Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* Mag Mile / Streeterville - A little help please?

[cartwright68]

Hello all,

Getting ready to do another trip to Chicago for pleasure, with the kids this time. A little help needed ID'ing this one.

June 23-26

2 adults

2 kids under 17

$137 / night

Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville area hotel

Boutique hotel, smoke free rooms,fitness center, restaurant(s), business center, HPIA

Recommended in 95% of customer reviews

I'm guessing Hotel 71 on E Wacker; any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

[AaronJB]

My guess is that this would be the Hotel 71. Unfortunately, these dates are rather expensive; if you are driving in, I'll note that the North Suburbs (which are quite nice and offer sights such as the Botanic Garden and Ravinia Outdoor Music Festival, the latter runs all Summer long) would be cheaper by quite a bit and offer free parking. Otherwise, in terms of downtown, the HOTWIRE listing is one option.

When searching for 2 adults/2 children on Travelocity, I do see a 4* in their "Top Secret" section for $125 for these dates, but the listing has not been ID'd and it could be anywhere in the Loop/Mag Mile/River North area.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE, Travelocity or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[cartwright68]

Took a look around at some of the options on Hotels.com and found the Seneca Hotel on Chestnut next to the Hancock Tower for $165/night for a basic 2 doubles room. Went to Senecahotel.com and booked a 2 Queen deluxe suite with full kitchen for $160/night including breakfast for 4 each morning. I read that they also have priority seating arranged at Giordanos allowing you to jump to the head of the line.

The only question I have is - Where is the cheapest, close parking? We tend to park the car and walk or taxi everywhere.

Thanks for everything AaronJB, I'll follow up on our experience when we return.

[AaronJB]

The Seneca is a more basic property, but in the case of the larger suite rooms, it may be a good option for a family/larger group on busy/expensive Summer dates.

I'll note that this property is half apartment and half hotel (similar to its sister property, the Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park), so the suite will most likely have more of a feel of a city apartment than a traditional hotel suite (which is not a bad thing.)

Overall, if amenities (larger space, kitchen) are most important, than the Seneca may be a good option to stick with (although I'd still look for deals as the dates get closer). The Seneca is also right by the Hancock and Water Tower.

Unfortunately, parking is just a problem in Chicago. I was going to say 900 N Michigan, but it looks like they've raised their 24 hour parking to $36. There are a number of public garages in the area that will likely range from around $22-30. Navy Pier is $20-24 - it's definitely a bit of a walk from there to the Seneca, but it's certainly a nice walk in June (not so nice during the middle of Winter currently.)

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Thank you for using the site's Hotels.com, HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[cartwright68]

To follow up on the Seneca. Was upgraded to a 2 queen Presidential Suite simply by joining their online VIP club. The room was on the top floor and was massive! The kids are now spoiled to anything less - I'm in for trouble. The furniture was a bit saggy in the living room, but everywhere else was fine. The breakfast (which we got to go) was big enough to share. The staff and location were top notch. I will be looking for this hotel again!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your upgrade and glad to see you enjoyed your stay.

Thanks for the follow-up.