So hard to know where to stay in Chicago
 

I have been browsing for day in the Forum and found this by JJ5:

Author: JJ5
Date: 06/25/2008, 12:07 pm

You know, people are mostly talking large, large high end hotels that are North.

IMHO, the River is the best area for "doing".

So I would decide by the "kind" of couple of days you are spending. If you want to go out frequently- to a play or show???

Swissotel is farther from the walk, but if you want a view where you can see the coast all the way to the curve going South- that's the one.

I like the hotels on the Riverwalk area (Chicago River) and the smaller hotels- boutique ones mentioned- better myself. So it depends what kind of a room you really want, and if you are going to spend all your time in it.

Ok, we're interested in this area - the Riverwalk area, but have no idea what it is called on the Reservation Sites or on the map.

We are yet another (old) couple coming to celebrate our 40th anniversary and our first trip to Chicago (since I was 9)

We will arrive by Amtrak (yes I know it will be hours late!) and instend to take a cab to the hotel - and hopefully great public transportation and our feet to all the sites I have prioritized.

I just need help in finding this hotel.
My computer is going crazy - skipping all over, so I'll add to this later.

Brahmama, the "Riverwalk" to which JJ5 is referring is just what it states: a walkway situated along the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue.

For your purposes: The area north of the Chicago River and just to the west of N. Michigan Avenue is called "River North". The area north of the Chicago River and just to the east of N. Michigan Avenue is called "Streeterville". Just south of the Chicago River in this area is called "The Loop".

In actually, the Magnificent Mile is ONLY N. Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River north to Oak Street(the "Magnificent Mile" is a marketing term and it isn't truly a mile, only 7/8ths of it) - but, sometimes, on some of these travel websites, you'll find some of the hotels cited as being in the Magnificent Mile area, although they may not actually be on it - but a block or more away from it.

Personally, I feel that other areas of the city hold greater appeal because you can really appreciate the real atmosphere of Chicago. But they probably won't be less expensive than some in the above areas and may not be as convenient, depending on what you wish to do and your time frame.

If you are limited by a strict budget, you will find probably find better deals in the more touristy areas of the Mag. Mile/River North/Loop in the larger hotels - because there may be a glut of availability. Of course, conventions and large events such as huge festivals, the Chicago Marathon, etc., will substantially affect the availability and rates.

When you get to boutique hotels, you still might find deals (if there aren't the above going on), but probably not as often. You might consider looking at a website such as Travelzoo (which does have some great options) - or use Priceline or Hotwire.

By the way, the comment on the Swissotel about the view. Not necessarily so - there's a lot of construction around there which has and might affect the views, depending on whether you have the lake or river. Friends of mine have stayed here over the past two summers (discounted rates they found on Travelzoo). Once they had a partial lake view (construction there) and this summer, an excellent river view.

The building itself is kind of triangular in shape and you can see some really nice views from the windows on each floor by the elevators.

I will be staying at the Hotel 71 in early November. It appears well located and nice. Price was about $150/night.

Brahmama - Sorry, but I don't understand the purpose of reprinting JJ's post. ((*))

Sorry about printing her entire post; I was going to quote just a specific part and delete the rest, but my computer had a mind of its own, and I just had to log off.

"I like the hotels on the Riverwalk area (Chicago River) and the smaller hotels- boutique ones mentioned- better myself. So it depends what kind of a room you really want, and if you are going to spend all your time in it."

And I didn't make myself clear (sorry again!) But what I'm looking for is how to find the hotels she was referring to. I guess I was hoping for a list.

We are coming in the last week of September and I have a reservation at the Whitehall, but now I'm reading that there are "better" and more convenient areas to be in.

We will cab from Union Station, but then want to be close to sites, or close to public transportation from our hotel/inn/B&B whatever.

Our last two trips have been enhanced by finding great hotels on Travelzoo, but it may be too early for this time period - nothing as yet.

We are interesting in seeing the following and we have 3 full days and 2 half days at our disposal. (Only 1 half day if Amtrak is at late as predicted...)

I need help sorting out when to do what - so I don't waste my precious time.

Thurs (arrive at 2:14 PM - fingers crossed)
Fri
Sat
Leaving Sunday at 5:20 PM

Coming back to Union Station at 10:30 AM on a Wednesday - leaving that evening at 7:05 PM (a nice block of sight-seeing time)

We will be getting the 3 day transportation pass.

Our Wannasees (no particular order)

-Art Institute - esp Impressionists and the Minatures
-Architecture River Cruise
-Chicago Cultural Center (esp renovated dome)
-Museum of Science and Industry
-Navy Pier
-Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
-Historical Tour of Stockyards??? (My husband is a rancher and has judged livestock donkey years ago in Chicago)
-Garfield Park Conservatory (or whichever is most appropriate for the weather)
-Millennium Park
-Walking tour to see outdoor art

I'm sure I've left out several wonderful venues, but there's a start.

We will want at least 1 show - maybe 2.

And of course we want to eat our way through Chicago - justifying it with all the walking we'll be doing!

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

The Whitehall is a convenient location. It is a Boutique hotel though--the rooms all seem to be different. I have stayed there. It is very close to Water Tower Place.

I have also stayed at the Drake and the Sofitel which are in the same general area. You will have no trouble finding public transportation from here.

I have also stayed at the Embassy Suites, which is closer to the river and Navy Pier--it was $85 last summer on Hotwire.

There are no bad 4* hotels in Chicago (the Loop and N.Michigan Ave.)on Priceline or Hotwire. I would stay at any of them. If you check www.betterbidding and www. biddingfortravel.com, they list the hotels that people are getting. It is very easy to get around Chicago from either of these locations.

Travelzoo will probably have a special between now and Sept. I have seen the Hyatt there 2 or 3 times.

Keep your reservation at the Whitehall and check around for specials. I think you will be happy wherever you stay.

Chicago is a wonderful place to celebrate your anniversary. If there is a special restaurant that you want to go to, you may want to make a reservation now. Also, I would suggest making a reservation for the arch. boat tour asap as well. This is one of the best tours that I have ever been on and it books up quickly.

I second the Sofitel. I stayed there recently and really liked it. I also found a great deal on the hotel's web site so be sure to check that out and see what the pricing looks like.

I do think that you have a LOT planned for your trip. If you have to cut something out, IMHO I would cut out Navy Pier (although I believe that is where the boat tour picks up). I also would cut out the Science Museum if needed-- it is a bite of a hike from where you'll be staying, especially via public transportation (guessing that it may take 40+ minutes or so by public transportation and 20 or so by cab).

Have a wonderful trip-- congratulations on 40 years!

Seconding Lindainohio's comment on hotels. I visit Chicago more than half a dozen times a year, ALWAYS use hotwire (pick "Magnificient Mile area"), always book 4*+ hotels for nearly-a-third the price, and have NEVER been disappointed.

I should also note, given someone else mentioned it, I have stayed at Swisshotel and Hotel 71 (both through hotwire) and both are good although I would prefer swisshotel between these two.

Chicago is a great city to spend time in. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Hey, thanks for the replies, comments and suggestions.

About where we stay - we are so not particular about any one hotel just so it's well-located. We will do as you all suggested and check out Hotwire, Priceline, Travelzoo, etc. I've done so today and no real deals out there. But I have an idea that sometime halfway through August something will turn up.

LindainOhio, good idea. I am hanging on to a Whitehall Reservation - if something else doesn't beat it by half - so to speak.

I did redo my Wannasees and now just have to figure out a logical flow.

The ones with a star are MUSTSEES!

***Art Institute - esp Impressionists and the Minatures
***Architecture River Cruise (which one is the best and is there a "best" time to do this? And I will reserve this as soon as my schedule is set!
Chicago Cultural Center (esp renovated dome)
***Museum of Science and Industry
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Historical Tour of Stockyards??? (My husband is a rancher and has judged livestock donkey years ago in Chicago)
***Millennium Park
***Walking tour to see outdoor art, at least 2/3 hoods, Chicago!

Don't flame me, but I have no interest in shopping at all....

And while we enjoy eating and drinking all kinds of food and wine, I really don't know that much about the restaurants in Chicago.

We'd like somewhere intimate, don't care a thing if it's a "place to be seen" - won't be looking at anyone but my DH! I'll read up on this, because you're right, Jeaned, we need to make a reservation.

Comfyshoes, I just read something that you had posted! I think it was about your itinerary back in February and it was great. (I saved it)

Thank you guys - you are the real experts. All the travel books are so dated by the time they are published.
I value *your* opinions so much more.

Chicago cultural center is very interesting, 3 floors of very different exhibits, maybe don't hurry to take it off your "must see" list? And it's right by the Millenium park where you're going anyway!

(For Comfyshoes)
The post that I saved was for your Washington DC trip! I knew I remembered that name.

We're going on Amtrak from FTW to CHI to WAS to NOL and then home, so I'm having to plan for multiple destinations and not doing that well!

Sorry about that goof.

Yes, I meant to star the Chicago Cultural Center.

Oh and I forgot to mention that we want to have some activities in the evening - probably Second City and a play? Or if there are still outside concerts (last weekend September) that's always a favorite.

FainaAgain,
I remember you from the Italy Forum!

Brahmama, this might be useful:

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/calendars/wc092008.htm

You will have a wonderful time. Great city. :)

Brahmama, Good to hear that branding works on fodors! Just kidding.

Among couple suggestions: might I suggest (strongly) a late evening cruise on Chicago River and environs? It really is quite pleasant in right weather, and you will get to hear some interesting architectural history (and see an awesome view of the downtown... taking good shots on a boat is next to impossible if you have a good camera.... if you take photos, for night shots of downtown, go near/behind the shedd aquarium). Chicago has a bunch of very nice restaurants, as you can imagine. Here are two. I would definitely try "heaven on 11th" (google it) for breakfast. Just take cash with you because they don't accept credit cards (but worth the trouble). Signature Room's view is awesome, food is pricey but good. Lastly find out what Broadway Shows may be in town.

I have taken amtrak too. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks Sarge for the link.

And Comfy Shoes,
I like the idea of the Signature Room -might as well have a drink and enjoy the view. I hadn't thought about a meal, but will look into that.

Also Seven on 11th sounds good. I haven't googled it yet, but I will.

I just talked to a friend who visits CHI a lot on business and he is saying that September could be CHILLY and well of course Windy (!) so I don't think a late evening cruise might work. We actually will be almost in October.

I have reposted with a better subject title, since I messed up at the beginning of this one. So if you have time, take a look and see what you think.

The things that are concerning me now are the weather in late September, the weekends versus weekdays and I seem to not GET the scheduling very good. We did find a half-price deal (very good) at Affinia. So happy about that!

Buckingham Fountain will be shut down shortly after Labor Day for a $25 million renovation.