Dear Tony,

I think you know I’m on my way to Chicago with my friend Timmay in a few weeks – we will be there in a couple days and are wondering if there are any inexpensive but nice _and_ safe places you would recommend we stay at. We arrive on a Thursday, then we’re going to see a game at Wrigley Field on a Friday afternoon, then leave that Saturday AM.

We have no idea if we should try to stay in the city somewhere or a suburb and then take the train in.

Any suggestions you have would be very appreciated.

Yes Tomdog I know of yours and Timmmmmmmaaaaay’s plans. And I celebrate them!

I’d stay downtown. It’s safe enough for Oprah and theres lots more happening there than the Burbs, trust me, i know. Sigh.

If i were you, I would use a Priceline/Hotwire type name-yr-own price site, but first I’d do a little research with a message board like Better Bidding dot com. This is a good forum, for example.

These are two areas I’d recommend: The Loop, and “Magnificent Mile – Streeterville”. Below are some hotels in those areas based on star-rating. I would pick the hood you want and bid like $95 a night or something. Start from there. When I fly to canada I always use Hotwire and I usually get really good rates on really nice rooms.

Chicago (The Loop)
4* Hotel Allegro (previously 3.5*)
Amenities: Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business

4* Hotel Burnham (previously 4.5*)
Amenities: Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business

4* Palmer House Hilton (previously 3.5*)
Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business
OR
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business
(same as W Chicago City Center)

4* W Chicago City Center (previously 4.5*)
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet
(VP now shows Hi-SPeed Internet, making this the same as the Palmer House Hilton)

4* The Wit
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Spa

Chicago (Magnificent Mile – Streeterville)
4.5* Hilton Conrad (previously 4*)
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business
(same as Inter-Continental and The James)

4.5* Inter-Continental Chicago (previously 4*)
Customer Favorite
Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business

4.5* James Hotel (previously 4*)
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Laundry, Spa
OR
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business
(same as Conrad Hilton and the Inter-Continental)

4* Hard Rock Hotel
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business
(Restaurant only added recently)
(same as Hyatt and Sheraton and Westin River North and Inter-Continental )

4* Hotel Felix
Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business, Spa
(same as Hyatt and Swissotel)
OR
Amenities: Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Smoke Free, Hi-Speed Internet, Business

4* Hotel Monaco Chicago (previously 4.5*) (moved from LOOP zone)
Amenities: Boutique, Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business

Good Luck!