I am planning for a high school band to visit Chicago in March. I need recommendations for a reasonable hotel for about 50 students (and chaparones). Prefer NOT downtown. The budget is in the $130 range per room per night and a definite requirement is an indoor pool with enough space for the group to gather in the evenings. The group is coming by bus from Minnesota, so something in the NW suburbs would work well. Needs to be a safe neighborhood, preferably with fast food and shopponig within walking distance. I will appreciate any suggestions.

Look into Holiday Inns, they seem to be school-trip friendly. My daughter has stayed there (WIlliamsburg & Montreal) on school and camp trips. I don't know specific Holiday Inns in CHicago, but I'm sure there are a few and they almost always have pools.

Try the Doubletree Exec. North on Skokie Blvd. in Skokie -- or try anywhere in Skokie (or Evanston, which may be more expensive).

Check Priceline. I got the Westin on N. Michigan Avenue for $100 a night. You may be able to get it cheaper for March.
You may also want to call them directly to see what their group rate is.

I would Try staying in the Schaumburg/Woodfield Mall Area.

Woodfield mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world and is surrounded by numerous restraunts(many fastfood), IKEA, and is quite safe. Their is A new Amerisuites in this area, and several other hotels.

Yes Amerisuites in Schaumburg sounds just like what you are looking for, and they have a meeting room of 900 sq ft. With group rate discount the price should be well within your range, and breakfast is included.

At www.amerisuites.com, you can send an email directly to the hotel with all your questions.

It is a good distance from downtown however, about 30 miles. There may be other Amerisuites that are closer.