Chicago is a great city that has a long history of gangsters, scenery, ethnic diversity, and culture and is the home of the Sears Tower, O’Hare Airport, the Cubs the White Sox and the Bears. If you want to do something, no matter what that something is Chicago is a great place to do it. I mean, how many places actually dye a river green on Saint Patrick’s Day? The food and the amount of things you can do keep the town bustling around the clock.
Chicago is s sprawling metropolis and what that means is that you really need to get some sort of an idea of what you want to do before you arrive so that you can get a hotel reservation that is more centrally located to what you are doing. If you are unsure of where to stay, the downtown area is a safe bet because a lot of the cultural things are within walking distance, as is the Lake Michigan Shoreline. On top of that, the major interstates all come right into the heart of the city so you can go north, east south or west with ease, albeit it will be a bit pricey because the cab fares here are a tad bit high.
You can get to Chicago using wither O’Hare International or Midway. The choice here can be one made for either economic or fun reasons. O’Hare will typically be a less expensive place to land but is farther out to the west and Midway is a somewhat nicer place to land but smaller and as a result costs a little more but will put you closer to the down town area when you land.
You will find that the hotel rooms in this city vary a lot. You can get some great quality rooms that are nice and semi cheap and then you can get some expensive rooms that are terrible quality. So you will want to check online blogs and the like before making a reservation and wee what is being said about the places you are considering.
Also, not every place in the city has a good view. Some of them are in rather poor locations and have views of not a lot and often even are in areas that most people would consider as a place they would not feel safe leaving a car. Again online comments can give you some good insight on the area.
All things considered, Chicago is, in my opinion a must see city and one that contains enough charm that any minor issues you have are going to be worth it. Keep in mind that the tornado season is not a good time to visit and that a lot of the interstates in the area are toll roads and if you rent and drive you might be totaling up a nice amount in the form of tolls.
There are several downtown hotels that are NOT chain hotels that would be well worth investigating for the charm and ambiance that they offer the visitor.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Chicago Hotel Reservations
Chicago Holiday Events and Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss!
This year, take a break from the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays and truly enjoy this season with some of Chicago’s many holiday festivities. From light festivals and holiday markets to Santa Clause and “Reindog” parades, Chicago offers an abundance of holiday events easily accessible from most Chicago hotels. Here is this season’s guide to some of Chicago’s best holiday attractions your family will love!
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
On Saturday, November 20, 2010, celebrate the holidays with family-friendly fun and activities including stage performances, ice-carving contests, and the lighting of one million lights along the magnificent Michigan Avenue. This year is rumored to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever, so make your Chicago hotels reservations soon for the true holiday experience.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Experience a traditional German American holiday market opening right after Thanksgiving at Daley Plaza through Christmas Eve. This holiday tradition has brought the holiday spirit to Chicago for over 15 years, and offers special German Christmas treats, music, and entertainment throughout the season. Take a stroll through the snowy Christkindlmarket and you are sure to leave filled the spirit of a true German American Christmas.
Chicago Botanic Garden December Events
If you are looking for a holiday festivity your whole family will enjoy, including your dog, the check out the Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The festivities include the Wonderland Express train exhibit, Hanukkah Dinner, Breakfast or Supper with Santa, and Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus. You can also enter your pooch into the annual Reindog Parade-just make sure your Chicago hotels reservations are pet-friendly before bringing along Buddy the Basset Hound dressed like a reindeer.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
November 18 through January 9 of the New Year, the halls of the Museum of Science and Industry will be decked for this holiday season. The museum will showcase more than 50 Christmas trees each decorated by Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent their global cultures. The Holiday Stage will also feature various dance and choral groups for your entertainment. Perfect for all ages, your whole family will love strolling through the trees before heading back to your Chicago hotel rooms, especially as falling “snow” whirls all around.
Chicago is famous for its spectacular winter wonderland season and is the perfect place for a family getaway with your loved ones. With many Chicago hotels nestled closely to some of the best holiday festivities to choose from, your family will have a Christmas to remember and will look forward to their next holiday experience in Chicago.
Chicago Hotel Rates
Want to get away from it all this November, Chicago has lots to do and see and will definitely keep you and your family entertained. Making a Chicago hotel reservation is quite easy, the Windy City has all the hotels and price ranges you will need.
Whether you want five star pampering or something a bit more on the economy side (keeping your cash for spending on amenities and restaurants), Chicago has it and we can help you find it.So you are starting to plan your break, you have chosen your destination…Chicago of course.
What next? Well the next thing to do is choose what you want to do, how much you can squeeze in and whether you want to take the car. When you know what you can fit into your break you can start to look for someplace that is convenient for these locations. Now if you are bringing the car that’s a different story. Many of us however want to keep away from the drivers seat when we are on a short trip.
If you want to stay in a hotel that is the best of the best, consider the Drake Hotel. You are likely to bump into foreign dignitaries and celebrities during your stay in this Italian inspired, old-world styled hotel. It is also close to everything important in this magnificent city and boasts some of the best panoramic view of Lake Michigan available anywhere. The hotel’s dining room has won awards for its culinary delights.
Have you stayed in a boutique hotel yet? Do you know what that is? Well they seem to be all the rage now. These hotels came on the scene mainly in New york and London around the eightys and have been flourishing since. They are usually privately owned smaller properties often in interesting or historical buildings. Mostly they tend to be towards the higher end of the cost and luxury bracket and are often designed around a certain themes or idea. They usually have around forty bedrooms but have all the facilities of their bigger neighbors.
If this option takes your fancy than you should definitely try the James Chicago. I highly recommend this hotel situated just off the Magnificent mile. The location is fantastic with the best shops, niteclubs, restaurants etc all within a few minutes not to mention Navy Pier and the John Hancock Center. At Chicago-rates.com you will find the best up to date special rates for The James plus packages and last minute deals etc. This is fantastic for your first trip to the Windy City.
Of course if you’re just an ordinary traveler like most of us, any of the chain hotels will likely provide you with accommodations that are more affordable and perfectly acceptable. Chicago hotel reservations can be made online easily by visiting any travel site or the hotel itself. Pay by credit card and receive confirmation from the hotel by email. Be sure and book as far in advance as possible and always ask if the hotel is running any specials.
Discovering the Hotels in Downtown Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a city much romanticized in novels and movies. But who could blame writers and playwrights for paying homage to this great and bustling city? Chicago gushes with elan and vitality. One of the largest cities in the state of Illinois, Chicago is both a major business district and an important seat of culture.
Downtown Chicago
Downtown Chicago is the most hip and popular part of the city. The Loop area, in particular, is known for its very tall buildings. In the Loop tower massive skyscrapers like the Sears Tower, the Aon Center, and the John Hancock Center. Downtown Chicago is also the industrial area of the city, and there, major tourist attractions are found alongside offices and big financial institutions.
Because of the area’s popularity, there are numerous luxury hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois. These hotels provide a slew of lodging choices to visitors from far and wide. The hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois are known for their opulent interiors and incomparable customer service. Almost all boast of lavish furnishings and world-class pampering. It is, thus, no wonder that living in any of the hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois is living in style. You will be made to feel like royalty during your stay.
High-end Hotels in Downtown Chicago
If you intend to stay in this part of the city, be sure to check out some of the major hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois. These include the Fairmont Hotel, Hotel 71, Amalfi Hotel, Allegro Hotel, Monaco Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, the Congress Plaza Hotel, and many others. On top of ensuring that your stay is as memorable and enjoyable as possible, these hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois offer a wide range of services that include dry cleaning, banquet facilities, 24-hour room service, medical assistance, and even secretarial and translation services.
Low-end Hotels in Downtown Chicago
If, on the other hand, you are staying in Chicago on a shoestring budget, there are also a number of hotels that offer room rooms at very affordable rates. In some of these hotels, you can book a room for as low as $44 a night.
A common misconception among travelers is that cheap hotel equates poor service and accommodations. Such is not the case. The low-budget hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois offer wonderful amenities and services. All have free parking facilities; valet, secretarial, and laundry services; televisions, hair dryers, telephones, and clock radios inside rooms; and continental breakfasts sure to please even the most discriminating of palates.
Budget-friendly hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois include The Seneca Hotel & Suites, where rooms go for as low as $54. The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and The Hilton Garden Inn Addison also offer rooms for $60 and $62 respectively.
Chicago Airfares & Hotels: Finding Cheap Flights and Deals
Tourists who vacation here, are happy to find cheap flights. The money saved from booking one of these flights, can be applied to many other exciting activities. This location definitely offers a lot to travelers. There is something to do for every member of the family. And couples traveling here, will discover the romance and ambiance that makes this town great.
These flights allows vacationers to splurge on a number of things. Lodging is one of them. There are world class hotels throughout the city. After you’ve secured Chicago cheap flights, you will be able to stay wherever you’d like. You can look for economic locations, or those that are completely luxurious.
Business travelers often like to stay in close proximity to the airport. For this reason, Chicago O’Hare lodgings are popular. Some of the great hotels in this area are the Marriott Chicago O’Hare and the Ramada Inn Lake Shore. These are a quick drive from the airport, and onto your next destination.
Vacationers plan to stay in the city a number of days, and aren’t concerned with their distance from the airport. For those wanting to sample the quality of luxury hotels, the Magnificent Mile may offer what you’re looking for. This location is at the northern point of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and North Michigan Avenue.
The Magnificent Mile is world famous, and provides more than a few wonderful lodging accommodations. This area is known for its 4-star hotels, and the top of the line service they give to guests. Along this entire location you will also find fabulous shopping. There are luscious cuisine offerings here as well. Some of the most sought after chefs work in this part of the town.
Finding inexpensive airfares will allow you to truly explore the city. Attractions like Millennium Park are commonly visited by tourists. The park is located inside well known Grant Park. Here you may find concerts, theatrical productions and much more. There is also a stunning ice skating rink located right in Millennium Park.
For those who really love this area, there are great hotels here, too. The Hotel Monaco is one of these places. This lodging is located a t 225 North Wabash. It is only steps away from the park and offers a very scenic view from each of its rooms. Families will especially enjoy it here. Those traveling during the summer can experience a lot of pleasure from staying in this portion of Chicago.