Hotwire Hotel: 4.5* Chicago (Magnificent Mile Area - River North) James Hotel

[stubskin]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Chicago for our 20th anniversary in June (5th-9th), and we've never been there before.  From what I've read, sounds like we want to be in the Magnificent Mile or Downtown areas.  We are interested in 4* or 4.5*, preferably 4.5 as we are there to celebrate!  We are on a budget though and would like to keep our cost to under $200/night, preferably in the $160-180 range.  I've done some preliminary searches using the bidding helper but as I've never used Hotwire for a hotel before, not sure which hotels are the best value that are showing up.  Free internet would be nice as we are coming from Canada and we get gouged for U.S. roaming data by our cellular provider.

 

The best deal seems to be a 4.5* in MM-RN at $181 with the following amenities: Free Internet, Pet friendly, Boutique hotel, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Spa services, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower

 

There are a few 4* options in our budget range in these areas as well.

 

If there are any suggestions on which area is best and which hotel offers we should consider, we would be very grateful.

[AaronJB]

I'm quite familiar with the Chicago area and I'd be happy to help with both hotel and answer any city questions. For your prior Palm Springs Priceline thread, did you ultimately find a HOTWIRE/Priceline deal, or did you stick with the reservation you made? Please follow-up with that thread to close it out and I'd be happy to offer my thoughts on the above stay. While unfortunately these dates are somewhat expensive for Chicago, I do see some options that fit within your desired budget.

 

Also, in terms of things to do, if you would like any recommendations, please let me know likes/dislikes.

 

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

[thereuare]

Happy Anniversary

The James Hotel would be my best guess guess for the one above.

I'll let AaronJB respond further in terms of this property vs. your other options as he knows this area best.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[AaronJB]

The James is very nice, but I'll suggest a 4* in the Mag Mile N-WT area for $158 (you may see a slightly different price) w/Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Free Internet, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Golf, Tennis, Spa, Blind Accessible, Deaf Accessible, Travel Accessible, Room Accessible, Bathroom Accessible, Handicapped Parking, Roll-in Shower, Pet Friendly. If you click on the listing, then scroll down, you can confirm that you are also seeing the tripadvisor logo with 4.5/5 circles shaded.

 

This would be a possible match for the MileNorth. If the MileNorth, free internet, great location and a bit over $20 less per night.

 

The James would be a better option if you are looking for more of a trendy boutique. Location-wise there's not a major amount of difference.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

[stubskin]

Thanks for the help.  I closed off that old Palm Springs thread, should have done that a long time ago.

 

Not sure I'm seeing the 4* one you mentioned AaronJB as the only 4* hotel I get in the WT area is showing 4 out of 5 for tripadvisor.  That one does have all the amenities you listed though so maybe that's the Milenorth, but it's showing $169 so not much cheaper than the James (if that's what the 4.5* one is).  If the James is that much nicer, it's not a big price difference.

 

Definitely leaning towards the 4.5* option right now.

 

 

[stubskin]

I went ahead and booked the 4.5* option at $181/night and it was indeed the James Hotel.  

 

Amenities listed:

Free Internet, Pet friendly, Boutique hotel, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Spa services, Accessibility, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower

 

If you can provide any suggestions on what to do that would be great.  We love walking around and exploring, finding hidden gems and checking out local shops, galleries, and the off-the-beaten-track places - like unique coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, etc.  We love our coffee (but not Starbucks - we can get that at home!)  Everyone says you have to try the deep dish pizza but we actually prefer thin-crust pizza (my wife loves Margarita pizza).  We tend to like smaller restaurants like bistros and we're not really into a lot of rich food.  We both enjoy wine and trying new cocktails.   For breakfast all we really need is a bakery with fresh croissants and other pastries.  A city tour would be of definite interest, as would a Broadway show.

 

Thanks again for all the help, looking forward to our first visit!

[yellowdog]

Thank you for sharing your result with the board.

 

Enjoy your stay.

 

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.

 

Yellowdog.

 

PS. I'm sure AaronJB will post some suggestions for you

[AaronJB]

If you can provide any suggestions on what to do that would be great.  We love walking around and exploring, finding hidden gems and checking out local shops, galleries, and the off-the-beaten-track places - like unique coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, etc.  We love our coffee (but not Starbucks - we can get that at home!)  Everyone says you have to try the deep dish pizza but we actually prefer thin-crust pizza (my wife loves Margarita pizza).  We tend to like smaller restaurants like bistros and we're not really into a lot of rich food.  We both enjoy wine and trying new cocktails.   For breakfast all we really need is a bakery with fresh croissants and other pastries.  A city tour would be of definite interest, as would a Broadway show.

 

Thanks again for all the help, looking forward to our first visit!

I'm going to agree with you on deep dish. It's not that deep dish is bad by any means, but it often seems to be about quantity which is something that I have to be in the mood for - I don't want to be walking around exploring the city feeling like I just ate a cheese brick. La Madia (http://www.yelp.com/biz/osteria-la-madia-chicago) which is a pretty easy walk from your hotel, is a primary recommendation for thin crust. The deep dish that I do go for when I'm in the mood for it is Lou Malnati's, which has a location in River North and now in the Gold Coast.

 

The problem that I have with Michigan Ave is that it is largely major chains. There are some places where you can find a "bargain" (as the area goes) like Filene's or Nordstrom Rack, but you can find those chains elsewhere. I am pleased that Michigan Ave is getting a little more variety than it had a few years ago (Eataly, while not perfect, is great fun to browse around because it's an incredibly shiny, nothing out of place Bloomingdales/Nordstrom for Italian food) and hopefully it will continue to improve. That's not to say that Michigan Ave isn't worth looking around/window shopping, I guess my view of it is to keep in mind that a lot of it you can most likely find elsewhere for less (and you likely wouldn't be paying the same high sales tax as there is in Chicago.) 

 

Overall, discussing wanting to find more "off the beaten track" places, "hidden gems" and "local shops", I do think that you may want to focus a bit more on neighborhoods versus spending tons of time looking around on Michigan Ave. I'll discuss some options below.

 

Eataly is actually about a block South of your hotel - I thought it was a little too crazy to really enjoy more of a meal there, but I do like to pick up a bite to eat (amazing focaccia bread) and browse the aisles.

 

The Art Institute is an easy must. It's a glorious museum, beautifully laid out and full of one treasure after another. Millennium Park (which is right next door) is a much talked-about attraction, but in all honesty, the bean (a giant, reflective metal orb) is interesting for a minute or two. I actually think the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park (two large towers with video walls that are also fountains) is a more compelling piece of work to take a look at.                                                                                                    

 

If you walk North on Michigan Ave from the Art Institute, you'll soon arrive at the Michigan Ave bridge. On the SE corner of the bridge there's the Chicago Architectural Foundation tour, NW is the Wendella dock. Personally, If you do one of the tours I'd highly recommend doing it early in the day, when it's more comfortable and the sun isn't right overhead on the open water.

 

The other thought is this: there are Water Taxis and they do go to Chinatown (http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com/). Much cheaper way to see the river, but no guided tour.

 

The Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum) is South of the city, but you can walk it if it's a nice day or do a combo walk/subway. If you do plan to go to the Shedd, I'd recommend doing it early. Personally, in the Summer, I've gone there when it's jammed and it's just not worth it to me. From your hotel, you can take the Red Line South from the Grand/State station to Harrison. Walk one block North to Congress, then head East towards the lake on Congress. You'll get to Buckingham Fountain. Walk around the fountain, cross the street to the lake and walk the remainder of the way South along the lake to the Museum Campus.           

 

More of a "Starbucks alternative" that I like is the Capital One 360 Cafe (http://www.yelp.com/biz/capital-one-360-café-chicago-2). It's actually a cross between a bank branch (although they do not try to sell you on anything) and a Starbucks. Bright, open, welcoming, reasonable prices and pretty decent coffee. Across the street of it is a beautiful greenhouse-like structure that is an Argo Tea stand that they set up in a local park. Bow Truss Coffee (http://www.yelp.com/biz/bow-truss-coffee-roasters-river-north-chicago) has a location in River North, plus Dougnut Vault (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-doughnut-vault-chicago) is right nearby.

 

If you are up for a long (and I do mean long) walk that winds back to Michigan Ave, what you can do is head from your hotel two blocks South to the corner of Grand and Rush, then take Grand a couple blocks West to State and Grand. At that intersection, there's a Red Line subway stop. Take the Red Line Northbound to Belmont.

 

This area (Belmont) is Lakeview and it has a large population of 20-30 somethings. It is a very nice area and this is where you're going to find more in the way of unique shops/restaurants and beyond that, things are going to be more reasonable than they are on Michigan Ave both in terms of restaurants and shops. There's a lot of thrifts/boutiques in this area.  I'll also note that Osmium Coffee Bar (http://www.yelp.com/biz/osmium-coffee-bar-chicago?) is an option a couple of blocks West of the Belmont "L" station.

 

However, to start the route that I like:

 

Once you leave the Belmont "L" station (the Red Line that you got on at Grand/State eventually goes above ground just North of downtown, so when you get off at Belmont it will be on an "L" platform), you will walk East on Belmont to Broadway. Head South on Broadway and you'll pass by Reckless Records (http://www.yelp.com/biz/reckless-records-chicago-3?, unbelievable selection of music and occasional live entertainment) then Intelligentsia Coffee (http://www.yelp.com/biz/intelligentsia-coffee-chicago-10) and you then will get to an Intersection where Clark, Diversey and Broadway meet. Broadway ends there.

 

You can continue walking South on Clark. On Clark, you will pass by La Fournette (http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-fournette-chicago-2), which is a terrific little bakery. Soon after that you will get to the intersection of Clark and Fullerton. Head East on Fullerton a short distance and you get to Fullerton and Stockton.  At this point, on the North side of the street, you should see a pond with a giant, glassy building next to it - that's the Peggy Notabert Nature Museum. There is an admission cost and it is a smaller, more "family-friendly" museum, but its main attraction is a gorgeous live butterfly exhibit.

 

At the corner of Fullerton and Stockton, head South on Stockton briefly. On the left side of the street, you should see the North entrance to the Zoo. Next to the Zoo entrance is a beautiful older building - that's the conservatory, which is free and has beautiful flower/plant shows. When you walk through the Zoo (free), you should eventually wind up at the South end of the Zoo, which is the Farm in the Zoo. At that point, walk West through the park and you will get back to Clark Street. Head South on Clark until you reach Clark and North. Head a couple of blocks West to North and Wells. This is the Old Town area, which includes the famed Second City theater. Head South briefly on Wells and you will get to the Spice House (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-spice-house-chicago), which is one of my favorite stops in the city. It's a husband and wife-run spice/herb store that is a feast for the senses, as well as where many of Chicago's top chefs shop. They have blends based upon various neighborhoods in the city. 

 

Not far from here is Luxury Garage Sale (http://www.yelp.com/biz/luxury-garage-sale-chicago), which is a high-end thrift/boutique that's one of the options in the area for more "treasure hunt"-style shopping versus what you will find on Michigan Ave.

 

When you are in the Old Town area on Wells, keep walking South on Wells to Division. Once you are there, you're nearly back to Michigan Ave. Walk East on Division towards the Lake and you'll go through the nightlife/restaurant-heavy Gold Coast area. Once you get to Division and State, head South on State, which breaks off into Rush. Take State or Rush briefly South to Oak Street, then Oak East to Michigan Ave and at that point you're close to Water Tower/Hancock (the top end of the Michigan Ave. shopping area.

 

So, that walk - while a loooong walk - basically takes you through the Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Old Town areas before heading back to Michigan Ave.

 

If you want to head back at any point, there are buses (the 151 passes by the Zoo, http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/bus_schedules/151.pdf) and taxis should be passing by, especially along Clark. There is an app (on Android, not sure if there is an iPhone version) called CTA Tracker. That allows you to type in a bus route and show you where buses currently are along that route.

 

Lastly, you could do a shorter version of this by taking the Red Line North to Fullerton instead of Belmont. At Fullerton, walk East towards the lake. Eventually you will get to the same point (Fullerton/Stockton), then the Zoo is just a little bit South and you can go from there.

 

I'll add more to this later today. Are you driving in or flying in? Are there any particular types of food that you like? Please let me know if you have any questions on the above, too.

[AaronJB]

If you're driving in, the Chicago Botanic Garden is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. The Garden (http://www.chicagobotanic.org/) is in the North burbs - if you were driving, easy to go to. However, if you're not, it becomes kind of a whole day trip and not really worth it for just that.

 

A few restaurant recommendations: Sable (http://www.yelp.com/biz/sable-chicago, which is at the Palomar hotel).

 

Hendrickx Belgian Bread (http://www.yelp.com/biz/hendrickx-belgian-bread-crafter-chicago), which is right off Michigan Ave - it's a tiny little place and primarily a bakery, but they do have more of a menu than just bakery items.

 

Xoco (http://www.yelp.com/biz/xoco-chicago) is a casual option from famed Fronterra Grill chef Rick Bayless.

 

North Pond (http://www.yelp.com/biz/north-pond-chicago?) Beautiful high-end option in a lovely setting by the pond near Lincoln Park Zoo.

 

Wildberry (http://www.yelp.com/biz/wildberry-pancakes-and-cafe-chicago-2) Traditional pancakes-style breakfast place - reasonably easy walk from your hotel.

 

Chicago Raw (http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-raw-chicago) Creative, enjoyable vegan restaurant by the river in the Loop 

 

Kendall Dining Room (http://www.kendall.edu/taste-of-kendall/fine-dining-restaurant/, http://www.yelp.com/biz/kendall-college-the-dining-room-chicago) This is basically the training ground for Kendall College, which is a very highly respected culinary college in the city. Basically, this is a high-end dining experience that's very reasonably priced because it's acting effectively as a training facility. I'd call for reservations.

 

Pittsfield Cafe (http://www.yelp.com/biz/pittsfield-cafe-chicago, this is an old school diner - I went here as a kid, older relatives went here when they were younger, etc.) The food is reasonably good - very classic diner fare - a real core attraction here is that old school atmosphere and the beautiful architecture of the building's interior - it's tucked away in what's otherwise a classic office building downtown. It used to be cash, now I believe they take some cards but you may want to ask. This would probably be more of an institution if more people knew about it.

 

Balena (http://www.yelp.com/biz/balena-chicago, http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-31/features/ct-dining-0531-vettel-balena-20120531_1_amanda-rockman-balena-pizzas), takes a little bit of work to get to, but great Italian (and great pizzas) in Lincoln Park.

 

Boarding House (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-boarding-house-chicago), I've been meaning to try this place, but haven't - others I've talked to have liked it quite a bit. There is a show on locally called "Check Please" that Alpana Singh hosted - hugely popular restaurant review show locally for a long time. However, she was also the youngest woman to achieve the rank of Master Sommelier. She left "Check" a year or two ago to open two restaurants - this one and a new one, Seven Lions, on Michigan Ave.

 

There is a beautiful farmer's market in Lincoln Park near the Zoo on Wed/Sat and on Division between State and Clark (the street is closed) on Saturdays in the Gold Coast. Even if you don't get anything, really fun to browse around a farmer's market in the middle of the city (or city park.)
 

Let me know more about what you are looking for in terms of restaurants (style, any particular types) and I'd be happy to offer more recommendations.

 

Unfortunately, the Cubs are not in town during this period, but you could take a Wrigley tour if that is of interest.

 

I'll also note that Chicago's Divvy Bike system is pretty remarkable in terms of scope and scale (https://www.divvybikes.com/stations), but I wouldn't go biking around the city. However, I'll note that it is a transit option.