Urgent, need help finding Chi-town hotels!

You used to need a gun to do stuff like that.
Yikes.

 

there's a somewhat crappy days inn, or thereabouts, on lasalle, near the rock n roll mickey d's that could be cheaper. my buddy lives by there and always tells people to try it in a crunch. also check out smaller hotels/inns up north in lakeview. i hear they're ok.

 

With round-trip air in the deal . .

 

If the Congress Hotel comes up as a cheap alternative, DON'T take it, unless you want to dodge strikers, and the presidential candidates who walk with them.

You might try some hotels that are in the Loop or River North areas, but aren't right on the Mag Mile. Right near my office, there's a Hampton Inn, a Courtyard, a Hilton Garden, and other suburban-ish brands that aren't going to be a night at the Budgetel, but might set you back less than something on one of the main drags.

 

vrbo.com

Vacation rentals by owner. You'll find a ton of downtown Chicago apartments/condos/lofts that can often be cheaper than a hotel room. I highly recommend it -- not just for Chicago, but for any other city where you are in need of a place to stay.

(And no. I don't work there.)

 

Last time Mrs. t_b_f and I were there, we got a room at the Crowne Plaza on Michigan for $100 a night. I realize that's not close to Soldier Field. Just my $.02.

 

Don't do the Inn of Chicago.

The Marriott is okay and the Sheraton terrific.

 

Well, if it's on Michigan, I'm pretty sure it won't be hard to find my friend's place. Not too many turns on that drive.

 

Oh, and don't forget, you can take a train. If you're in River North, you can hop on the Red Line at State and Grand, and take that to Roosevelt, which should put you a short walk from your friend's place.

 

Sometimes you can get a decent rate at the Chicago Hilton (across from Grant Park), since it's so big. I couldn't get its online site to give me a price, though.

 

I think there is a highrise Red Roof Inn just off Michigan.

 

I am loving VRBO. This could be a good SportsJournalists.com outing option for large groups to stay fairly cheaply...