not a nice place.
The Hyatt McCormick is quite new, and located right off of Lake Shore Drive about 2 miles south of downtown; it's very convenient, as you'll miss the downtown morning traffic. It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes by cab from McCormick Place to Hyde Park. If you decide to rent a car, stay out by Midway airport.
Jan 27th, 2005, 06:13 AM
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Thought of another place - the Wheeler Mansion, just a few blocks from McCormick Place. It's an upscale BnB in a historic mansion; I don't know about the parking situation. Do a search for Chicago's BnB listings.
Jan 27th, 2005, 04:53 PM
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Thank you all for your input. The reason I picked the Hyatt in Oak Park was because it was significantly less expensive than staying in town. I found it using the Midway Airport hotels site. Because I don't know the area, I just wanted to be sure that Oak Park would be a safe place to stay. We will have a rental car and have no problem driving to U/Chicago. I figure that with a suburban setting (is it?) parking would also be included. (When I saw the parking rates in town, I felt like I was in NYC!) If we needed to be downtown, we would ante up; but since we don't.... Anyway, many thanks for your suggestions.
Jan 27th, 2005, 05:27 PM
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Look at a map. If Midway is at the center, Oak Park is at 11 and the University is at 5. This won't be a very convenient arrangement, but as long as you are in Oak Park, it's too bad you won't have a moment to check out the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the older area -- if you rent and drive a car, it's worth even just driving up and down a couple of those streets (ask at the hotel where to go).
Jan 27th, 2005, 05:34 PM
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Oak Park really isn't a suburban setting, but I don't know if the Hyatt charges for parking. If you're looking for a nice place to have dinner, there's a well regarded French restuarant in the adjacent town of Forest Park.
Bistro Marbuzet
7600 W. Madison St.
Forest Park, IL 60130-1403
708-366-9090
Bistro Marbuzet
7600 W. Madison St.
Forest Park, IL 60130-1403
708-366-9090
Jan 27th, 2005, 07:37 PM
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Are you sure you mean Oak Park? There's no Hyatt there. I think you are talking about the Hyatt Oak Brook, which is west of the city and just off of Hwy. 294. It's about 10 miles west of Oak Park. The problem with staying in Oak Brook and driving to U of C is that you'll be driving for 25 miles through some of the worst bottlenecks in the midwest.
If the Midway airport site gave this as a "nearby" hotel, they are really stretching the truth.
If the Midway airport site gave this as a "nearby" hotel, they are really stretching the truth.
Jan 28th, 2005, 12:24 PM
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I certainly agree with patg about Oakbrook. First of all, I find it hard to believe that Oakbrook would be all that much cheaper. And, secondly, why waste all that time (and aggravation) driving? As for Oak Park, technically it is a suburb. But it's much more "urban" than, say, Oakbrook. And, if you do stay there, I'd definitely check the parking situation. If indeed there is a Hyatt there (and I have my doubts), they probably have a lot. But Oak Park doesn't allow overnight parking on it's streets.
Jan 28th, 2005, 12:49 PM
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Okay, I'm convinced! I cancelled the Hyatt Oak Brook. (I'm listening!) Hyatt McCormick was a bit pricey as a place to, literally, just sleep, so I've reserved the Hyatt on Wacker Drive. Please don't tell me I've made another mistake! It will be a bit further, but we don't need to drive during rush hour. Any feedback on this hotel? Thanks again for all your expertise and advice!
