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Stay at The James or Hard Rock in Chicago?

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Stay at The James or Hard Rock in Chicago?

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Old Apr 2nd, 2011, 06:12 PM
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Stay at The James or Hard Rock in Chicago?

This will be our first trip to Chicago. We're going to see the Cubbies play at Wrigley, but will do a few other tourist things too. Looking at The James or Hard Rock, but open to other suggestions in the same price range. Convenience, comfort & cleanliness most important in making our choice. Thanks!
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Old Apr 2nd, 2011, 08:18 PM
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Stayed with my wife and daughter at The James in December.
Very pleased with all aspects of the hotel.Location is superb,staff was on the ball and the decor is refreshing.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2011, 09:01 PM
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I also had a good experience at The James. Rooms were very high tech, nice amenities and I enjoyed the wine bar downstairs.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 06:10 AM
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Since there are only 2 of your travelling, Chicago is really a great city to use Priceline or at least Hotwire to get your hotel. There are a lot of nice hotels. Bid 4* Michigan Ave.
See www.betterbidding.com and biddingfortravel.com to see winning bids and suggestions
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 09:12 AM
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Thanks for the recommendations! The James sounds good, I'm also intrigued by the Affinia. Can anyone compare The James & Affinia?

LindainOhio, thank you for the suggestion but it won't work out to bid this trip because we're buying a flight & hotel pkg., works out to be just a bit above the flight alone. This lets us use our small regional airport close to home & is well worth it to us.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 09:21 AM
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The Affinia is next door to the new Children's Hospital construction site so I wouldn't stay there until construction is over. Sometimes the street outside is blocked, continuing noise, etc.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 09:23 AM
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Stay at The James if that is your other choice.Good reviews from friends who've stayed there. I wouldn't stay at the Hard Rock either but I am not a fan of anything Hard Rock.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 09:51 AM
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OK, the construction info means the decision goes to The James. Now on to buy Cubs tickets & we're all set. Many thanks to all who responded.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 11:03 AM
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After a long process with decided to choose the James also for our stay in May. We took advantage of the special offer on their website, stay 3 nights for the price of 2.

The reviews on trip advisor were very positive.....
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 11:12 AM
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Change in plans, ran into a hassle trying to book the package (lastminutetravel.com - my first & probably last attempt to use them). Ended up booking the flight separately and now thinking to go with Priceline or Hotwire.

LindainOhio said to go with Michigan Ave. - that's for Priceline, right?

Hotwire has an area called Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville, is this the most central area & has anyone had any experience here? Checked on Better Bidding, looks like the 4* is the Hyatt. Thanks!
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 11:41 AM
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I stayed with 2 teens at the Hard Rock a couple of summers ago and was quite pleased. The location is extremely convenient and it's in a historic building.

We arrived by train, so I don't know much about getting into town from the airport, but we took a water taxi which was quite fun.
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 12:30 PM
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On Priceline, I would bid 4stars N Michigan Ave/River North. Good luck! We love Chicago!
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 12:31 PM
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A friend of mine has good success with this site for Chicago hotel bookings.

www.hotrooms.com
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Old Apr 3rd, 2011, 01:04 PM
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Priceline turned down my first bid, 4* N. Michigan Ave/River North. Will try again in 24 hrs. Will keep hotrooms.com in mind as well.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 09:06 AM
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I got a good deal last fall on Expedia. I stayed at The River Hotel on Wacker Dr just off Michigan Ave. Great location. The room was smaller that I am used to but spotless, the sheets felt like they had been ironed and the bed was the most comfortable I have slept in at a hotel. The staff was wonderful. If you have traveled to Europe, the rooms are european size but with American technology.
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Old Apr 4th, 2011, 03:11 PM
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Booked the Hyatt Regency on Hotwire - not a boutique hotel but the price was right. Are we near the train to Wrigley?
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