Urgent, need help finding Chi-town hotels!

[PhilaYank36]

Just got an invite today from a friend to attend his engagement dinner in Chicago, but the dinner is Sept. 8, a Saturday. His place is Sky 55 on South Michigan, apparently a few blocks away from Soldier Field. Anyone know of some decent hotels in that area that won't break my wallet?

 

[Fenian_Bastard]

Unfortunately, he's close enough to the lake that prices are not going to be a barrel of laughs.

 

[PhilaYank36]

I've noticed.

 

[Chi City 81]

Did you also notice that you preset the draft order in the fantasy league?

 

[zeke12]

Let us know what a night at the Marriott there goes for these days.

I always enjoy a good laugh...

 

[zeke12]

****, man, looks like you can hit the downtown Marriott for $310 a night.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

The Westin there is exquisite... I always have a media rate when I stay there and it's still usually in the $150 range. I'll bet it's at least twice that.

When I go to Chicago on my own dime, I stay in the outskirts, usually at a Courtyard. If you look around and use a AAA discount, you can find one in the $95-$125 range...

 

[JR]

If it's just one night, I'd say go for it and stay downtown. If it's more than one night, take Mizzou's advice.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

Staying at O'Hare is also considerably cheaper than staying downtown...

 

[PhilaYank36]

A few things:

1) I thought I set the draft order to random

2) We're staying just one night. The GF is a kindergarten teacher, so an extended stay is out of the question. But we do want to see the Field Museum, Soldier Field and Grant Park, so it's probably best trying to find someplace in that vicinity.

3) I checked out Expedia and the price for the flight & a one-night stay at the Mariott on the Magnificent Mile is $449 per person. The Sheraton is about $400 while the Inn of Chicago is in the mid $300s.

 

[JR]

Phila

$449 Per Person?

 

[PhilaYank36]

Si

 

[Fenian_Bastard]

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

 

[Cousin Jeffrey]

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.

 

[Ben_Hecht]

Phila

$449 Per Person?

With round-trip air in the deal . .

 

[Bob Cook]

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.

 

[Sandman]

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.)

 

[User 1019]

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.

 

[Rambler]

Don't do the Inn of Chicago.

The Marriott is okay and the Sheraton terrific.

 

[PhilaYank36]

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.