[mrdills]

I thought someone out there could help me out. I am planning a trip to Chicago this year in July. I will be spending a few day with our grandkids that will be meeting us there and I was hopping someone might be able to help me out. One of the nights we will be gong to a Cubs game so I thought it might be nice to find a hotel/ motel in that area, but of course money could be an object. I know a little abut Chicago and I know the hotel could be expensive. Any help would be appreciated.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by mrdills

I thought someone out there could help me out. I am planning a trip to Chicago this year in July. I will be spending a few day with our grandkids that will be meeting us there and I was hopping someone might be able to help me out. One of the nights we will be gong to a Cubs game so I thought it might be nice to find a hotel/ motel in that area, but of course money could be an object. I know a little abut Chicago and I know the hotel could be expensive. Any help would be appreciated.

If you know what day you are coming, reserve your room early. If there's conventions going on, it could be hard to get a room in the city. You can get some really good deals if you look.

One of the best rooms I got and at a good price was at the Hard Rock. Another issue is the parking. You generally pay for that every time you park. Parking in Chicago is not cheap. I've paid as much as $30.00 every time I parked the car!

If you don't mind a little bit of a drive, a room near one of the hotels is generally not expensive and the parking is free. Drive to the city, park and cab it!

Oh... and if you go to the museums.... Park all the way at the end pat the Shedd... The parking is the cheapest there! Most people don't go that far back so they don't know this.

Parking at the lakes are free.

Sorry to go on and on about parking. I was a marketing manager and I worked in the city a lot. Parking could could over $200 if you don't know what you are doing.

I hope this helps!

[memason]

Angie's right....hotels are expensive and parking is outrageous in the city.

Another option would be to find a hotel in the western suburbs [like Oakbrook or Naperville) and take the Metra train into the city. This would about a 45 min. train ride. I would NOT recommend staying anywhere east of I-294 (south of O'Hare), unless you go all the way into the city.

From Union Station, you can make your way via foot or taxi to the El line. I believe the Red line goes to Wrigley... Not the most convenient, but a nice experience for the kids and a lot less expensive.

Just another option to consider ...

BTW... Chicago is a fantastic city and the 3rd. largest city in the US.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by memason

Angie's right....hotels are expensive and parking is outrageous in the city.

Another option would be to find a hotel in the western suburbs [like Oakbrook or Naperville) and take the Metra train into the city. This would about a 45 min. train ride. I would NOT recommend staying anywhere east of I-294 (south of O'Hare), unless you go all the way into the city.

From Union Station, you can make your way via foot or taxi to the El line. I believe the Red line goes to Wrigley... Not the most convenient, but a nice experience for the kids and a lot less expensive.

Just another option to consider ...

BTW... Chicago is a fantastic city and the 3rd. largest city in the US.

What a GREAT idea!!!!

People who have taken the train in say it's a hoot! My kids have done it and love it! Saves money and you see a lot!

[mrdills]

Thanks guys you got me going in the right direction, I will keep check

[JeffAVEWS]

Public transportation is the way to go in Chicago! You can get a Metra train from almost any direction to downtown from the Burbs. The El will let you off right next to Wrigley Field. In July Oak Street Beach and Navy Pier are worth a the trip, check to see if the Air & Water Show is when you visit. Have fun, but don't wear any Cards gear!
Jeff

[Schaumburger]

Jeff is right - don't wear Cardinals gear to a Cubs game.

A couple of ideas -- since Wrigley Field is almost right next door to the Red Line Addison Street L Stop, you could take the L North to Evanston, which is the first suburb north of Chicago right on Lake Michigan. Orrington Hotel in downtown Evanston is nice. Evanston is about 6 miles north of Wrigley Field. Northwestern Univ. is located in Evanston which has a very pretty downtown area. I used to go to Evanston a lot when I lived in the Rogers Park area of Chicago (far north side) in the 1980's.

Another idea - stay in Rosemont, IL (near O'Hare Airport) take the Blue Line on the L to Addison, then switch to the Addison bus (20 minute bus ride) to take you to Wrigley Field. If you go this route and stay in Rosemont, ask how close is the hotel to the L station in Rosemont. If you will have a rental car, you can park at the Rosemont L station for about $5 and take the L and bus to Wrigley Field.

You can shop around for hotel deals in the Loop/Near North Side of Chicago, but staying in that area will be on the pricey side. If you have a AAA Motor Club membership or AARP membership, check out to see if the hotels have discounts. Summer is the tourist season in Chicago so good idea to start shopping around now for deals. Who wants to visit Chicago on a day like today when it's 15 degrees and snowing to beat the band.

Recommendations -- Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Musuem of Science & Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute, American Girl Store if you have will have grandaughters with you who are 10 and under, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millenium Park. I believe you said you would be in Chicago for 3 days, so you won't be able to see everything in 3 days, but you won't run out of things to do.

If you like deep dish Pizza, Chicago is the place to be! Lou Malnati's is my personal favorite.

Taste of Chicago will be held July 11-15 in Grant Park right along Lake Michigan -- it can be very crowded, but it's fun if it is too hot and humid.

Another poster mentioned Chicago Air and Water Show -- that is held from Aug. 18-19 this year -- very crowded but some people love to see the planes, Blue Angel, etc.

Have a fantastic time - May through September is the best time to visit Chicago IMHO.