Which area in Chicago in December?
 

We are going to Chicago the week before Christmas. I know it is going to be very cold, so the closer we are to the action, the better. We want to do some shopping, eating and attend a basketball game and a hockey game. I'm considering either using Priceline or Hotwire to book my room. Hotwire looks like it narrows the area down a little bit more. To be closer to the shopping, transportation, etc. would I want to look at the Wacker area or the Water Tower area?

To be closer to shopping I would go with the Water Tower area which is located along the Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue. It's basically the heart of the shopping district in the city.

I'd go with the Water Tower area where most of the shopping is but be sure to head over to State Street sometime during your stay to see the windows at Marshall Field's and see the Christmas tree.

Definately Water Tower although there is a free shuttle to take people between the State Street stores and Michigan Ave. shopping around Christmas.

Christmas a year ago we stayed at the Hotel Burnham and had a great view of the decorated Marshall Fields. Convenient still to Michigan Ave. A beautiful hotel -- though it's become more expensive so don't know if there will be any deals.

I most certainly agree with the previous posters, Water Tower area is the best bet for you.

You might be able to find a boutique hotel like the Whitehall or Tremont that are just off Michigan Ave. Other option might be the Palmer House which is just south of Fields and Carson Pirie Scott. You must see their windows and trees; alternate idea might be to try and get tickets for the Goodman theater's Christmas Carol which is a tradition in town via HotTix booths.

Seconding the suggestion of Hotel Burnham, if you can get it. I got it for the last weekend in November 2002 through Hotwire and just loved it. Great views down State Street of Marshall Field's and within walking distance of both Michigan Ave. and the Museum of Fine Arts. FYI, it was listed as a 4.5 star or "boutique" hotel. I got it for $93.00/night.