Chicago
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 198
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From: home mi
Chicago
hey guys i'm heading down to chicago this weekend and i've never been. need some helpful suggestions from those who live in or around there or have at least been there.
what airport is best to fly into? is midway closer or further then ohare?
i want to be clost to all the main action downtown so i'm looking for a nice place to stay. similar to the townsend or royal park hotels here in michgan which are very nice.
do i bother to rent a car?
i'd like to stay somewhere nice that is close to most of the action. any suggestions would be appreciated!
what airport is best to fly into? is midway closer or further then ohare?
i want to be clost to all the main action downtown so i'm looking for a nice place to stay. similar to the townsend or royal park hotels here in michgan which are very nice.
do i bother to rent a car?
i'd like to stay somewhere nice that is close to most of the action. any suggestions would be appreciated!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
You can fly into either O'Hare or Midway and take the subway downtown. Don't bother with a rental if you plan on staying downtown the entire weekend. A nice upscale and memorable hotel would be the Drake. You've probably seen it in pictures and not noticed it. It's at he north in of the Magnificent Mile- every shop you can think of. There are museums out the whazoo within walking distance. Navy Pier is a fun place to kill some hours. You can cab to the Museum of Science and Industry, which is one of my favorites. And you will have more restaurants to choose from than all the meals you could eat in a year. Good luck and have fun!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
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From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
which ever airport is cheaper would be my bet. no need for a car really. the rush and division area is a great place for bars and clubs. there are countless bars and clubs in this small area and you are guaranteed a good time. It depends on what kind of bars and clubs you like, if this is the kind of action you speak of.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
It really depends on your budget. There are several really high-end hotels really close to a lot of fun stuff (north end of the mag mile, near rush/division as mentioned above). Hotels will run you anywhere from $150-$500 on up.
Some hotels in that area:
Park Hyatt: Extremely nice if you're on an expense account
Sofitel: Very nice and more reasonable. Little closer to the bars.
Drake: Very nice, more traditional.
The Mariott and Westin are also pretty close and more reasonably priced.
Lots of shopping and bars in that area. The hotel concierge will know where to send you. Just make sure you specify what kind of bar you're looking for (yuppies, jazz, blues, *****, etc)
Some hotels in that area:
Park Hyatt: Extremely nice if you're on an expense account
Sofitel: Very nice and more reasonable. Little closer to the bars.
Drake: Very nice, more traditional.
The Mariott and Westin are also pretty close and more reasonably priced.
Lots of shopping and bars in that area. The hotel concierge will know where to send you. Just make sure you specify what kind of bar you're looking for (yuppies, jazz, blues, *****, etc)
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,847
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From: Bartlett, IL
Cruise-In XI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
As far as locations I would look for a hotel east of Wacker/Orleans, north of Congress and use Chicago Ave as a north border, this will keep you in most of the action (close to Navy Pier, shopping countless bars/restaurants and plenty of good lodging choices). If you decide to go up to rush/division or even lincoln park, you can always jump in a cab. Like mentioned above if you are planning to stay in the greater downtown area dont even think about renting a car, costs a small fortune to park and if your gonna be drinking then public transportation/cabs is a great idea.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 10
From: Bartlett, IL
Cruise-In XI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Try the website 877chicago.com (they typically have some good rates on that site). I would say to get a room at the "W" Lakeshore location (they have another one on Adams St in the Loop). Great hotel, right on the lake, can be pricey but it all depends on when you are staying. You will have to spend a minimum of $200/night and likely a bit more (unless you stumble on a super deal) to stay anywhere really nice
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
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From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06