I'm going to Chicago for about 36 hours. I'm a bit disabled and don't want to be out of the action for my stay. I'd pay whatever it takes but there is someone else traveling with me who might be in different straits. Anyway I was told to stay on the Magnificent Mile but I'm confused. Is this Michigan Ave or Lakeshore Drive? Suggestions for a 3*+ lodging? I want to try Priceline and Hotwire but need more area specific directions.
Thanks in advance...

Michigan ave, the area from about the river to Lake Shore dr.

To be even more specific, it's NORTH Michigan Avenue.

It's North Michigan Av from the river north to Oak Street.Sites like Priceline also includes some slightly lower priced hotels just off Michigan and a little north of Oak.

Priceline has a zone called Michigan Ave/River North that includes the Magnificent Mile, but also covers a much larger area. Particularly if you were to bid 3* in that area, you could end up at the Holiday Inn at the Merchandise Mart, which is quite a bit out of the way for most people's interests. Look at the priceline zone maps and the list of hotels at a site like www.betterbidding.com before placing a bid. With hotwire you can generally get a better idea of exactly what hotel you're getting before you pay, so that may be a better choice if location is important.

That said, no hotel on priceline is far away from everything of interest in Chicago, so it depends what you mean by "out of the action". For example, if you're on the Magnificent Mile, then you'll be a ways from the museums. Easily accessible by bus or el, but maybe not walkable, depending on how far you are able to walk. But, if you stayed in the Loop you'd be very near the Art Institute and Marshall Fields and theater, but further from Michigan Ave shopping.

jlm mi is exactly correct. That's why I myself much prefer to stay Loop because I go to Art Institute, State St. area, theatre, Field/Shedd/Adler complex area, Printers' Row, much more than I go shopping.

A friend recomended the Wyndham where a I found a great deal for only $152! It's a block or so off of N.Michigan Ave according to her. Feedback?
I'm too nervous to do Priceline and Hotwire while better, I'm afraid I'll end up at one of the hotels that has 4* but is rated poorly on Trip Advisor. It's only for about 30+ hours and I'm a bit disabled so I'll probably be touring by boat and by bus? I'm hoping to do a few hours at the Art Institute on the previous afternoon.

Wyndham is a good choice. It is fairly new and compactly built, so you won't have too much walking to get to your room. They have an excellent restaurant on site, and you are close to several other good places to eat along St. Clair. It may be a little noisy because you'll be a block or two from the Northwestern Medical Center.

If you have trouble with stairs, be aware that there is a long set that serves as the access to Michigan Avenue at Grand. You may want to use Ohio Street to get to Michigan Avenue. Or, cross under Michigan and use the escalators in the Marriott.

That's such useful info, THANK YOU!!

Thanks to everyone, we had a great, albeit short trip to Chicago. We stayed at the Wyndham for $159 a night on an Internet deal. Great location, beautiful rooms. The only 2 meals we ate out at were a lunch at Coco Pazzo on St.Clair. Food was okay, service uninspired, and lunch at the Art Insitute's Cafeteria that was pretty good.
One real negative comment about Chicago was that the service personnel just aren't friendly or particularly helpful. And the cabbies? They make NYC's look warm and fuzzy!
Loved the Architecture Boat Tour and just walking around. Also loved the Art Institute. Avoid the Old Marshall Field Store-- now Macy's. I didn't care for the area nor the other shoppers. The store was rather empty though the personnel were nice.