i plan to fly into chicago this weekend and i'm looking for some suggestions as i've never been there.

what airport is best to fly into if i plan to stay downtown? midway or o'hare?

i've heard it's useless to rent a car in chicago? is this true as i'm thinking the $29 for one at least from the airport to hotel might be worth it to save on cab fare?

lastly. what would be a really nice place to stay in chicago that will put me as close to the center of all the fun as possible? looking if possible to be able to walk out of my hotel and down the main strip if there is such a thing..

please fill me in on any suggestions!

 

Fly to midway, it will most likely be cheaper and you won't be stuck in traffic, since it is in the city and not like ohare which you will have to drive at least an hour in traffic on the 90/94. If you plan to go sight seeing, get a CTA visitors pass, it;s an all you can ride pass for the whole weekend and it is totally worth it, if you rent a car parking in downtown will kill you, it;s at least 15$ per 1/2 hr. Check out the CTA website and get a train map at the airport, visit Navy pier and take a free trolly to Michigan avenue shopping magnificent mile, it's pretty amazing, there are tons of dining options, go to taylor st for some fine italian dining, I recommend Rosal's on Taylor and Racine, you must eat the Fried Ravioli for appetizer, for greek food go to greek town, it's not far from downtown, there is also Chinatown on Cermak rd (22nd St) you will find great 24hr chinese dining.

There is also a visitors pass which you can get a public library which will get you to any museum in the city for free! You just need to go to the library leave a deposit of $20.00 and they will refund opon return of pass, as far as the night life, you have many options, I'll recommend Excalibur for dancing it;s 5 floors of different music styles, for a good latin night club/restaurant you must go to RUMBA on Hubbard st, google it, trust me you will get laid!!! Go at 9 pm for free salsa lessons, and it's live music with no cover charge, the food is great and the Mojitos are pretty awesome!, and did I metion the tons of ladies? Trust me, it's a man's paradise there. email me if you need more suggestioins.

menegrande@gmail.com

have fun

 

thanks alot... what about a really nice hotel that's somewhat close to the action?

 

Definatley Midway!!! Best hotel for your buck is the Raddison. It's 1 block from Michigan Ave. which is right where all the stores,clubs,bars will be. I live just 30 miles from chi-town but go and stay there about once a month for the weekend. May I also suggest Benni-Hana's Japanese restruant, it's very good, and 1 block from the hotel also.

 

check travelzoo.com for specials in chicago, I always got rooms at the Hyatt for 69/night they had some sort of specials..

 

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/260829

I don't know if this will fit your budget, but this a extremely nice hotel.