dwellers Posted March 31, 2009 Report Posted March 31, 2009 I'm so glad I stumbled upon this site before booking a hotel! My husband and I are going to Chicago from Friday, Sept 11 - Sunday, Sept 13. Our main reason for traveling there from Indiana is to see a concert at Soldier Field on Saturday night. We'd also like to visit the Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday morning. Problem is, neither of us have been to Chicago since a 6th grade field trip and need help figuring out the best location for a hotel if we only plan to go to Soldier Field and the Museum. I've seen several options near the Magnificent Mile, but I'd like to keep the concert within walking distance of the hotel, if possible. I was considering booking the Hotel Blake (it looked so pretty!), but I'd love to use Hotwire through this site to book a better deal for a comparable hotel. Any suggestions? The Chicago areas that Hotwire lists are Greek to me; I have no idea which areas are safer than others. Thanks in advance for your help with our mini-vacation!
AaronJB Posted March 31, 2009 Report Posted March 31, 2009 The area around the Blake doesn't have a whole lot going on and will likely seem pretty quiet at night. However, if you're going to be at the concert and the Museum of Science and Industry for a good portion of the two days, staying in the Loop may not be so much of an issue.If you want an area where there's more activity at night, I'd stay in the Mag Mile area.That said, prices are a little high on these dates. The cheapest suggestion would be a 3.5* on HOTWIRE in the Loop with fitness, laundry, restaurant and internet for $129. This would likely be the Club Quarters Loop, which is a somewhat basic property, but one that gets pretty good reviews. It's in the West part of the Loop, a few blocks from the Sears Tower - a tad bit out of the way and an area that's going to have nothing really going on at night. There is also a 4.5* in the Mag Mile area for $170, with the amenities Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry, Spa. This would likely be the James, which is a very nice boutique property just off Michigan Ave.My one regular rate suggestion would be the Buckingham Athletic Club, which is in the South Loop a few blocks from where the Blake is. That is a high-end athletic club that has 21 rooms that they rent to either members or the public. The rooms are on the 40th floor of the building, which leads to some great views of the surrounding area. The highly rated Everest restaurant is on the same floor, as well, and according to the Travelocity page on the hotel, you can order room service from Everest. You can also use the fitness club. the Buckingham is $204 on Travelocity (which is actually cheaper than most properties on this date) They also have free breakfast. Given that this reservation appears to be refundable (check the fine print though), if a much better deal came along closer to the trip, you could pay the $25 cancel fee and move to another hotel.Please use the site's HOTWIRE or Travelocity.com links to start your purchase.
dwellers Posted April 1, 2009 Author Report Posted April 1, 2009 I decided to treat myself and go for the more expensive "4.5* Hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville." Here's what I got:James Hotel (4.5*) Magnificent Mile AreaStreeterville$170/night 9/11/09-9/13/09 (Friday and Saturday nights)Total for two nights with taxes was $395.79Amenities listed were:Fitness CenterRestaurant(s)Business CenterLaundry FacilitiesHigh-speed Internet AccessSpa ServicesInterestingly enough, when I went to the James Hotel website and searched for the same dates and number of people, to see a price comparison, it said there were no rooms available / hotel booked up. (Wonder if they post most of the reservations through Hotwire and other travel sites.....)Hotwire told me I had savings of 39%, but considering it runs about $389/night, and I got it for $170, that's more like 60-some percent off!Price comparison for other webistes:Hotels.com - $1000+/nightTravelocity - $389/nightExpedia - $1000+/nightOrbitz - $330/nightLastminute.com - $389/nightOverall, very happy with my first Hotwire experience. Thanks for your help, Aaron!!!
thereuare Posted April 1, 2009 Report Posted April 1, 2009 Congratulations on your success!Glad to see you received the hotel you were hoping for and that you're happy with the results... nice little treat for yourself as this property gets great reviews.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.Enjoy your stay. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
radiohead Posted April 11, 2009 Report Posted April 11, 2009 Congrats...you'll LOVE this hotel. My favorite in Chicago, easily.I decided to treat myself and go for the more expensive "4.5* Hotel in Magnificent Mile Area - Streeterville." Here's what I got:James Hotel (4.5*) Magnificent Mile AreaStreeterville$170/night 9/11/09-9/13/09 (Friday and Saturday nights)Total for two nights with taxes was $395.79Amenities listed were:Fitness CenterRestaurant(s)Business CenterLaundry FacilitiesHigh-speed Internet AccessSpa ServicesInterestingly enough, when I went to the James Hotel website and searched for the same dates and number of people, to see a price comparison, it said there were no rooms available / hotel booked up. (Wonder if they post most of the reservations through Hotwire and other travel sites.....)Hotwire told me I had savings of 39%, but considering it runs about $389/night, and I got it for $170, that's more like 60-some percent off!Price comparison for other webistes:Hotels.com - $1000+/nightTravelocity - $389/nightExpedia - $1000+/nightOrbitz - $330/nightLastminute.com - $389/nightOverall, very happy with my first Hotwire experience. Thanks for your help, Aaron!!!
Recommended Posts
Register now, we have a huge community of travel enthusiasts to answer any questions you might have.
Sign In Now