I agree with Lisa.
Try the burbs if you are concerned about LE. You can stay in the burbs and hobby during the evening. Then take a train to downtown/mag mile during the day and see the sights.
Glenview, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook and Schaumburg all have plenty of hotels plus trains that go downtown. While the hotels are not within walking distance to the rail lines you could get to them via a taxi for a reasonable price.
I'm considering making a trip to Chicago in May--- I have NEVER made it to Chicago before, so I wanted to check and see the general consensus on the best parts of town to stay... places to avoid, etc. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!!
Grace
Well it depends. There is downtown, or the burbs, which are Oak Brook, Schaumburg, and Rosemont (Ohare). There are more suburbs, but those mentioned are the more popular one to visit.
It comes down to price and what you want to do when your are here inbetween dates!
Ok-- question. I've found some great deals on hotels in the area, with one of my more favored ones being in the area of the Magnificent Mile. Is that a decent part of town both in terms of safety and ability to get to?
It is a decent part of town and safe. Staying downtown is a doubled edged sword. You are in the heart of Chicago and it will be easy for you to get there and around town. But, some hobbyist will not venture there ( parking, traffic, so on). If you are in one of the burbs, again the traffic issue and distance becomes an issue for some as well.
I'm sorry, but there is not a cut and dry answer to your original question. I hope this has helped and I hope you enjoy your visit!!
Very much so! Thank you!
one other thing to consider - Chicago is a most puritanical town when it comes to LE
an amazingly ridiculous amount of manpower goes into busting working women at mag mile hotels.
if you work in the city you must screen well.
I'm very cautious with my screening. I avoid sites where screening isn't the norm and expected. I've been warned about screening in the city. Part of me wants to stay in a suburb.. but on the other hand, I've never been to Chicago-- so I'd like to be able to take the opportunity to soak in the city a bit while I'm there.
Thanks so much!!
Grace
Unfortunately, this time around I don't have the luxury of time. I'm only staying 3 nights. However, pending on how this trip goes, that can all change.. its a relatively quick drive for me.
Grace,
In order to maximize your access to clients, you will want to choose Downtown/Magnificent Mile AND one suburban location...city guys rarely venture to the suburbs and suburban guys rarely venture downtown. If you have to choose one, and this is your first visit, stay on the Mag Mile. Way more for you to do as a tourist/visitor. Oakbrook, for example, is nice, but nowhere near as interesting a place to stay/visit. Have a great visit!
I would do burbs.....
LE loves downtown, screen well. Keep in mind parking prices. And higher hotel deposits.
Burbs are quieter.....rooms are reasonable. Perfect for gentlemen who does not want to deal with traffic...which be a hot mess.....watched traffic from the "L"
I agree with Lisa.
Try the burbs if you are concerned about LE. You can stay in the burbs and hobby during the evening. Then take a train to downtown/mag mile during the day and see the sights.
Glenview, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook and Schaumburg all have plenty of hotels plus trains that go downtown. While the hotels are not within walking distance to the rail lines you could get to them via a taxi for a reasonable price.
I believe I'm just going to bite the bullet, stay an extra day, and split my visit between Oak Brook and the Magnificent Mile. Seems to be the easiest overall solution.
I think you will enjoy that experience. Best of luck with your bookings and, hopefully, the weather will be nice. If you have down time, enjoy shopping and dining on the Mag Mile. If you are into art, don't miss the Art Institute on Michigan Ave. In Oakbrook, enjoy the large, beautiful mall. Antico Posto and Seasons 52 are wonderful restaurants!
I'd highly recommend the Rosemont/O'Hare area. Let me know if you need a doubles partner