Ping: Chicagolanders

[INDalltheway]

I am planning a short trip this summer to catch a few ball games at Wrigley field (July 8th and 9th) and do the shopping thing in Chicago. I am going to be taking my girl friend and another couple will be going with us. Only 2 of us will be 21 so keep that in mind as we aren't going to be looking to go out at night.

Basically I am just wanting to know where you think a good place to stay is. I don't want to be too far away from Wrigley and definitely in a very safe part of town. I really don't feel like driving once we reach the hotel as we would be comfortable using public transportation or taxis if that would be cheaper.. Also maybe some ideas for eating and shopping? This is weird starting to plan my own trips out so any help would be great!

If you need to know anything else just ask me and I'll clarify!

[Passacaglia]

When people have come to visit me but stayed in hotels, it seems like more often than not, it's been at the Congress Plaza Hotel -- http://www.congressplazahotel.com/ -- I assume they're getting a good deal, but I'm not sure how. It's pretty much in the thick of downtown. By the Loop, which is boring during the weekends, but also right by Grant Park and Millenium Park, which is bustling with tourists then, and walking through that area takes you to the beginning of the Mag Mile for shopping. The hotel is pretty close to the Red Line (for Cubs games). It's reasonably safe, especially if you don't wander south from the hotel -- but stay along Michigan Avenue north of the Hotel, or even in Grant Park, and you should be fine.

[larnott]

When people have come to visit me but stayed in hotels, it seems like more often than not, it's been at the Congress Plaza Hotel -- http://www.congressplazahotel.com/ -- I assume they're getting a good deal, but I'm not sure how. It's pretty much in the thick of downtown. By the Loop, which is boring during the weekends, but also right by Grant Park and Millenium Park, which is bustling with tourists then, and walking through that area takes you to the beginning of the Mag Mile for shopping. The hotel is pretty close to the Red Line (for Cubs games). It's reasonably safe, especially if you don't wander south from the hotel -- but stay along Michigan Avenue north of the Hotel, or even in Grant Park, and you should be fine.

Um...

http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/

There have been picketers outside for five years now, and, on the inside, it shows.

Priceline is your friend... go to a website such as http://www.biddingfortravel.com, and get informed. I've stayed at the Hilton (a block away from the Congress) for $65+tax using Priceline.

[Passacaglia]

Um...

http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/

There have been picketers outside for five years now, and, on the inside, it shows.

Priceline is your friend... go to a website such as http://www.biddingfortravel.com, and get informed. I've stayed at the Hilton (a block away from the Congress) for $65+tax using Priceline.

I forgot about the strike -- probably because I haven't seen any effect of it, outside of people picketing. I didn't even know it was the hotel they were picketing. Maybe that's why people have been able to get good deals on it, I dunno. I do remember one group of people having to change rooms, because they requested a room away from the elevator, and got one right by it. I think they had other problems with the room, too, and were pretty pissed until they got a new one (I didn't see the new one, but they were much happier after getting it). From the lobby, I'd say the place has lost some of the grandeur it once had, but I attribued that to it being an old place -- but hey, maybe it's the strike.

One thought I had last night after posting is that Taste of Chicago ends July 6, which could affect hotel prices in that area.