Need Chicago Advice
 

I've been given some conflicting opinions and need help sorting it out.

My boyfriend, myself, and another couple mid 20s are going to Chicago the second weekend in December.

We want to do a full days shopping on the "mag mile" and we want to visit the hancock observatory and the shedd aquarium.

Where should we stay???? I'd like to be within walking distance of the shopping and restaurants, and ideally i'd like to keep the 2 nights hotel under $450 total. This may not be possible, just ideally. I do have AAA discount, so that helps.

So where should we stay?

I stayed at Four Points by Sheraton in Sept w/ my daughter for about $200/nt (on American Girl package). Four Points is on N. Rush - very short/easy walk to "mag mile"; we walked almost everywhere during our stay. Can also catch Bus (I think #146, but check) to museum campus - we did it, very easy. You can go on AAA website, click on hotel search, plug in Chicago and your dates and see what is available.

We've had nice stays at the Best Western Chicago Inn on Ohio and the Fairfield Inn on Ontario. Both had reasonable rates and adequate accomodations. If you don't need something lavish, I would recommend either of them.

Apparently Priceline is wonderful for Chicago.

We like the Seneca because it is right next door to the Hancock and shopping:

http://www.senecahotel.com/

It is older and at times not too pricey.

I would stay near Watertower/Hancock building and then take the bus or taxi to the aquarium. You can take a break from shopping in your room and leave your packages there too. Watertower area is great for dining and shopping.

At that time of year though, you will want to get down to the old original Marshall Fields on State and see all the Christmas decorations in that area. You can easily take the red line subway there and back.

The Embassy Suites Lakefront is nice and they have pretty good rates for that week. Breakfast is included. You can also take a trolley that is free to the aquarium. The hotel is walking distance to mag mile and hancock. Google map it.

http://chicagoembassy.com/

rbowers563, were the "conflicting opinions" basically this?

If you want to see Chicago as a tourist does, you would want to stay in/near the Magnificent Mile, "downtown" (the Loop) or River North areas of the city. If you want to experience Chicago as a native does, then stay in one of the outlying neighborhoods.

Both options have their plusses and minuses, though, IMHO. Most first time visitors prefer the Mag. Mile, downtown and River North areas. And since most of the places on which you have decided (shopping on the Mag. Mile, the John Hancock Observatory and Shedd) are closer to the first options, they would be more convenient travel-wise, especially since you are only here for a weekend. Lastly, if there are "deals" to be found with the hotels, it's much more likely that you will find them at hotels in the first area, than in the latter.

As a rule, the various neighborhoods have limited accommodation options (some have extremely limited options); may be slightly less than averagely-priced hotel rooms in the first areas mentioned; and they really don't have the "glitzy" factor. However, you might be situated closer to some dining and entertainment options which you might find quite - entertaining!

For example, although there are a handful of stellar restaurants downtown, in River North and on the Mag. Mile, most of them are really in other neighborhoods. That goes for the better ones, too. The menu prices are somewhat lower in the outlying neighborhoods as well (except for the top tier, which are very expensive).

The north side contains many concert venues and comedy clubs. You'll find jazz and blues clubs in several of the neighborhoods, as well as in River North and the South Loop areas of town.

The Loop Theatre District has several venues which have "Broadway"-type shows; and dance/ballet and symphony/classical music venues, but you might actually be more interested in one of the other theatre venues - most are located on the north side. IMHO, to really understand how diverse and vibrant Chicago is as a theatre destination, I'd highly suggest going to the Goodman Theatre, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (located at Navy Pier) or to one of the theatres in the outlying neighborhoods.

Keep in mind, too, that the Mag. Mile and State Street aren't your only options for shopping. There are specific pockets all around town that offer differing shopping experiences.

So now that I've probably muddied the issue, you might want to consider a compromise. Stay in a neighborhood, such as the Gold Coast, which is fairly close to the more touristy areas. Or, if you are wanting to have your whole party stay together, you always have the VRBO option. Many places from which to choose.

If you wish to stay in the first category, though, you might want to look at the Travel Zoo website for they do have some nice options.

One other thing to keep in mind: Sales tax in Chicago is one of the highest in the nation.

With respect to the trolley service mentioned by the previous poster, it's only available on weekends now until January 4. When there are home Bear games, it doesn't go into the Museum Campus - but, since you are coming the second weekend, that isn't a factor for you.

I hope that you don't mind my mentioning this as future reference for others: The Chicago free trolley service will be stopped as of January 4 - not just for the season but for good.

Most of the major hotels are in the Loop or nearby River North/Mag Mile, and they're near the museums and shopping. The Loop is kind of dull at night. River North is more touristy. Nothing wrong with staying in either area, but since you're in your mid-20s, you might like staying in Lincoln Park or Lakeview. Tons of great restaurants and nightlife there, and you'd be among locals. Also, you would have easy access to the Mag Mile and museums.