OT: Need Chicago hotel recommendations

[Amy]

For those of us traveling to Chicago, does anyone have hotel recommendations close by the Metro? Many will be flying in one day and directly out the day after.

I've heard about the Belden Stratford, but it seems to have a lot of negative online reviews. I realize that everything you read online isn't necessarily true, so that's why I'm asking for personal recommendations.

Although not necessarily wanting "five star," I don't want bad neighborhood/seedy either. I'm too old and crotchety to skimp on hotels! lol

Thanks!

[fairmagda]

There aren't many nice hotels near the Metro unfortunately. The closest would probably be the Days Inn a 2 star at Clark & Diversey Pky a mile a half from the venue where some people from the LH board are staying. There are also some staying at the W Lakeshore a 4 star at Adams & LaSalle in the loop.

I posted on the LH board that maybe the out of towners should get together and seek out a group rate but haven't had much response yet. I would be happy to check into it just need to know that people are interested.

There are ALOT of nice hotels (3-4 star) in the Magnificent Mile area which is about five miles from the venue. I thought it might be fun to stay at the House of Blues hotel since the Lovehammers are known there and the hotel would probably welcome a group of partying hammerheads.

[kelz4peaches]

I think we need to get a hotel closer to the Chicago Theatre and take either a cab or public transportation to the hotel....the easier to get to the hotel after the show the better. I was doing a little bit of research on this myself, but haven't settled on anything yet. I'll be taking the train in to Chicago the day of Feb. 4th and back to Bloomington the next day.

[beantown]

HOB Hotel is $159/night.

In Boston that is a steal, how does that compare for Chicago?

ETA: This whole HOTEL thing is making my head spin. It was easier to score tix than figure out where to stay.

[RockStar:MC]

I need to consult the old expedia or hotels.com and see what is close on the map but still decent. I think HOB would be fun... something similar that is ok with wild woman crazed over seeing sweet Marty!! With close public transportation...because I don't think any of us will be in driving condition! haha

[jaybee]

I have enjoyed many weekend stays in the city :-). Here are my recommendations:

My all-time fave is Hotel Sofitel Water Tower. I have been able to get weekend rates for $200 but most likely in the $300 +range during weekdays. If you're a Fours Season's kind of girl, then this is the place for you at a much affordable rate. The bed is heavenly!

I also like the boutique hotel, Hotel Monaco in the loop. The rooms are smallish but still luxurious. And it feels a lot more charming than staying at the typical "busness man's hotel. They will even give you a pet goldfish during your stay :-)

There are two other boutique hotels in the loop owned by the same chain as Monaco. They are Hotel Burnham and Hotel Allegro. I have never stayed at either but i think the quality is comparable and the location can't be beat. For those who are flying into O'Hare it is so easy to take the train into the downtown area and get off at the closest stop to your hotel.

There are two W Hotels in Chicago. One is the Lakeshore and City Center. I wasn't impressed with W Lakeshore. The walls were thin and I could really hear my neighbors next door. W City Center is nicer I think. Rooms probably in the $150-200 range. And if you get a chance to go to the bar, Whiskey Blue, get a mango mint mojito :-)

[howard]

Here are a bunch of Hotels near the Metro another way to search is look for hotels near wrigley field, it is right down the street from the Metro.

www.hotels-rates.com/hotels/locations/Chicago/IL/usa/263/

[Amy]

Thank you.

[fairmagda]

Sounds like most people want to do their own thing which is cool. Seeing as most are coming in on Wednesday and leaving Thursday early I can certainly understand that.

For those who are arriving on Tuesday and would like to take part in a group rate and possible hammerhead gathering on Tuesday night please pm me and we can get something going. ;D

[asthmaticagnostic]

I stayed at the Wyndham by O'Hare last summer: great value for money, only of course you need a car from there.

[del]

I usually stay at either the Sutton Place or Palmer House (business trips). I'd really recommend the Sutton, but I have no idea what the rates would be.

[mishelle]

Is anyone staying at the Best Western River North Hotel? I just booked there from Nov. 22 until the 26th and was just wondering if any fellow Hammerheads will be there.

[chk]

I stayed at the Palmer House last spring to attend the U2 shows. It was okay -- typical city hotel in that the rooms are very small, but the location cannot be beat -- close to Chicago Theater, Mag Mile and everything else. We just used it as a place to store our stuff while we went nuts in town. Haven't decided whether or not to stay at PH again -- I'm thinking there must be some good rates because only Marty fans would be crazy enough to go to Chicago in February!

[kristenhead]

I'm from So Cali, and I want to try to go Wed and stay till Sunday. My family celebrates Thanksgiving on a different weekend anyway, because traffic is hell for the relatives. So I want to spend it there, but I haven't yet figured out a hotel, or even made travel arrangements. I'm most likely going to bring my brother.