September Family Women's Weekend in Chicago
 

We have five women in our family ranging in age from ages 17-73 flying in to Chicago this September for a weekend. I am looking for hotel recommendations that would get us in good proximity to a range of things for us to do given the age span. Also, activity suggestions would be appreciated.

What price range for hotels? What types of activities - museums, art, sports, etc?

I would recommend staying downtown anywhere along the Magnificent Mile.

for activities, I would propose
1) Hancock Tower
2) Field Museum
3) Art Institute
4) Shedd Aquarium
5) Chicago Architecture Foundation River Tour (my favorite activity last year in Chicago)This should be a must for everyone
6) Baseball game at Wrigley if that is of interest
7. Walk through Millenium Park

I am not a shopper so cannot help you there (my only souvenir from Chicago were a couple of shotglasses.

Watch travelzoo.com. They tend to run some great Chicago hotel specials. Then, go to tripadvisor.com to get feedback on the property. Your interests and price range will have an impact on recommendations. There are many great hotels on and around the Mag mile so give us some more information and we'll lead you in the right direction.

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'm trying to get a handle on the walking (73 year old doesn't have the most stamina) and proximity of things (such as where would the architectural tour launch from relative to the art institute, etc.) For hotels, we would prefer 3 star and up--would like the possibility of adjoining rooms or suite type arrangements so we can have our own spaces but also have some mingling living area. I know that some cities downtowns close up a bit on the weekends from a breakfast/lunch eating standpoint while still having dinner type restaurants.

I love Hotel 71 on East Wacker overlooking the River www.hotel71.com. It is less than a block to the Architectural Tour Launch and not far from shops, etc. on Michigan Avenue. I have read some not-so-good reviews about this hotel, but I have been staying there over the years (through 2 name changes) and have only good things to say about it. Excellent location!