Given it's my first time there, I'd rather avoid public transport as I can be on a time constraint the first few days am there. However later through my stay that is surely something to consider. To be honest, since my stay is going to be over 7 days, I'd want to look at the $50-$60 range per night, preferably tax inclusive, if possible. I'd also be looking at a 3*. The zones you mentioned that require a drive, how long of a drive would I be looking at, with traffic? Lastly, parking prices, are they similar to Chicago or on the cheaper end?