Post: #1

Hey, I'm visiting Chicago solo (from London) October 2-8.

Its a game focused trip with the usual sightseeing stuff thrown in which is also great for day game.

I've done a shit ton of research and read pretty much everything on here about Chicago. I think I'll be ok early October but the problem is, the hotels are so damn expensive. Even Airbnb (which I've never used yet) is really pushing it. The cheapest I can find is the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile and even that's £800 for 6 nights.

The hotels are cheaper the further out I go from Mag Mile but I just wanted to check with peeps who have been/live in Chicago if staying in Mag Mile is critical to the logistics of game in Chic?

Thanks!

Post: #2

(08-19-2015 04:19 PM)Londoner Wrote:  Hey, I'm visiting Chicago solo (from London) October 2-8.

Its a game focused trip with the usual sightseeing stuff thrown in which is also great for day game.

I've done a shit ton of research and read pretty much everything on here about Chicago. I think I'll be ok early October but the problem is, the hotels are so damn expensive. Even Airbnb (which I've never used yet) is really pushing it. The cheapest I can find is the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile and even that's £800 for 6 nights.

The hotels are cheaper the further out I go from Mag Mile but I just wanted to check with peeps who have been/live in Chicago if staying in Mag Mile is critical to the logistics of game in Chic?

Thanks!

I haven't stayed at Inn of ChIcago but friends have. It's a non-descript, basic place. You shouldn't expect to pay much less than what you were quoted as $130 per night is a decent deal for a Mag Mile hotel. Rates are often twice that and more when there's a big convention or event in town.

As for where to stay, in order of preference:

River North
Mag Mile
Gold Coast
Loop (the closer to the Chicago River the better)

I'd choose River North because it's the most centrally located in that you're less than a 10 minute walk from the other areas I noted. Really though, all these areas are easily walkable from each other so I wouldn't get too worked up about where you stay - assuming you choose one of the areas I listed.

Post: #3

(08-19-2015 04:49 PM)Fader Wrote:  I haven't stayed at Inn of ChIcago but friends have. It's a non-descript, basic place. You shouldn't expect to pay much less than what you were quoted as $130 per night is a decent deal for a Mag Mile hotel. Rates are often twice that and more when there's a big convention or event in town.

As for where to stay, in order of preference:

River North
Mag Mile
Gold Coast
Loop (the closer to the Chicago River the better)

I'd choose River North because it's the most centrally located in that you're less than a 10 minute walk from the other areas I noted. Really though, all these areas are easily walkable from each other so I wouldn't get too worked up about where you stay - assuming you choose one of the areas I listed.

Thank you I really appreciate the advice. That makes my life a little easier then! I just got a nice price on the Dana Hotel And Spa in River North for £839 for 6 nights, everything seems to be within 15 minutes walk.

It was the game logistics I was concerned about. At least with Dana Hotel And Spa its a bit more 'bang' for my bucks, no pun intended!

Have you heard much about this hotel? It's on the corner of N. State and W. Erie St.

Post: #4

I know the Dana well. I was actually going to suggest it but figured it'd be out of your price range given how much Inn of Chicago was charging. The Dana is my #1 rec for visitors who want to stay in that area (I'm local, but I've stayed there several times).

The rooms are contemporary cool - wood floors, concrete ceilings, etc. Get a room on a high floor facing east, south or north (in that order) for a better view, though watch out for the sunrise if you get an east-facing room -- can be super bright and I don't remember their blackout curtains being the greatest.

There's alsoo a rooftop club (Vertigo Sky Lounge). I haven't been there in a long time but it's definitely worth checking out since you're staying there. There's a chill lobby bar too.

...and when you get back to the room at night and you've banged out some hot Chicago girl (or tourist), she'll likely be all sweaty and ready for a shower. Send her off and once she gets in, pull back the curtain between the bathroom and the bedroom and you'll get a nice show - there's a glass wall so you can see right in the shower from the bed. The view will get you ready for round two.

Post: #5

The inn of Chicago is kind of a shithole. Uncomfortable beds too. I was in the middle of a move and did hot wire "mystery deal" and got that hotel for about $70 or so. I've always gotten intercontinental in the past. I would also recommend doing river north over other areas.

Post: #6

If you want to book now, book one with free cancellation because the prices will go down closer to the date of your visit.

Post: #7

I'm from Chicago and never stayed in the Dana but that is a good location. You're nearby the river north bar/club scene (which is where I'm assuming you'll be focused) but can also hit up Viagra triangle for places to eat/drink/shop (even younger chicks flock there during the day I've seen plenty of smokes walking in and out of Tavern on Rush).

Post: #8

Agreed that River North should be your goal, preferably just west of Michigan Ave if possible for optimal logistics (the streets can be very confusing east of it and I didn't spot a lot of hot night spots). I'm not saying stay at the Trump Hotel, but if there is something a bit more modest maybe a few streets from the river I would aim for it.

Also, at least from my stay at the Sheraton, it appears Chicagoans like to start the day early. I didn't bother to put out my do not disturb sign and got woken up by roomservice at 8:15! That's never even happened to me in Manhattan.

Also, check out the club "Untitled". I was genuinely surprised at how good it was. Don't let the scale fool you. It can look empty even though there are a ton of people in the back - it's surprisingly large.

Post: #9

(08-25-2015 07:41 PM)beta_plus Wrote:  Agreed that River North should be your goal, preferably just west of Michigan Ave if possible for optimal logistics (the streets can be very confusing east of it and I didn't spot a lot of hot night spots). I'm not saying stay at the Trump Hotel, but if there is something a bit more modest maybe a few streets from the river I would aim for it.

Also, at least from my stay at the Sheraton, it appears Chicagoans like to start the day early. I didn't bother to put out my do not disturb sign and got woken up by roomservice at 8:15! That's never even happened to me in Manhattan.

Also, check out the club "Untitled". I was genuinely surprised at how good it was. Don't let the scale fool you. It can look empty even though there are a ton of people in the back - it's surprisingly large.

Thank you for the info. I currently have two hotels booked on booking.com with pay on arrival - and they are both in the area you describe, albeit pricey - but what you pay is what you get I guess