When you decide to visit Chicago, there are many choices as to where to stay. It really depends on what you have budgeted for your trip, but you can stay anywhere from inexpensive hostels, to airport hotels, to luxury suites, the latter being primarily for those in the “loop”. Deciding where to stay depends on what you plan to do and see while you are visiting the Windy City. For example, business traveler’s might choose to stay at a hotel close to the O’Hare airport so that they can enjoy a convenient nights sleep and easy access to coming and going. If you are planning to visit Chicago as a tourist, you might want to focus your search to hotels closer to the city’s famous Loop. Lastly, young and adventurous sightseers can grap a cot at a hostel for around $20 a night.
Whatever type of traveler you are, you can expect Chicago to welcome you with open arms. Chicago is one of the most filmed and talked about cities in America, and they have the accomodations you need to make your trip a memorable one. To get you started narrowing down your choices on where to stay, here are a few ideas.
The Airport Hotels
Chicago is known for a lot of things, so it doesn’t come as any surprise that they are the third largest city in the U.S. What makes it even more attractive is that it is perfectly situated between New York City, and Los Angeles, making it perfect for business travelers to meet up. The many hotels that are near O’Hare International Airport are primarily favored by business travelers because of its easy access to the city and the airport.
If staying within a budget is key, check out the Quality Inn O’Hare Airport. It’s only two miles from the airport and offers quality accomodations that are important for those looking to enjoy Chicago on a budget. The hotel offers all of the amenities necessary for the business-oriented guest, and staying in a recently renovated hotel that offers comfort and convenience for only around $79 a night, just can’t be beat! Making it even more convenient and accessible, there is a shuttle to the airport that leaves every 30 minutes.
For the majority of us that prefer a little luxury as we are away on a business trip, grab a room at the Four Points by Sheraton. This hotel is the epitome of true luxury, boasting warm, comfortable rooms, matched only by the level of attentiveness each guest enjoys. After being in an airplane for a few hours, the only thing that will soothe you is knowing you are staying at a hotel that has everything necessary for you to ease away the tension. Four Points is close to the O’Hare Airport and features a heated indoor pool, complimentary cocktails and appetizers that are served by the fireside, and at only around $155 a night, what more could you ask for?
If you’ve gotten the go-ahead to completely indulge yourself while away on business, The Westin O’Hare is your home away from home. Located just minutes from the airport, the Westin is unmatched in class and comfort. Although, you will pay for this comfort, $329 a night to be exact. For those of you that don’t let numbers scare you, this is a sure winner. At the Westin, your wish is their demand. The hotel offers 525 rooms that offer the unique, classy atmosphere that you will expect for a memorable trip to Chicago. When you decide to take a break and go out for the night, don’t worry about being too far away from downtown life. Here at the Westin, you are close to many of the city’s main convention centers, famous theatres, and the “El” for a quick trip downtown.
The Loop/Downtown Area
The heart of Chicago can only be found in the Loop. You’ll enjoy sights like the Sears Tower and the Magnificent Mile. So, if enjoying the best of the Windy City is what you are after, it is best to stay in the “Loop”. Enjoy events happening at Grant Park, take a walk down to the famous Chicago Theatre, and discover your creative side at the Art Institute of Chicago all while you enjoy close proximity to your hotel. If you want to be right in the middle of downtown during your stay, but you are vacationing on a budget, don’t expect too much, but you can still be close to the action without breaking your budget.
The Congress Plaza Hotel is a Chicago staple and has been since it opened its doors in 1893. Even though it is one of the city’s older hotels, it still holds its class and prestige with the best of them. Here you can enjoy a luxurious room with an incredible view of the lake all for around $129 a night. Not bad I’d say!
With its creative Art Deco flair, the Hotel Allegro is the visual stimulus that you’ve come to expect from downtown Chicago. They have definitely spared no expense when outfitting each room because the rooms boast designer touches that invite you into a level of comfort you’ve never experienced. Popular amenities to enjoy include, in-room spa treatments, the delicious cuisine of 312 Chicago, and a full concierge service. Hotel Allegro is one of Chicago’s most popular hotels, and you can get all of this for only around $209 a night.
Just because you’ve ventured all the way to Chocago, why not indulge yourself a little? The Swissotel Chicago is a hotel that will allow you to do just that! Being one of Chicago’s finest hotels, the Swissotel offers the convenience of close proximity to the Loop, the Magnificent Mile, and many other Windy City famous attractions. You will enjoy supreme opulence that you can only get at a four-star hotel. Being surrounded by luxury is only the beginning as you will enjoy fine appointments, lush surroundings, and the very ultimate in leisure and comfort. Advertising 632 spacious rooms, you will have no problem finding a room with a great view to go with it at about $339 per night.
These hotels are only a small glimpse of the many great and luxurious hotels you will find in the Windy City. Because so many hotels are available, you can compare rates and packages in order to find the best deal for you and your budget. A great way to optimize your dollar is to check online for package deals that the hotel may be offering. They may offer tickets to famous attractions around the city along with your stay, like theatre tickets and sporting event tickets. By saving money on your package deal, you’ll be able to spend that extra cash elsewhere on your visit to Chicago, like indulging in some deep-dish pizza!
