Chicago Passporters? About This Page:

[Shadowfax]

Hi there,
We are in the very beginning stages of planning a trip to, among other places, Chicago. I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with the Windy City so that I can get suggestions about where to stay. I already know that we want to see the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Navy Pier.
So, any suggestions for a good place to stay, not too expensive, safe neighborhood, close to public transportation, etc?
Thanks!

[chezp]

We stayed at the Express by Holiday Inn along the Magnificent Mile. It was reasonably priced, but the room was tiny. I can't remember where Lesley (WDWfan) stayed, but her room was amazing and that was a good location as well.

[DouglasE]

Hi,

I don't have much time before I get ready for a full day of work; but I can at least let you know that I had a great stay at Club Quarters at Wacker and Michigan. It's right across the street from the new Trump Tower at the base of the Magnificient Mile which means it is at the center of Chicago. The staff was friendly and helpful. Of course, I'm a bit biased because they gave me a bit of a free upgrade when I checked in. I got a great rate through Orbitz. For my stay at the end of June I paid about $80/night. The room was clean. After staying there I wanted to stay there for every time I visit Chicago.

I should have time this evening to post photos.

[minemoz1]

If you'd like to stay downtown, I'd recommend looking on hotwire.com for the best deals and stay in the Magnificent Mile, North Michigan Ave, Streeterville or the Loop area (not south or west loop). We can usually get 3-4 star (stay at or above 3 star) hotel for under $100. If having a car, just keep in mind that parking at the hotel will cost you between $30-35 a day. I've never stayed outside of the downtown area in another part of Chicago. Lincoln Park is very nice but FYI they are having an issue right now with muggings (due to the economy).

Another option would be to stay in the suburbs and take the train (metrarail.com) into the city and take CTA public transportation from there. Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Lombard, Elmhurst, Oak Brook are all nice communities located near a train line. It would mean more time spent commuting as they are an hour out of the city.

Don't forget to check out the citypass for discount admission to the museums you want to see Chicago CityPass ® : Visit 5 Chicago attractions for just $69 a pass, a $139.50 value!

[Disneydiana]

If you can stay in the Loop and take the CTA to get around. There are also free trolleys running through the loop and on Michigan Avenue every 15-20min.

[minemoz1]

Originally Posted by Disneydiana

If you can stay in the Loop and take the CTA to get around. There are also free trolleys running through the loop and on Michigan Avenue every 15-20min.

I think I read that the free trolleys are no more due to budget cuts by the city.

[Disneydiana]

Originally Posted by minemoz1

I think I read that the free trolleys are no more due to budget cuts by the city.

It looks like your right! The only free trolley that is still up and runnning is the one that travels to Navy Pier (from the CTA red line). That's because it's owned by Navy Pier.

[RogerRabbit]

We just came back from Chicago two weeks ago and stayed out in Lombard. The hotel was a Westin and I got it through Hotwire for either $69 or $89 a night. We drove downtown and parked every day. It was expensive, but it was easier with the kids.

Also, the hotel was right by a mall and a Target. The mall had an Ed Debevic's that we ate at one night. It was quick access to Highway 88 that went into 290 and took us downtown.

I would also highly recommend the Citypass. We bought it our first day at Shedd's and it helped when we went to Sears tower. The line to get tickets and to get on the elevators was probably an hour or two long. We walked right past all of it and went upstairs with the Citypass. We also bypassed a long line at the Science and Industry Musuem. Not only was it a savings, it helped not waiting in line.

You can PM me if you want any further information.

Michael

[DouglasE]

Ok,

Here are the pictures that I promised.

The view out of my hotel room that looks out onto Marina City, affectionately known as the corn cobs.



Inside my room was a microwave, sink, and refigerator:









The best part was the location. Every El line and many bus routes passed right by the hotel since it's wedged between the Magnificent Mile and the Loop. Super, super convenient. I went to the Jewel Supermarket not too far away and picked up my CTA one day pass. They also sold transit passes for longer periods of time.

Good luck in your decision making!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by RogerRabbit

I would also highly recommend the Citypass. We bought it our first day at Shedd's and it helped when we went to Sears tower. The line to get tickets and to get on the elevators was probably an hour or two long. We walked right past all of it and went upstairs with the Citypass. We also bypassed a long line at the Science and Industry Musuem. Not only was it a savings, it helped not waiting in line.

That's a good point. It's worth thinking about whether a pass would be cheaper. We went for the Go Chicago card and it worked out much cheaper than paying for all the individual attractions we visited.

[Shadowfax]

Thanks so much for all your help and suggestions. Douglas, thanks for the pictures! They are lovely. Still thinking about where to stay, but sounds like the Citypass is a real bargain and the way to go!

[minemoz1]

Originally Posted by RogerRabbit

We just came back from Chicago two weeks ago and stayed out in Lombard. The hotel was a Westin and I got it through Hotwire for either $69 or $89 a night.

The Westin is one of the nicest hotels in that area! Great deal!

These are the hotels we stayed at in the city using Hotwire. The Drake for $69, Hotel Intercontinental - $100. Wyndham Chicago for $80. Hyatt Chicago for $95, Holiday Inn by merchandise mart $75. Swissotel for $90.

Have fun planning.

[WDWfan]

I stayed at the Embassy Suites - on State Street - and the room was huge. I was staying on Hilton Honors Points though so I don't know what the cost would have been. I agree with Michelle's suggestions for locations - and that one of the discount admission cards are a good idea if you're going to visit lots of attractions. Depending on your touring style you'll save some money - or a lot. I think Cheryl and Mark maxed theirs out.

I've never tried Hotwire or Priceline, but I do search for bargains on chains I like - Hilton, Hyatt, and for smaller boutique hotels - Klimpton has 3 properties in Chicago that I love. There are so many options it is mindboggling sometimes. As you start narrowing you choices and dates - ask again and we'll be happy to help.