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JHromadka · Jul 21, 2005, 11:33 PM

Hi, I'm going to be going with my sister to Chicago for the weekend in late September. We're going to go to a Cubs game and maybe a White Sox game as well. What would be a good hotel that we could stay at that would be kinda near the stadiums and have easy access to the CTA Red line?

Captain Obvious · 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by JHromadka

near the stadiums and have easy access to the CTA Red line?

All the ones downtown are near the red line. But none are close to both. Each stadium is about 3500 north and south so staying downtown puts your right in the middle.

The 4 seasons is half a block from my place, as are all the upscale ones... the Peninsula, Sofitel, and the Drake are the nicest and close to the stores. Including the Michigan Ave Apple store and the tourist bars.

That said, I would stay at the W (Lakeshore) or the Hyatt Regency on Wacker.... because they have good bars w/ hot women in house. OK honestly, I would stay at the W just because I really like it the best.

edit: Sox game in Sept? Good luck paying less than 3x face value. We'll be close to the playoffs.

ManOfSteal · Jul 21, 2005, 11:56 PM

The Peninsula.

baw · Jul 22, 2005, 12:27 AM

Embassy Suites on N State St.

cjrivera · Jul 22, 2005, 12:28 AM

I would second the W. Great place to stay.

budster101 · Jul 22, 2005, 01:26 AM

"W"... very very $$$

At night it rocks.

MOTHERWELL · Jul 22, 2005, 01:33 AM

I am staying at the W this weekend for Lollapalooza. Every time I am in Chicago I stay at the W. There is a hotel by the lake, and one in the Loop -- near all the business.

budster101 · Jul 22, 2005, 01:52 AM

Very close to Navy Peir as well. You can walk there faster than it takes for a cab ride. Weird.

Captain Obvious · Jul 22, 2005, 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by budster101

"W"... very very $$$

At night it rocks.

Neither is the most luxurious or expensive in the city. Those titles still belong to the hotels up here on North Michigan. The two I mentioned though do have the perk of having a lot of 20 something's around there on weekends.

And while W has been a staple on the scene the past few years Hard Drive is the bar d'jour this summer. Which is why I put the Hyatt in second. It is also less expensive which might be a factor if you are in town with your sister rather than a real girl. So weigh your options. I am doing a weekend at the W with my ex once they get the new spa open solely because of the atmosphere. Its a lot more contemporary than the other nice hotels so the guests tend to be more upwardly mobile, trendy, and single. And while I do like the bars at the 4 Seasons and the Peninsula they are not places you go to just to swill beer and rock out.
If you want to go cheap and convenient there is a Red Roof Inn about a block from the Grand stop on the Red line. Its actually closer (walking vs cabs) to everything you requested. Its just not some place I would recommend.

ManOfSteal · Jul 22, 2005, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

And while I do like the bars at the 4 Seasons and the Peninsula they are not places you go to just to swill beer and rock out.

Haha, true. I have seen people show up at Nomi's (in the Peninsula) and thinking it's that type of bar. They last about 5 minutes.

residentEvil · Jul 22, 2005, 07:07 AM

I always stay at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker; I'm there every St. Pats weekend. Walking distance to almost everything you want for food and shopping and then just a taxi ride to the stadiums. Not being the most in-shape person, I have walked to Shedds, Field Museum and the Art Institute from the Hyatt so it isn't that bad of a walk. Taxis make it quick though. If you have the time, get the Museum Pass thingy available at any of them. It lets you into all the big ones plus the aquariam and the planitarium for a good price. Well worth it.

JHromadka · Jul 22, 2005, 08:00 AM

Thanks for all the ideas everyon. I'd like to stay at an inexpensive place if I can, so any that are closer to $100 a night? Captain Obvious, it looks like tickets are still available for White Sox games that weekend.

residentEvil · Jul 22, 2005, 09:06 AM

Weekend rates will always be higher than Sunday - Thursday rates. Use the hotel websites to narrow your search down with your price range.

residentEvil · Jul 22, 2005, 09:10 AM

Looks like something big is going on in Chicago the week of September 18th - 24th as many of those dates are sold out for the cheaper rooms downtown; and why for example, the Hyatt has 'em at $280 a night! Yikes.

Captain Obvious · Jul 22, 2005, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by JHromadka

Thanks for all the ideas everyon. I'd like to stay at an inexpensive place if I can, so any that are closer to $100 a night? Captain Obvious, it looks like tickets are still available for White Sox games that weekend.

I think even red roof is like 140 a night down here. You might just want to priceline it and check off the Mich Ave area. I know there are some less than stellar hotels that I have never understood how they manage to stay open over near the Rock & Roll McDonalds but I can't remember what they are named.
And yeah, if you buy tickets now they should be available. But don't wait too long especially if it is that last weekend when we play the Twins series.

budster101 · Jul 22, 2005, 09:20 AM

The "W" is something like $360 per night.

Our bill was (Paid for) but came to $500 total after taxes for two nights and we got a special rate....

JHromadka · Jul 22, 2005, 04:03 PM

I've never used priceline before. If they use my price, am I stuck with whatever hotel they pick?

JHromadka · Jul 22, 2005, 04:05 PM

There's a HoJo on 720 North LaSalle Street, is that in a good area that I can easily get to the Redline from?

Captain Obvious · 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by JHromadka

There's a HoJo on 720 North LaSalle Street, is that in a good area that I can easily get to the Redline from?

That's the one I couldn't remember by the Rock & Roll McD's.
No, its not a bad area and its maybe 4 blocks from the El. I would still gamble with Priceline since you are looking at the worst hotel in the area now by going with the HoJo. There's nothing dilapidated anywhere near there but that HoJo looks shady. With Priceline I think you can choose the minimum type of hotel you are willing to take by its rating. So if you want no less than a 3 star hotel it will only look at those rated that and better. It may not be great odds of finding one at that price but it doesn't hurt to try since there are probably close to 30 hotels within a mile radius. I haven't used priceline in a few years but I am sure it hasn't changed.
And the only thing that far into Sept I know this year of is the U2 concerts and the Sox series. The Triathlon is earlier in the month and that always sells out the Hyatt because its the HQ for the race events. Though there may be conventions I dont know about.

ManOfSteal · Jul 22, 2005, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by JHromadka

I've never used priceline before. If they use my price, am I stuck with whatever hotel they pick?

Yes, but it's well worth it. I've always been "upgraded" actually...it's great.

JHromadka · Jul 22, 2005, 05:50 PM

Well I tried priceline and it did hojo anyway, but it was only $85 a night so I'm happy. Thanks everyone!