any tips on visiting Chicago?

[Kim]

It is bitter cold in KC with 10 inches of snow, thus I am thiniking summer vacation!!

My husband and I have been wanting to go to Chicago. The Magnificent Mile and Science Center are appealing! Is there anyone who can offer suggestions on a place to stay? Hotels in downtown Chicago are way out of my price range. I was wondering if a motel in a suburb was fesible and what suburb? I am not at all familiar with the area. From what I have read public transportation seems awesome in downtown Chicago. But, if I stay in a suburb, would parking my car in downtown be possible? I fear that parking garage prices could be outlandish!

Any insight from you guys would be appreciated!

 

[Karlynn]

Kim,
I'm not that familiar with what hotels are good to stay in, since I live in the Chicago area. But I do know that many of the hotels in the downtown area will have vacation packages that I hear aren't too badly priced. So don't rule out staying in Chicago just yet.

 

[elphie]

I don't live in Chicago, but I do visit there a lot. Sometimes the expensive hotels run specials at affordable rates, especially if you can visit during the week. Using the public transportation system is the way to go if you can. It's better than driving in the city when you don't know your way around and then trying to find a parking spot too. And you are right about the parking rates being sky high. Be careful though in looking for a hotel. I think most of them do charge separately for parking, so make sure to ask whether or not parking is included. Go to the library before you go and check out those little travel books. Those can be quite helpful. There's one called, I think, "Free Chicago" or "Cheap Chicago" ... something like that... anyway it's got listings of where to go and do things cheap. For instance, a lot of the museums have free admission on Thursdays and many clubs have free buffets at certain times. If you go make sure to check out the Field Museum- you could spend all day in there. So much to do... have fun!

 

[Guest]

While I can't speak for the hotel issue, I can guarantee that you will enjoy your visit to Chicago!

...and you should include Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower in your itinerary .

And, of course, you should remember to let us Chicagolanders know when you'll be here...so we can gather and meet you .

Cort S, pig valve & pacemaker-enhanced 30/swm
AIM=fc72mc...YIM=knightfan2691 / "The Uniter"..."Mr Road Trip"
member & newsletter editor, Faith COB = http://www.faithcob.org
"Mr MC's" Family...UPD, Kudos Ray! = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
RIP = '76, Parents' [my] MC ... '88 MC LS ... '00 "mc" LS
Spotting MCs = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
MC's Future = http://www.projectmonte.com/petition/

 

[Georgia]

When we had our vr.com reunion last fall we stayed at an O'Hare hotel. It was terrific - we could take the hotel shuttle to the airport and take the train into the city. Cheap, fast, carefree, etc. And feeds right into the subway and bus system.

 

[Tom F.]

I live in Chicago, and I would suggest that you contact the downtown hotels asking about specials, especially over weekends. You could also look at Marriott or Holiday Inn and see what they have near downtown, nut not as far as the burbs. Staying near the airport would be an option as well as public transportation is available. However, if you could find a deal downtown that would be better. If you drive downtown during the week expect nasty traffic and high parking costs, not a good option. I live in the burbs and work downtown and never drive it during the week. I know you will enjoy your stay, its a great city!

 

[epstns]

Isn't it funny. . .

Isn't it funny. . .

Isn't it funny that none of us who live in the Chicago area are any help in suggesting hotels? I guess we're all too old to be running off to hotels close to home for . . . nah -- this is a family forum, can't tell those stories. The suggestions about specials are on track. Also, check the various chains like Extended Stay America, and the "suites" places if you're going to be here for a week or more. They don't offer the fancy pools and restaurants, but they do offer more space and are mostly in the nearby suburbs. When we had our wood floors re-finished last summer we stayed at an Extended Stay near O'Hare -- ran us about $450 for the week and we had a fairly good sized studio with kitchenette, etc.

Also, unless you are going to be with someone who knows the area, I would suggest that you run hotel locations by us on the board -- some of the more attractive rates may be in locations you shouldn't stay in. . .

 

[pegne]

Kim

Kim

I can't comment on hotels in the city or burbs but I can comment on public trans. I live about 60 miles south of the city and I visit a couple of times a year usually for shows. We use to drive and pay for parking and then, a few years back, we decided to take the train into the city. We will never drive again. Although the theatre district is a little bit of a walk from Lasalle street station we don't mind it because it relieves a lot of aggravation. My daughter goes to school up there and I would drive up to get her and drive up to take her back. Not anymore. She takes the train to Joliet (about 20 miles from home). We pick her up there. It not only saves in gas but also time. I wish we would have done it this way years ago.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi there. The O'Hare area in Rosemont as a few others suggested..... should be your best bet. Location, train service to the city, etc. Make sure when calling you ask about their daily parking rates at the hotels.

Also, by calling some of the downtown hotels as suggested...you may find a great deal. Check the Marriott and Hyatt website as well. Orbitz will pull everything up for you. If you book ahead and pay...lower rates.

Happy travels.

 

[Lorraine]

Hi There

I have to ditto what everyone else has said. You don't want to park downtown. Way too expensive. My sister told me once that if you call The Chicago Chamber of Commerce they will send you a lot of info for hotels, tours, discounts and first night free accomodations at participating hotels if you've never toured our city before. Worth checking out.

Don't forget to let us know when you're coming to town so the rest of us Chicago-area members can have lunch or dinner with you on of the days you're hear!

 

[Kim]

Thanks for all of the great tips! I had forgotten about the Sears Tower. I am planning on leaving shortly after my youngest daughter safely lands in Spain with her senior Spanish class from school. The first or second week of June are the tentative plans right now. I will certainly let you guys know if they materialize!!!

Keeping my fingers crossed!