Chicago Hotel Tips by Etoile2B

I usually recommend the Westin to people coming into town for a stay. The rooms are nice and clean and a lot of them have views of the city and/or Lake Michigan. The staff is always friendly and helpful as well. They recently updated the lobby. It's a little modern (read uncomfortable) so not the type of lobby that's conducive to lounging - but it does it's job. The lobby bar is also nice. When we have had problems with anything (overbooking once) they were quick to remedy the situation and are very concerned with customer service.

Just a little FYI - this is the hotel that all the major league baseball players stay at when they're in town playing either the Cubs or the White Sox so you may encounter the occasional player. Fans usually line the street across from the main entrance hoping for a glimpse of the players on game days.

Unique Qualities: It's right across the street from the Drake Hotel and the John Hancock Building, so it's centrally located. It's an easy walk to all the Michigan Avenue and Rush Street shops and restaurants. It's also a short walk to the lake front.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 943-7200
Address: 909 North Michigan Ave., , CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60616
Website: http://www.starwood.com/westin/index.html

Staying in the Days Inn Lincoln Park gives you the opportunity to experience a different side of Chicago. Located in the trendy North Side neighborhood, Lincoln Park, this little inn is situated between local shops, restaurants and apartments. You'll feel like you're living in the city, rather than visiting. The majority of the hotels are located in the Loop and Magnificent Mile area where the shops and restaurants are major chain stores and you're more likely to find a high tourist to local ratio. If you want a little more of the neighborhood-y Chicago feel look north to this little hotel. It is, at best, a Days Inn. But if all you need is a place to rest your head you can't beat it.

Unique Qualities: It's located away from the main tourist drag so you feel more like a local. But there are still tons of great restaurants and shops in the area so you won't feel isolated. It's also one of the more affordable hotels in the city.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 1-888-LPN-DAYS
Address: 644 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Website: http://www.lpndaysinn.com/index2.html

The Hotel Burnham under went a major facelift a few years ago. It's a small, vintage "boutique" hotel in the heart of the Loop. The rooms are small but well furnished and decorated. And the architecture and building history are facinating. The hotel is a unique mix of vintage charm and contemporary style. If you like smaller hotels with personality this one's for you. It's not far from the Art Institute, Marshall Fields and the Loop Theatres. Public transportation is easily accessed too. The only problem with staying in the Loop is that it tends to die down in the evenings and on the weekends. They are trying to revive the nightlife in the Loop, but I think that's a couple years off.

Unique Qualities: The Hotel Burnham has been recently restored to show off some of the original architecture and is gorgeous. They have complementary wine near the fireplace in the (very small) lobby in the afternoons. And the hotel restaurant, Cafe Atwood, is very good, but fills up quickly so reservations are recommended.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 782-1111
Address: 1 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Website: http://www.burnhamhotel.com/

The Swissotel is a very nice hotel in the heart of Chicago. Although it's a little farther off Michigan than some of the other hotels (read a couple blocks) it's worth it. The hotel has been ranked as one of the Top 500 in the World by Travel & Leisure magazine. The guest rooms afford nice views of the city and lake.

Unique Qualities: It stands out in the Chicago skyline due to it's triangular shape. The rooms are unique and modern and the gym is outstanding. They feature a nice indoor, heated pool and jacuzzi on the 42nd floor.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 565-0565
Address: 323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Directions: "Where The River Meets The Lake"
Website: http://www.swissotel.com/homepage.asp