I'm thinking of doing Priceline for a one night stay in Chicago before departing on an Amtrak trip from Union Station. Does North Michigan Avenue encompass the Union Station area or would the Loop/Grant Park be a better choice? Just looking for a safe, clean, cheap place convenient to Union Station to sleep for one night. Thanks!

Union Station is on the western edge of the Loop, at Adams and Canal Streets. The problem is that there is a really wide range of hotels in the Loop - from dumpy to deluxe. Don't skimp on the minimum star rating requirement. North Michigan Avenue would still be my choice because the nightlife is much better. The Lopp is pretty dead at night; as a solo woman traveler, you may feel at risk.

I would also recommend North Michigan Avenue rather that Loop/Grant Park for a solo woman traveler. There is much more of interest in that location, and it is just a short cab ride to Union Station. The area around Union Station itself, while not unsafe, is very deserted at night, and I don't feel comfortable walking there alone after dark.

This is good advice you are receiving. In the evening North Michigan Ave. has more people traffic, which would help you feel safer. Plus, the shopping is better!

Great. Thanks for the advice! I don't know Chicago, so I wasn't sure about the area around Union Station. My husband will be with me, but I still don't really want to be walking around in a deserted neighborhood at night. Think I'll go North Michigan Avenue- thanks!

We used Hotwire.com for the first time yesterday for a Chicago hotel. I like it a lot better than Priceline. Much easier to use and you have some idea of the hotel you will get before accepting the bid. We got the 5 star Le Meridian for $173.

You can also look at BetterBidding.com, which helps in indentifying the hotels before you bid/purchase with both Priceline and Hotwire.

Is $173 a good deal for Le Meridien? I found a special on their website for $149.

I've used Priceline extensively in the North Michigan Avenue area. Westin, Hyatt and Intercontinental for $80 or less.

also check biddingfortravel.com

I used hotwire for 2 trips to Chicago in the past month. I got the Sheraton Towers for $82/night 4 Star and the Embassy Suites for $80/night, 3 star (but should be rated hire imho.) Both are Magnificent Mile/Wacker Drive area. 2 blocks to Mag Mile.