Going to Chicago, hralp
 

I'll be in Chicago in mid-April for a conference. I am having a HELL OF A TIME finding a hotel for 8 days that won't run me a total of like $1500+. This is probably because I am looking in the Downtown area. The conference is right in the middle of downtown (I think), so I'd reallllllly like to try to find a hotel that is within walking distance (2 miles at most-ish).

If I move 10-15 miles away, hotels are much more affordable. I know Chicago is pretty renown (In the US anyway) for its public transpo system. Just how user friendly is this? Especially for a nub that that never used public transpo in her life. I am not opposed to taking a bus/subway to the venue every day if it's not going to be ridiculous to figure out.

Also, any recommendations for sightseeing / good eateries? Conference is 5 days, but I'll be staying an additional 2 to roam the town.

Doesn't matter, odds are you'll be shot and killed long before 8 days. I'd recommend hiring someone to go in your place.

H-O-T-W-I-R-E

Hotwire DOT com :D

http://www.hotwire.com/hotel/details...d=344593654149

EDIT: How to use hotwire somewhat effectively - Cross reference the dates/prices with the other hotels you see listed next to the "mystery" price. Be sure to adjust the price. Hotwire always sells their rooms slightly cheaper than on the actual hotel site.

Interesting. For some reason I always had it in my head that those hotel/flight search sites always overcharged.

not really.

Hotel charges say $180/night
Hotwire charges you $160/night
Hotel gets paid $130/night from Hotwire

That's about how it works most of the time.

if u get a hotel outside of the down town area, look north. do not go to far south or west.

all museums are free on Tuesdays

public trans trains are better than buses

food = Fogo de Chao or Als Beef or Giordanos or Lou Malnatis or Lawrys

and everything down town is within walking distance of itself

have fun!

Did the title of this thread get changed or did I /really/ miss that typo?

you really missed it, but i can fix it for you ;)

Hahaha. Herp derp.

Thanks for the info Sirken. REALLLLLY want to stay downtown but $200/night is so ridic.

fixed that for you.

also - http://www.google.com/hotels/?gl=US#...r=4,5;mf=z;si=