Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* Chicago (Northbrook - Glenview - Mt Prospect) Hyatt Deerfield

[Adlenoir]

I am new to the sight and was directed here through advice from tripadvisor.  I will be taking my wife to celebrate our wedding anniversary 6/21/14-6/25/14 in Chicago.  Looking at Hotwire like most to get best bang for our buck.  We will just be exploring the city and relaxing.  No much into shopping at all.  I see mystery hotels in several areas for our dates.  Just wondering if you guys had any recommendations.  I read that parking is $45-$60 per night so know I need to take that in consideration if picking something in the city.  Do you guys think the suburbs would be better for me as I will be driving in?  I was only considering 4* or better with at least 85% recommended.  If it was just me I would take a higher risk, but for my wife and our anniversary I thought this would be OK.  I see  Magnificent Mile River North from $176 or Ohare from $107.  Some other Boutique style downtown in the same pricerange are also available.  I guess I am just looking for recommendations for my first trip to the city.  Thank you in advance for your help.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding and Happy Anniversary! :)

If you haven't yet, please start by reading your messages.
 
The first night or so of this period is busy with a medium-sized convention in town.
 
In terms of city versus suburbs, I often do recommend the suburbs when the city is expensive, but I would much rather recommend the North suburbs instead of O'Hare. The North suburbs have a few great sights (including the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Ravinia Music Festival, chicagobotanic.org, ravinia.org) The Chicago Botanic Garden (http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-botanic-garden-glencoe) is in a suburb despite the name and is really a romantic setting (it's hugely popular for weddings.) The one note is that there is actually no admission fee for the Botanic, but there is a parking cost. The Botanic is a huge place, with indoor and outdoor gardens, as well as shows, demonstrations and other events throughout the year.
 
Ravinia is the oldest outdoor music festival in the US and attracts big names throughout the Summer. The other aspect of the North burbs is that there are quite a few nice restaurants that would be good for the occasion. Finally, the North burb hotels have free parking and instead of taking the CTA trains in, you would take the Metra trains in (Metrarail.com), which are nicer and more comfortable. 
 
In terms of restaurants good for the occasion, Abigail's is probably the first thing that comes to mind (http://www.yelp.com/biz/abigails-american-bistro-highland-park), while I also like Bluegrass (http://www.yelp.com/biz/bluegrass-highland-park). Hole in the Wall (http://www.yelp.com/biz/francescos-hole-in-the-wall-northbrook) and La Casa de Issac (http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-casa-de-isaac-and-moishe-mexican-restaurant-highland-park-3) are other examples.
 
There's a lot of other, little sights and highlights in the North burbs, including Dave's Rock Shop and Museum in Evanston (http://www.yelp.com/biz/daves-down-to-earth-rock-shop-evanston), which has been there for decades. It includes a beautiful gem and mineral store, but there's also a museum of Dave's fossil discoveries downstairs. Also in Evanston is the Spice House, a husband/wife run spice and herb store that is the go-to place for many of Chicago's top chefs (Food Network's "Good Eats" has filmed there, as well.) (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-spice-house-evanston-2). They have a few stores - the Evanston store is usually very busy, as that is where they seem to ship all their web orders from. With sample bottles and amazing smells, the store is a feast for the senses. They also have blends based upon Chicago neighborhoods.
 
There's also some architectural highlights, including the Bahai Temple (http://www.yelp.com/biz/bahai-house-of-worship-wilmette) in Wilmette and a Frank Lloyd Wright area in Glencoe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravine_Bluffs_Development)
 
In terms of HOTWIRE downtown, you are looking at around $150-180 +/- for a 4* hotel, including some potential examples (the price you see may vary slightly) like the Ivy ($177), the Kinzie ($180), Felix ($175), Allegro ($156).
 
In terns of suburbs, I'm seeing what may be the Hyatt Northbrook for $52. On PRICELINE bidding, the 3.5* level in the Deerfield zone has the Marriott Suites Deerfield, Embassy Suites Deerfield and Hyatt Deerfield as the "known" possibilities. If the Hyatt is potentially showing on HOTWIRE for $52, I'd try $43-47 on PRICELINE and while it's not guaranteed you will get the Hyatt, there have been a number of instances of 3.5*'s being won in this zone in the mid/upper $40's. 3.5* is the highest star rating in this particular zone.
 
Let us know your thoughts on the above and we would be happy to offer further suggestions on how to proceed.

 

Lastly, I'll note that one sort of "outside the box" day trip suggestion would be Lake Geneva, which is a very pretty resort town just North of the Wisconsin border. It is less of a trip from the Northern burbs, but still around an hour or so drive. There are a few stops along the way, including some major outlet malls and Wisconsin institutions the Brat Stop and Mars Cheese Castle. The only note is that this might be more of a weekday trip, as it's sometimes difficult to even get around Lake Geneva is so crowded on wkends.
 
Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[Adlenoir]

AaronJB- thank you so much for the info you provided. Did a lot of researching with the wife on everything you mentioned. Like it so much I think we will head out early Friday night (6/20) to get a head start. Looking at the Northbrook area you mentioned for Fri-Sun nights and maybe head to Lake Geneva for the last two nights. Haven't decided if will do this or just make it a day trip. Seems very relaxing. Botanic Gardens and the music fest are definitely on the list. We will hit the restaurants in the area also. Don't have this much variety where we come from. With everything you mentioned we may not make into the city of Chicago at all :).

I saw the potential For the Hyatt at $52 which would be a great deal. Actually any of those 3.5* hotels at that price would be a bargain. I did see where Priceline and Hotwire have different names for the areas which would have been confusing if you would not have pointed that out.

Thank you once again for your help. This should be a memorable trip. Hope to finalize plans by this weekend. I will make sure to use the links as requested and recommend others to this sight. You guys are awesome. Thanks again!

[AaronJB]

Glad to be of help! :)

 
Lake Geneva is a resort town that has a gorgeous lake and some really beautiful scenery. The one negative note is that some of the stores are a little "resort town" expensive. However, there are a few great restaurants, including Simple Cafe (http://www.yelp.com/biz/simple-cafe-lake-geneva). The one issue with Lake Geneva is that it is an absolute madhouse on the weekend. I went there not long ago on a Saturday after not going for a while and wasn't thinking, then ran into bumper-to-bumper traffic on the road into town. Ooops. Luckily, we found some parking at a school just North of town where everyone else was parking.
 
Lake Geneva to me is more of a one-night stay (I was going to suggest it as an option for the last night), but if you are looking for peace, quiet and scenery, it is a pleasant option. The town itself is cute, but not huge. With just the town, it is really a one night. Two nights would be the town plus more relaxing along the lake, as well as taking in the lake path (see below.)
 
Burlington is not that far away and is fairly small, but does have the plus of a Nestle factory in-town, so it does smell like chocolate at times (unfortunately, no factory tours.)
 
There's a few different ways to go to Lake Geneva - I usually go one way and come back the other to switch it up a bit. However, the one way (Expressway) is the way to pass a couple of large outlet malls, including the Pleasant Prairie Outlet mall (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60194-d284037-Reviews-Pleasant_Prairie_Premium_Outlets-Pleasant_Prairie_Wisconsin.html), which is a large, high-end outlet mall with stores like Coach, Nike, Sony, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and many others. It's a lot of the kind of places you see on Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago, only the outlet versions. The other couple of highlights right nearby are the Brat Stop, which is an institution that's been there for decades and Mars Cheese Castle, which just moved into a literal castle (http://www.yelp.com/biz/mars-cheese-castle-kenosha) up the road a little.
 
Lake Geneva hotels are often quite expensive because of the demand and the fact that unfortunately there's just not that many hotels. I am a little surprised that the Abbey is on the sale it is on for the weekday nights, although it does also charge a little bit of a resort fee. The Abbey is a bit of a drive around the lake to town, but that is the hotel option of the main hotels in Lake Geneva that stands out as the most appropriate for an anniversary. When driving around the lake, there are a number of gigantic estates - Lake Geneva has been the "resort town" getaway for Chicago for probably well over a hundred years and has been the second home for the Wrigley family, Hugh Hefner and many others over the years. Many of these estates still stand (more information: http://www.lakegenevawi.com/Discovery/Mansions.aspx) and there is a long lakefront path that runs all the way around the lake. This path effectively goes through the backyards of many of these estates.
 
Remarkably, the Lake Geneva shore path has over 200 reviews on tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60022-d283906-Reviews-Geneva_Lake_Shore_Path-Lake_Geneva_Wisconsin.html
 
A North suburban spot that I think is very charming, uniquely historic and cute is Long Grove Village, which is a very quaint little town that's an easy drive from Northbrook. This was the first historic district in Illinois and has sort of the charm of the Door County area of Wisconsin (which is an absolutely wonderful option too, although that's much farther North than Lake Geneva - that's around 4 hours North.) Door County is a wonderfully sweet mix of quaint little towns and stunning scenery along Lake Michigan. It actually does not allow any chain ... anything. There's not a McDonalds, there's no chain hotels on the Door peninsula, etc. It is all completely local, including a restaurant with goats grazing on the roof (http://www.yelp.com/biz/al-johnson-swedish-restaurant-and-butik-sister-bay.) Door County is really the Cape Cod of the Midwest.

 
Long Grove has some very cute shops and restaurants, including the Long Grove Confectionery (http://www.yelp.com/biz/long-grove-confectionery-company-long-grove), which offers a wide variety of chocolate treats.
 
You will actually be there during the time when they have their Strawberry Festival (http://www.visitlonggrove.com/2014/02/23/long-grove-strawberry-fest-2014/), which is enormously popular and a lot of fun if you can get there early enough before it turns into a traffic jam. There is also a gorgeous covered bridge in town. "Long Grove offers more than 60 distinctive shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in authentic homes and businesses that date back to the 1800′s. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone walks that wind through the historic downtown and enjoy seasonal lush gardens and scenic views.  They can make it a quick trip or a day’s outing, shopping and indulging their tastes with a variety of food and bakery products, cafés, and fine eating establishments." (http://www.visitlonggrove.com/long-grove-history/)
 
Also happening during this time frame is the Custer Street Fair in Evanston (http://www.custerfair.com/), which is a neighborhood fair with arts/crafts and food that has been going on for 43 years. Downtown, there's the Gold Coast Art Fair, which is a legendary art fair that has expanded out of its Gold Coast neighborhood and into a part of Grant Park (http://amdurproductions.com/gold-coast-art-fair-at-grant-park/.)
 
The Botanic Gardens (which are in Glencoe) are really remarkable from the standpoint of the complexity and detail of the gardens, combined with the size of the property - there are many different gardens throughout the grounds and they are maintained to the degree that it often doesn't seem like there's a leaf out of place. There is also a Waterfall garden that I think is absolutely gorgeous, and you can walk up to the top (http://www.chicagobotanic.org/explore/waterfall.php.) The indoor buildings include some remarkably sleek architecture, as well as interesting exhibits and a lovely, rather high-end cafe where you can sit outside and look out at the gardens. It's always been a rather breathtaking place, but they have been doing a lot over the last few years, including a new building and other additions. Parking is expensive, but it is balanced out somewhat by no admission. When I go there I just think of parking as the admission, split between however many people. It's an incredibly relaxing place - you do run into a fair amount of people around the main building and entrance, but once you get out into the gardens, it feels quieter and less crowded. The Waterfall garden is highly recommended, as is the prairie and fruit/vegetable gardens, which includes grape vines winding overhead. There is also a butterfly exhibit during the Summer. Tripadvisor reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g36050-d131620-Reviews-Chicago_Botanic_Garden-Glencoe_Illinois.html
 
The Ravinia Music Festival unfortunately is expensive, especially depending on who's playing that night, but there is something neat about the venue, which is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. It is essentially just up the road and over from the Botanic. Ravinia is different in that it actually does allow outside food and drink for those who have lawn seats. Some of the markets and restaurants nearby do gear offerings towards picnics at Ravinia.
 
Abigail's - which I mentioned a couple of posts up - is a really very nice restaurant in Ravinia itself, a couple of minutes from the park. 
 
In terms of breakfast, there are a lot of different options in the North Shore area, but Walker Brothers (multiple locations) and Once Upon a Bagel (in Winnetka and Highland Park.) are absolutely famed local institutions. 
 
Downtown, I really recommend the Zoo, which is a great (and free) zoo. The Lincoln Park Conservatory has wonderful flower shows and that is literally right next to the North gate of the Zoo. The great thing about the Zoo is that you can combine it with the Conservatory, the Peggy Notabert Nature Center (admission, but a beautiful live butterfly exhibit - a block North of the North gate), the nearby Old Town area, the Chicago Green City Market (an organic Farmers Market in the Park next to the Farm in the Zoo - http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-city-market-chicago-2) are all right by each other, plus you can explore the LP neighborhood.
 
The other main recommendation downtown is the Art Institute, which is an absolutely magnificent museum. If you do go to the Shedd Aquarium, my only note is to get there early, as once it gets crowded in the Summer I just don't think it's as enjoyable. The neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Chinatown - are also worth considering.
 
I do recommend one of the two boat tours that leave from the Michigan Ave. bridge. On the NW corner of the bridge is the Wendella Boat dock, the SW corner has the Chicago Architectural Foundation tours. I usually go with the Wendella because that's what I grew up with, but either option would be a fine choice.
 
Navy Pier is not something I'd recommend. 
 
There is a water taxi that will take you to Chinatown - http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com/chinatown/ that's a unique and scenic way to head down there from downtown.
 
One unique dining experience downtown is the Dining Room at Kendall College (http://www.kendall.edu/news-and-events/the-dining-room). That is one of the most highly regarded culinary schools and the dining room is sort of a testing ground for culinary students. A reservation is required, but given the "testing ground" nature of it, it is actually a more reasonable option for higher-end dining.
 
If you do take the Metra train in on the weekends, it does not run as often but there is a weekend pass (this is for the Metra trains only, not the CTA downtown) that you can use for both round trips on Saturday and Sunday.
 
You can also drive into downtown. I will note that there are a few different ways to drive downtown - there is, of course, the expressway, but there are longer, scenic drives along the lake or through suburbs. I do think that the Metra trains are a very nice, comfortable way to get downtown and you can really plan out the day while watching the area go by. However, with driving - while parking downtown is expensive - you don't have to carry something home on the train and can head home when you like vs the train schedule.
 
Thank you for using the board's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
 
Also, HOTWIRE listings can change at any time. If you would like, I'd be happy to take a look and re-confirm.

 

Travelzoo, Amazon Local and Groupon do have good deals for restaurants and other activities in and around Chicago and the surrounding area, including Lake Geneva. I've noticed an increasing amount of good deals for restaurants, shops and more in the area. 
 
Please use the site's Expedia link under the Support Page section if you do book via Expedia.

[Adlenoir]

3.5 Star through Expe.dia

Amenities:

Free parking

Fitness center

Indoor pool(s)

Pool(s)

Restaurants

Business center

Internet Access

Additional amenities

Tennis nearby

Accessible for the blind

Accessible for the deaf

Accessible path of travel

In room accessibility

Accessible bathroom

Handicapped parking

Roll in shower

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

 

This is a fantastic deal for this Hyatt property at more than half off (reg rate $144.) I've stayed at this property on a few occasions and have always been very satisfied, especially for the PRICELINE rates I've paid (which have been around this same level.) This property was also given a renovation last year, although I didn't think it was in real need of it. This property does have larger-than-average rooms and usually they have had refrigerators in the room. There is a Metra train station down the road on Lake Cook (http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/md-n/station.LAKECOOKRD.html).

 

There is not a lot directly around the property (it's on the Walgreens Global HQ campus), but it's an easy trip due East to the Botanic and not too far from a number of restaurant options. 

 

Let me know if you have any area questions (directions, recommendations or other questions) at all.

 

Can you confirm that the check-in is 6/20? Thanks.
 

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.

 

Enjoy your stay.

[Adlenoir]

AaronJB-  Thanks again for all you tips and advice. We will have a full schedule. Decided to just do a day trip to Lake Geneva and try to take in more of the city during our visit (going to do a boat ride at both).  Confirming that our checkin is on 6/20.  Again you guys have been awesome.  I have already shared this site with others and will continue to do so. 

[AaronJB]

Happy to help and recommending Betterbidding to others is greatly appreciated! :)

 

In terms of Lake Geneva, you can take the expressway North and once you get over the border, a few minutes later you should see the Pleasant Prairie Outlets on the right side of the road. A little bit further North, you'll see Rt 50. Once you get to 50, go West on 50 and it's a straight line run to Lake Geneva. 50 was widened a few years ago so it's quicker than it used to be. This is a quiet, somewhat scenic (farms, a couple of pretty rivers) stretch and there isn't much around until you get into Lake Geneva.

 

As you are getting close to Geneva on 50, you'll see Rt 12 pass overhead. That is the other option to head back when you are done for the day. You can take 12 South and you will go past Round Lake and a number of other communities before getting to Lake Cook Road. Then you can take Lake Cook East to your hotel. This route is a little bit slower (although the Expressway may be difficult in spots if it's rush hour), but if  you want different scenery on the way back it is an option.

 

Hope you have a wonderful anniversary and please feel free to ask any additional area questions in this thread between now and your stay. :)

[Adlenoir]

 You guys could not accept personal messages so I wanted to send this out.   This is a long overdue thank you for your help with my wedding anniversary plans.  My wife and I enjoyed the Botanical Gardens and she loved Lake Geneva.  Plan to go back to both soon.  Hotel was in great location and even took an adventure on the Metra to downtown. Great trip.  Thanks again for all your help! 

[yellowdog]

Thanx for the follow-up!

Good to see that you had a nice trip and liked the hotel.

Welcome back.

Yellowdog.

Please use the PRICELINE and hot.wire links on the board to begin your purchases and searches.

[AaronJB]

Thank you for the note!

 

I'm so happy to hear that everything worked out so well and that you had a great anniversary! The Hyatt is certainly in a great location, with the Metra train down the way. The Metra trains are a trip from the burbs, but they are a comfortable trip downtown and they seem like they're starting to put express trains on weekends. Really happy that you were able to check out Lake Geneva and the Botanic, as well - both beautiful spots. We look forward to helping with future trips.