Hotwire Hotel: 3* Chicago (Arlington Heights-Elk Grove) Sheraton Suites

[joby]

I wondered if I might get some help/ideas for a 1 night stay in the Chicago area?

My daughter and I will be in the Chicago area for 1 night, Saturday, October 27. We will have a rental car.

Our plans are:

-arrive on Saturday afternoon

-have tickets for the ballet downtown Chicago 2 pm Sunday

-flight from ORD Sunday 8 pm

We would also like to squeeze in a visit to DePaul University and/or Loyola. Just quick visits to see the general campus areas. The campus visits are a negotiable part of our stay.

We are on a budget and do not want to spend much if any money on parking (either at a hotel or downtown). We have used the CTA in Chicago before to get around.

We want the usual--clean and safe. Our budget goal is $85 (+ tax) and under.

Looking for lodging areas and ideas to minimize our time traveling and our budget :)

[blindman]

AaronJB usually answers the Chicago queries and his knowledge and advice is brilliant.

How long does the ballet last? and what are the minimum check in times for your flight?

Have you seen the Maps of Chicago

Not that up to date, :) but gives a good idea.

Not sure if you want airport hotels but:

I've stayed at the ESA Ohare which had free parking as well as the Country Inn and suites which had free parking.

[AaronJB]

Thank you so much blindman for the compliments. :) They're much appreciated.

Evanston. I'd bid for the Orrington in Evanston; while the hotel gets some very mixed reviews, I recently put up family members there and they thought it was quite nice (and they've stayed in a wide variety of downtown hotels for comparison.)

What appears to be the Orrington is showing on Hotwire for your date for $92 (3.5* Evanston/Skokie/Niles, Fitness, business, restaurant, internet, golf), but you could attempt to bid for a 4* in the Evanston/Skokie/Niles area to see if you couldn't get it for less.

There are quite a few nice restaurants around the Orrington (downtown Evanston is quite nice; the town's beautiful and modern library is across from the Orrington), and the Northwestern campus (although it doesn't sound like you'll have time to fit it in) is a few blocks away. Not sure if Northwestern is of any interest, but it is a very nice campus and would be very convenient if you stayed in Evanston.

There is a CTA station and a Metra station within a couple of blocks of the hotel (the two stations are right next to each other.) Both go downtown, but take different paths. If you want to go to the Loyola main campus or the Depaul Lincoln Park campus, take the CTA. The Metra would be a more comfortable choice for a trip directly downtown. If you stayed at the Orrington, you would have to pay parking ($13 in a nearby city lot, which is probably cheaper than the Orrington.), but you would not need the car otherwise - you could very easily take either method of public transit (and you could take the CTA one way downtown and Metra the other if you didn't feel like taking the CTA back.)

Here's another benefit to Evanston - if your daughter likes Evanston, apartments there aren't too terribly expensive if you shop around. She could then take public transit back-and-forth between Evanston and the Loyola campus (if she decides on Loyola.) While the area around Loyola is improving, Evanston would be a nicer place to stay (it's a fun college town that was already very nice, but has started a lot of additional development over the last few years, including a pretty commercial area by the train stations that houses a Borders, a gorgeous multiplex and restaurants, among other things) and a short commute from Loyola.

If she chose Depaul, she could likely find a reasonable studio in Lincoln Park. If Loyola, personally I'd rather live in Evanston. If she went to Loyola, she could also probably find a place in Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville and commute North to the campus. A few years ago, studios downtown weren't too outrageous, either, but they've really gone up to the point where it's not worth it, in my opinion.

[joby]

I must agree with blindman--AaronJB, you ARE the Chicago man :)

I have a couple of new questions--

daughter is just browsing colleges. She's applied to a bundle and we're on a fall break (as I like to call it) whirlwind college tour.

We originally had Chicago planned into the trip to see Loyola and DePaul. As it's at the end of our trip and after vising 4 colleges in 4 days, we got tickets to the ballet and decided to save the Chicago colleges for a weekend visit later on. Sort of a reward after our last grueling 4 days of visits :o

Now we're wondering, if we can get a strategically located hotel at the right price, we might be able to fit Loyola and/or DePaul into the mix again!

We can get the Residence Inn Rosemont for $79 + tax (cancelable). It would have free parking, breakfast, is 3 miles from ORD and we could drive the car to the Rosemont CTA and park there for Sunday for $3. Your thoughts?

The Orrington would be nice, but the cost is quite a bit more than our goal unless the benefits far outweigh the higher price --it appears to be $96 + fees now :) and the additional parking of $13.

We are willing to stay in any area as long as it is safe, convenient and worth the price.

We're trying to maximize our time while minimizing our costs :)

[AaronJB]

You could make up shirts that say, "College Fall Tour '07". :)

Rosemont would mean you would have to take the Blue Line "L" for about 50 minutes into the city. If you had to travel to Depaul or Loyola, then you would have to travel downtown, then take another train going North. Not much fun, especially on the "L" (personally, I'm not a fan of being on the "L" for long stretches; it's not that it's unsafe; it's just that it's very unsleek. It's basically good for getting you here-to-there.)

Not that I'm asking for the "L" to be glamourous at all. It's just that some of the older subway stations feel musty and cavernous (and maybe a little moldy), while the newer ones are fine enough. The overhead "L" stations are fine and are a mix of new and old - some are more recent, some date back to the late 1800's (not kidding.) Given the budget shortfalls, it's doubtful that this will change that soon. There is also track work and/or slow spots on the blue line, leading that trip to be about an hour from ORD to downtown.

Anyways, I personally prefer taking Metra trains, which are larger, Amtrak-style commuter trains that run from the city into the suburbs. There are conductors, the bench seats are more comfortable and the cars less cramped and crowded (and also have bathrooms.). They are a dollar or two more, but it's (very) worthwhile, in my opinion. Metra trains go in and out of the large, historic Union Station in the West Loop.

Rosemont is quite spread out. If you decide to not visit colleges and are staying in Rosemont, you will likely find that there is nothing to walk to around your hotel, and not that much going on in general, unless you are interested in something that happens to be going on at the Allstate Arena down the street. You really have to drive everywhere in the West burbs. Is it safe? Yes. Convenient? Not terribly, but not horrible, either.

Evanston is a college town, and has a more centralized downtown, with plenty of restaurants and shops. Really enjoyable city with a lot of public transit options. You could very easily get to Loyola or Depaul from there via the "L", but - if you didn't go to either school - you could at least browse around the town without having to drive anywhere. You could try bidding on the Orrington, but if your bid wasn't accepted by Priceline you could stick with Rosemont.

The problem with Chicago is that, once you leave the downtown area, there are really no hotels until you out to places like Skokie, Evanston, Rosemont, O'Hare, etc.

While the Residence is a good deal for a Residence, I'm seeing a 3.5* on Hotwire in the Arlington Heights/Elk Grove Village area on Hotwire. The amenities are: Suite, fitness, pool, restaurant, laundry, internet, golf. $49. This would appear to be the Sheraton Suites Elk Grove Village. If it is the SS Elk Grove, the hotel gets excellent reviews. It doesn't have breakfast and it is 5 miles West of the Residence Inn you are considering. However, I thought I'd throw it out there as a very nice - yet cheaper - suggestion in the area. If you don't mind finding breakfast and traveling a few more miles, it's $30 less. The nearest Metra station in this case would be Mt. Prospect, which is 2.9mi away. The Sheraton Suites would probably be a bit more upscale, but wouldn't have breakfast.

In terms of Rosemont, if that is where you decide to stick, then I would drive to the nearest Metra Station (2 miles away, in the very nice town of Park Ridge), park and ride. It will be a nicer experience and be more comfortable and easier for you two to chat about your thoughts on schools or plans for the day than on the CTA Blue Line from ORD.

I would definitely take public transit around the city, as parking downtown (or near downtown) is pricey.

I also thought about Northbrook as a suggestion, as that's a very nice town in the upscale North burbs with some Hotwire options. While the Chicago Botanic Gardens (absolutely beautiful, in the burb of Glencoe) and the Old Orchard mall, but with a tight schedule, I think this would be a little too inconvenient.

If your daughter does decide to go to Loyola or Depaul and wants a studio apartment, I'd look in Evanston though, or Lincoln Park (although Lincoln Park has gone up). Rents have gone up so much near downtown over the last few years that it's difficult to find affordable studios, even. That's why I'm moving, it's just gotten ridiculous (I'm in my late 20's.)

Chicago is a terrific city and Depaul and Loyola are great schools. However, I have to say that living expenses are higher. If, for example, she's looking at a more rural school, the cost of living will certainly be less expensive.

[AaronJB]

Additionally:

1. The Metra does not run as often on Saturday. However, there is a $5 weekend pass, so instead of being around $3.50 per one way, it would be $2.50.

2. Loyola and Depaul have their main campuses North of the city, but there are buildings/sections of the school downtown. There is a Water Tower Campus for Loyola (which is by the Water Tower mall on Michigan Ave.) and the Depaul Campus is in the Loop area. If you didn't have time for a main campus visit, you could browse around the downtown campuses for each. Just a thought.

3. http://metrarail.com/ is the Metra website. Here is the schedule for the route that runs out by Rosemont. http://metrarail.com/Sched/cnw_nw/cnw_nw.shtml

[joby]

I think all of the Chicago visitors who have been assisted by YOU should wear a "thanks to AaronJB" shirt :)

OK, let me think out loud here--

Northbrook is out of the mix--too far away

Rosemont--possibility--1 hour L ride each way, cheaper transportation, more spread out not walkable, hotel price within budget

Evanston--hotel price $25 higher than budget, closer to city, nicer but more expensive transportation, very walkable town

Elk Grove Village--Sheraton a nicer hotel, $30 under budget, further west of Rosemont

**Now to add something to the mix--I found a B&B in Lincoln Park across the street from DePaul, bedroom, private bath, kitchen, free street parking permit, biscotti and coffee/tea for breakfast, $125 + tax. Comments about that idea?

If we stayed in the 'burbs, would we need to buy a Metra pass along with a CTA pass?

We usually get a visitors pass for the L/bus when we go to Chicago. In this case, we thought we'd get the $5/ 24 hour pass.

We've never used the Metra service. I see that they have a weekend pass for $5/person good all day Sat. and Sun.? How much is the parking at the Metra lots?

Do I have all of this correct? We're really trying to make our stay in Chicago as cheap as possible without sacrificing our time too much in return.

Thanks and please let me know your comments!

[joby]

Another couple of questions--

--is the Metra faster than the L?

--what might the Orrington go for on Priceline?

--would Oak Park be an area to consider?

I'm seeing the 3.5 * in Elk Grove for $52, could it still be the Sheraton?

Thanks again!

[AaronJB]

If your daughter did decide to go to Loyolla or Evanston, Northbrook would be a good choice for future visits where you'd probably be staying longer. For 1 night, it's not convenient enough.

If you stayed in the burbs, you would need to buy a Metra weekend ticket for the Saturday you'll be here. You would need to buy a CTA ticket, but given that you're only going to be in town a day, I wouldn't buy a pass, just a normal fare card.

Keep in mind CTA fares will be higher when you arrive. The CTA does not look like it will be getting sufficent funding, which means a fare hike on Friday. Quite a few bus routes (just about all the express busses, I believe) are also being eliminated, but that probably won't be an issue in terms of getting around on this trip.

Parking at Metra lots is generally $2-3, about the same as the CTA lots. Generally there is a fare box (electronic at some stations, old school at others) where the fare is put in.

The Metra trains run less frequently than CTA trains, but are faster (they are large locomotive-driven trains, similar to Amtrak, not electified track trains, like the "L") and much nicer. If you look at the front page of metrarail.com, you should see examples of what the trains look like. If not, then reload the page.

If you took the CTA blue line from Rosemont, you're looking at probably about a 50 minute trip. If you took the Metra from nearby Park Ridge, it is about a 31-32 minute trip to the final stop @ Union Station. Not sure if the event you are seeing is near Union.

I would bid $75 for the Orrington on Priceline (a 4* in the Evanston/Skokie/Niles zone) If not accepted, try for $80 24 hours later.

Oak Park is fine, but make sure when going from Oak Park to downtown that you take the train right there and back. There are some areas that border Oak Park (the West side of Chicago) that are not very good, and it would be best to go right from Oak Park to downtown.

The B & B by Depaul (I'm guessing by the Lincoln Park campus?) would be fine if you don't mind spending the additional money (and staying in a B & :). It would put you right by the campus and - if you mean the Lincoln Park campus - would be not very far from downtown. Still, if you are trying to save, Evanston would be a 20-25 minute CTA trip North of this point (again, if you are talking about the Lincoln Park campus.)

I'm seeing what appears to be the Sheraton still for $49, but it is common for different people to see different prices on HOTWIRE. If you are still seeing the same amenities as I mentioned above, then it is likely the same hotel. If you stayed at the Sheraton, you would drive to Mt. Prospect, which is the nearest Metra station. It is about a 42 minute trip from Mt. Prospect to Union. The phone for parking information at the Mt. Prospect station is 847-392-6000

[joby]

Thanks AaronJB for yout thoughts! I'll do some searching later today when I get back home. Hopefully, I'll get this

figured out soon :) I'm going nuts!

[AaronJB]

You know, I thought about it and while I think Evanston would be a fun place to stay, if you are trying to keep on budget and essentially are really going to be here for one day only, I'd just go with Rosemont (Residence or the $30 or so cheaper Sheraton). The commute from Rosemont would honestly get tiring if you were staying here for more than a few days, but for a single day (and I'm guessing maybe part of another day?), I'd just go on the cheap(est.) Plus, this would hopefully help with the decision process.

Additionally, the Sheraton (and the Residence Inn) would not be far from Woodfield Mall (one of the bigger malls in the US.) If you had a free hour or two before departing, maybe this could be something to do.

[joby]

AaronJB,

I took your advice and used HOTWIRE for the 3.5 * Elk Grove Village for our night in Chicago. It was indeed the Sheraton Suites. It was $49 + fees. The amenities listed were: suite, fitness, pool, restaurant, laundry, internet, golf. The reviews all look great too.

Thanks so much for your time and help! I think it will work out just fine for our stay :)

[AaronJB]

Glad I could help! :) If you have any questions, please ask. :)

Excellent deal, as well - $99 regular rate, so half off. Thank you for reporting your results w/Hotwire.

[snewsie]

Hello -

You will like the Sheraton Suites in Elk Grove, I've won it many times on Hotwire too! I live in a suburb further west but the kids like to stay there in the winter when we are "bored". They have a great indoor and outdoor pool although it looks like you will be too busy! :)

The metra really is the way to go....good luck and have fun!

[joby]

We just returned from our visit. We LOVED the Sheraton! It was a lovely hotel, the room was really nice with a great view and the people at the front desk were very helpful and friendly!

An extra bonus--good cookies at the front desk :)

Thanks to all for the help!

[AaronJB]

Glad to hear the hotel worked out! :) Hope the trip went well! :)

[mlj1954]

Thank you so much blindman for the compliments. :) They're much appreciated.

I am going to be in Chicago from March 25-27, at the Rosemont Hyatt -- don't have a choice on location and I'm not paying for it anyway.

My question is I have the option of flying into O'Hare and catching the shuttle to the Rosemont Hyatt or I can take Amtrak, arriving at 9:30 the day before my conference, spending the day meandering. But I don't know how to get out to the Rosemont Hyatt or even if it feasible to do this. If I go directly to the hotel, I think I'll be stuck there. The other option though would be to fly in early in the morning, dropping my bag off at the hotel and then getting into town for the day. Once the conference starts on the 25th, I won't have any time (or probably energy) to do anything but be at the hotel.

Ideas?? Suggestions?