Hotel recommendation in Chicago?
Mar 8th, 2015, 06:16 AM
#1
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Hotel recommendation in Chicago?
We will be going to Chicago late July for a couple of nights with our two teens and are looking to book two rooms in downtown Chicago with a budget of about $400 per night ($200 per room).
It is going to be a quick trip so we'd like something convenient and "nice" - luxury is not in the budget but we don't want anything run down or in a bad area. We will have a car, so will need parking (free parking would be great, but from I've seen that is a bit of a pipe dream).
Right now I am seriously considering the Doubletree Magnificent Mile. Wondering if there are any other hotels that anyone would suggest? Complimentary breakfast is plus as well.
Thanks!!
It is going to be a quick trip so we'd like something convenient and "nice" - luxury is not in the budget but we don't want anything run down or in a bad area. We will have a car, so will need parking (free parking would be great, but from I've seen that is a bit of a pipe dream).
Right now I am seriously considering the Doubletree Magnificent Mile. Wondering if there are any other hotels that anyone would suggest? Complimentary breakfast is plus as well.
Thanks!!
Mar 8th, 2015, 06:49 AM
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How about considering the Embassy Suites Lakefront? They have a separate bedroom but also a small living area with pull out sofa for your teens. They also serve a full complimentary breakfast http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/...EES/index.html
Mar 8th, 2015, 09:18 AM
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There are several all-suite hotels in the River North area: 2 Residence Inns, 2 Embassy Suites, Spring Hill Suites, Homewood Suites, the Omni and Hilton Suites. For parking deals, check www.spothero.com or www.chicago.bestparking.com.
Mar 8th, 2015, 09:29 AM
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"Late July", meaning what specific dates? If you are incorporating the very last days in that, I can only recommend that you reconsider.
snowrooster, I've mentioned on several threads that visitors need to understand that Chicago is a huge convention city and that when there are big conventions or big events (particularly some concerts, such as U2, the Grateful Dead tour or Lollapalooza) those hotel room rates are just going to go through the roof.
Lollapalooza, one of the biggest events of the summer, is scheduled for July 31-August 2. And, of course, some will be coming in a few days ahead of the concert.
That being said, is the $200/nt you've mentioned for solely the hotel room including city taxes and fees - and not including parking fees? It's a little low for high tourist season, even when there isn't a big convention or event. The hotel taxes and fees are more than 16% on top of the room rate.
With July into August being so busy with the two, the remaining weekends/periods will probably be pretty busy too - with those who cannot or will not afford the hotel rates during the events.
Here is the website so you can see which periods are less likely to be affected by big events, in case you are able to play around with your dates: http://www.choosechicago.com/meeting...tion-calendar/
snowrooster, I've mentioned on several threads that visitors need to understand that Chicago is a huge convention city and that when there are big conventions or big events (particularly some concerts, such as U2, the Grateful Dead tour or Lollapalooza) those hotel room rates are just going to go through the roof.
Lollapalooza, one of the biggest events of the summer, is scheduled for July 31-August 2. And, of course, some will be coming in a few days ahead of the concert.
That being said, is the $200/nt you've mentioned for solely the hotel room including city taxes and fees - and not including parking fees? It's a little low for high tourist season, even when there isn't a big convention or event. The hotel taxes and fees are more than 16% on top of the room rate.
With July into August being so busy with the two, the remaining weekends/periods will probably be pretty busy too - with those who cannot or will not afford the hotel rates during the events.
Here is the website so you can see which periods are less likely to be affected by big events, in case you are able to play around with your dates: http://www.choosechicago.com/meeting...tion-calendar/
Mar 8th, 2015, 09:56 AM
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Had to change my username as I forgot my password. Anyway . . .
I don't need suggestions on dates or checking calendars. I have found a hotel and am just wondering if there are any others I should consider. Having traveled before, I am aware there will be taxes and additional fees for parking (which is why I mentioned that free parking would be great but not expected). Conventions, concerts, parking fees and taxes are not unique to Chicago.
Suite hotels were great when my kids were younger - we loved Residence Inn. However last time my daughter could not sleep because she could feel the bar support in the sofa bed, so we won't go that route again. Also since they are a boy and girl, sharing a bed is not an option. This is why we no longer consider suite hotels as we need at least three beds, none of them a sofa bed. We've found getting two rooms that connect is now our best option.
I don't need suggestions on dates or checking calendars. I have found a hotel and am just wondering if there are any others I should consider. Having traveled before, I am aware there will be taxes and additional fees for parking (which is why I mentioned that free parking would be great but not expected). Conventions, concerts, parking fees and taxes are not unique to Chicago.
Suite hotels were great when my kids were younger - we loved Residence Inn. However last time my daughter could not sleep because she could feel the bar support in the sofa bed, so we won't go that route again. Also since they are a boy and girl, sharing a bed is not an option. This is why we no longer consider suite hotels as we need at least three beds, none of them a sofa bed. We've found getting two rooms that connect is now our best option.
Mar 8th, 2015, 10:17 AM
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Sorry...I was just trying to be helpful to you. I know you have traveled before - and into Chicago, too.
"Conventions, concerts, parking fees and taxes are not unique to Chicago." No, but Chicago has BIG conventions with 10s or 100s of thousands of people anticipated for them at times. If you choose the wrong time to try and visit, you're just going to be paying a lot more.
As you probably know, it's all based on supply and demand of the hotel rooms. Some others less traveled than you may not.
For just an example, during the early July 2015 Grateful Dead concert dates, the hotel rooms are going for **hundreds** more a night than your budgeted $200. I anticipate that Lolla will be the same, just from past knowledge, as there is an attendance of 295,000 anticipated. The ABA convention, during many of the same dates, has 8000 anticipated.
"Conventions, concerts, parking fees and taxes are not unique to Chicago." No, but Chicago has BIG conventions with 10s or 100s of thousands of people anticipated for them at times. If you choose the wrong time to try and visit, you're just going to be paying a lot more.
As you probably know, it's all based on supply and demand of the hotel rooms. Some others less traveled than you may not.
For just an example, during the early July 2015 Grateful Dead concert dates, the hotel rooms are going for **hundreds** more a night than your budgeted $200. I anticipate that Lolla will be the same, just from past knowledge, as there is an attendance of 295,000 anticipated. The ABA convention, during many of the same dates, has 8000 anticipated.
Mar 8th, 2015, 10:35 AM
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Sorry for the extra post but I just wanted to clarify something above for better understanding.
When I say that the hotel rooms are going for **hundreds** above that budgeted $200, I'm speaking of those more inexpensive properties, the 2 & 3 star hotels. Of course, the better 4 and 5 star are higher proportionally, too.
But, anyway, I'm glad that you have at least gotten your Residence Inn rooms - apparently for about $170/nt. to be within your lodging budget.
When I say that the hotel rooms are going for **hundreds** above that budgeted $200, I'm speaking of those more inexpensive properties, the 2 & 3 star hotels. Of course, the better 4 and 5 star are higher proportionally, too.
But, anyway, I'm glad that you have at least gotten your Residence Inn rooms - apparently for about $170/nt. to be within your lodging budget.
Mar 8th, 2015, 10:43 AM
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Sorry, exiledprincess, didn't mean to be snarky. I am just set on dates as my son has 1 week off before football practice so we are going Tues July 21st through Thurs July 23rd. As I have already checked rates, it seems there is nothing major going on at this time that is causing prices to skyrocket. I am right on the verge of booking Doubletree so just wondering if there is a hotel I am missing that I should take a look at before booking this one (though I won't pay upfront so I suppose I could always change it).
Mar 8th, 2015, 10:55 AM
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Not a problem at all, SRL.
I just didn't want you to think/feel I was giving you a primer on Chicago hotel room 101. However, I know from years on the boards that so many, many others just read these threads, instead of posting inquiries themselves - and I'm addressing the comments to both the OP and to them to help everyone out. I guess it sounds a little overbearing sometimes (which I don't mean) but there you have it.
It's too soon yet, but you could keep your eye out on Travelzoo. It's probably just a little too early yet for summer rates, though. Sometimes - but not all - they do have some pretty good deals with regular! hotel cancellation provisions. Not just non-refundable, non-cancellable deals like others. But you have to check the various ones *carefully*.
Also, I mentioned it on another thread, the new Loews LUXURY hotel just is opening and (for a while, not sure it is still going on yet) they had some special discounts. I'd look at that right away. No guarantees, of course. It's on the New East Side, so in an excellent location.
I just didn't want you to think/feel I was giving you a primer on Chicago hotel room 101. However, I know from years on the boards that so many, many others just read these threads, instead of posting inquiries themselves - and I'm addressing the comments to both the OP and to them to help everyone out. I guess it sounds a little overbearing sometimes (which I don't mean) but there you have it.
It's too soon yet, but you could keep your eye out on Travelzoo. It's probably just a little too early yet for summer rates, though. Sometimes - but not all - they do have some pretty good deals with regular! hotel cancellation provisions. Not just non-refundable, non-cancellable deals like others. But you have to check the various ones *carefully*.
Also, I mentioned it on another thread, the new Loews LUXURY hotel just is opening and (for a while, not sure it is still going on yet) they had some special discounts. I'd look at that right away. No guarantees, of course. It's on the New East Side, so in an excellent location.
