JCMCC

Citylights..I appreciate all your information and detail...it is very helpful having someone who is familiar with the area to explain what is on the map. Distances can be deceiving or they may be in areas where one should take a cab - not walk - that kind of thing. Living near a big city myself, people ask questions that, to someone who lives here, seems simple. There is uptown, downtown, midtown, the galleria...and so on but which is which is sometimes not apparent. I do appreciate your explanation.

nancy5

Been to Chi town many x's and I have Pricelined the Mag MIle area or other close to that area and have stayed at the Hilton a couple times for just $65 a night and the Sheraton there just off Michigan Ave, my fav, for 100 a night. Definitely stay in the city. You can walk about anywhere about 2 miles to just about everything. Taxis arent too bad either. Between 10 and 20

JCMCC

husband...chiming in now..again thks for hotel suggestions and giving us some benchmarks to go by. We will be making decision within next 48 hrs on hotel..narrowed to 3-4 so we'll see. Trying to decide route back home --Houston, Tx..yes we are driving. Have few days more than likely after Chicago stay for short visits.... St Louis or any other suggestions headed back to Tx would be appreciated. Neither one of us have visited the MIDWEST to speak of. Thks to all.

Gina817

I live in Chicago and absolutely love St. Louis! I'd recommend it. There was a recent post regarding top restaurants there you might want to check out. See a Cards game if you can. The arch was neat to see - not at all something that is over-hyped. Stop there if you can!

isabellasu

On your way to St. Louis from Chicago, go thru Springfield and
visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidental Library and Museum.
http://www.alplm.org/

JCMCC

ok I think we have decided on Sheraton Towers - right off Michigan ave & by Navy Pier. Still could consider Hyatt or Hilton...but unless they are superior in opinion ...I beleive the Sheraton will work...satisfied with nightly rate. Any opinions or comments would be appreciated .

Deb15July

I've only been to Chicago once and stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, which is in a historic building. It was very close to Millenium Park and an easy walk. I also just happened to be there during the Taste of Chicago and it was extremely convenient!

You don't mention who is in your party. I had two teenage girls with me and they loved my choice!

sf7307

We stayed at the Sheraton one of the many times we've been in Chicago and it was great -- very good location.

cd

We've stayed in the Sheraton twice and asked for a River view. It was fun watching the boats go by, I don't think you will be disappointed in your choice.

JCMCC

deb15.....we are mid-late forties young so dont think Hard Rock would be good choice...19 yr old daughter is staying hm.....

Deb15July

Well there are many great hotels on the Magnificant Mile and proximity to Navy Pier is a plus. Sheraton Towers seems like a great choice, but be sure to get to Millenium Park, but I assume that is a non-issue since Taste of Chicago is right there! Have fun...I loved Chicago although I had no desire to go there 20 yrs ago before I got a clue about what they had to offer.

JCMCC

Deb-- Thanks for the insight. we did confirm our reservations with Sheraton and beleive it will be a good choice.

To anyone :
one question I do have on Taste of Chicago is it in more than one park...heard it will be in Millenium & also seen Grant Park mentioned as site for event. If so which location suits us best...thks

Deb15July

They are right next to each other. The setup of booths and such is in Grant Park. But be sure to see Cloud Gate (giant bean) and Crown Fountain, as well as other things in Millenium Park if you have the time.

Citylghts

Grant Park is about one sq mi bounded by Randolph, Michigan Ave, Lake Shore Drive and Roosevelt Road. It's the rubble from the Great Fire.

Within Grant Park is Millennium Park on the NW corner, Daley Bicentennial Plaza and Cancer Survivors' Plaza on the NE and the Museum Campus along Roosevelt Road.

JCMCC

deb15 & citylights..thks for clarifying...you too are great assets for Chicago Chamber of Commerce...are you all on the Payroll...lol. we are excited to both be making our first visit to CHI--Town. Will be there july-2-Fri-mid-day...thru 5th-Mon..possibly staying through Tue-6th, should have enough time to sightsee quite a bit...going to St Louis for 1.5 - 2 days as we head back to Tx...we're driving .
we have about 4-6 activies on our must do..we may ask for direction and order at some pt. thks again.

Citylghts

Now that you're hooked, here's the bad news. The Sheraton and most hotels charge around $50 per day for parking. There are several other garages within a couple blocks that are less expensive for the weekend. You can check www.chicagoparkingmap.com or www.bestparking.com for what's nearby and rates. The Millennium Park garages are around $25 for 24-hours and a short walk.

Meters/Pay boxes are enforced 8 am to 9 pm 7-days per week. There are no holidays and enforcement is strict. Welcome to Chicago.

JCMCC

Actually, we are fortunate and arranged for the vehicle to be in a secure loction within a mile from the Hotel @ No Charge...I'll spare you the details but we are very happy with the arrangement .

sf7307

We were in Chicago for Taste of the Town (by chance) a few years ago - it's great fun. I LOVE Chicago!

Citylghts

Good for you JCMCC.

JCMCC

I would like people's opinion on what are the top 5 things to do and see in Chicago when you only have 3 to 3 1/2 days. We are in our late 40's, not on a real tight budget, like music, food, sports, and plays/comedies. We are not huge museum people, but know that we need to see the art that Chicago has to offer.