Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and when the frequent big conventions trample through town, your options become much
slimmer, so plan ahead to avoid unpleasant surprises. The prices we've listed are for the
summer peak season. Taxes add 16.4%.
B&Bs give a nice bang for the midrange buck. Contact the
Chicago Bed & Breakfast
Many properties have two- to three-night minimum stays. Vacation rentals in local apart-
Hotels in the Loop are convenient to the museums, festival grounds and business dis-
trict, but the area is pretty dead come nightfall. Accommodations in the Near North and
Gold Coast are most popular, given their proximity to eating, shopping and entertainment
venues. Rooms in Lincoln Park, Lake View and Wicker Park entice because they're often
cheaper than rooms downtown; they are also near swingin' nightlife.
Wi-fi is free unless noted otherwise. You pay dearly for parking in Chicago; around
$50 per night downtown, and $22 in outlying neighborhoods.
Loop & Near North
HI-Chicago
HOSTEL$
( 312-360-0300;
www.hichicago.org
;
24 E Congress Pkwy; dm incl breakfast $30-36;
; Brown, Orange, Purple or Pink Line to Library)
Chicago's best hostel is immaculate, con-
veniently placed in the Loop, and offers bonuses like a staffed information desk, free
volunteer-led tours and discount passes to museums and shows. The simple dorm rooms
have six to 12 beds, and most have attached baths.
Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel
BOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
312-663-8910;
www.bac-chicago.com
; 440 S LaSalle St; r incl breakfast $169-209;
;
Brown, Orange, Purple or Pink Line to LaSalle)
Tucked into the 40th floor of the Chicago
Stock Exchange building, this 21-room hotel is not easy to find. The benefit if you do?
Elegant rooms so spacious they'd be considered suites elsewhere. There's also free ac-
cess to the namesake gym with lap pool.
Best Western River North
HOTEL$$$
MAP
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