What parts of Chicago are ok to stay in for vacation? Which areas charge for parking?
December 21st, 2009 | by Michael |
bjmarchini asked:
I am planning our August Vacation for Chicago and am booking a hotel for a week.
I am planning our August Vacation for Chicago and am booking a hotel for a week.
The area that I am think about the most is near O’hare as this seems reasonably safe, doesn’t charge for parking (which can add up) and is a short distance walk to the “El” to take into chicago.
Other areas I am looking at:
Lincoln Park
Midway Airport Area
Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area
North Michigan Ave - River North Area
Skokie - Niles - Evanston
Skokie/Niles seems ok. Is this a nice area
Never been to chicago.
CURTIS
5 Responses to “What parts of Chicago are ok to stay in for vacation? Which areas charge for parking?”
By Baked n Blended on Dec 24, 2009 | Reply
Lincoln Park - you will have parking issues here.
Midway Airport Area - an alternative to O’hare. The Orange Line runs from Midway to the Loop. You can catch another train to Wrigley Field and places north. The Magnificent Mile (north Michigan Ave.) is within walking distance. There is very little to do in the Midwa area at night. Ditto O’Hare.
Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area - very nice. Millennium Park is a great park. Grant Park is just to the south of Millennium Park. The lakefront is a short walk away. IMO, this is where you will spend all your time due to it’s proximity to shopping, nightlife, activities. The Loops is the original downtown area and is named after the ‘L’ track that loops around it. Parking will be expensive since all the hotels charge you for parking ($25-35/night). You won’t need your car if you are in this area. Maybe park it at Midway then take the Orange Line?
North Michigan Ave - River North Area ….see what I wrote about Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area
Skokie - Niles - Evanston ….a little out of the way
Skokie/Niles seems ok. Is this a nice area - yes, it’s alright.
Also, check out the Chicago forums section at Tripadvisor.com for more useful info.
By snapoutofit on Dec 25, 2009 | Reply
Well you’re right about the parking, Ohare, and the Blue Line L stop. However, it’s still a long ride into the city on the EL and goes through some kind of icky parts.
We recently stayed in a hotel near Millenium Park, sort of. However, knowing parking was $40 a night we decided to take the train in and go without a car, which was fine.
If I were you I would search for a weeklong package deal right in the city somewhere (not Midway airport area though - ick).
It depends on what you want to see while in Chicago - museums, shopping, lakefront, whatever. You can do most of it without driving, public transportation is very good.
We stayed at the Hotel Monaco which was close to everything we wanted to do and it was really really nice, but cost $200 a night at Hotels.com.
Skokie/Niles is a nice area, but you’ll spend a lot of time just commuting in.
Places to see for sure: Millenium Park (look for schedule of free outdoor concerts, very nice), Navy Pier, Macy’s, Michigan Avenue, Grant Park, Museum of Science and Industry, rent a bike or 4-person surrey bike at Navy Pier and ride up and down the lake or bring skates, get tickets for Wicked, Blue Man Group, eat at Gino’s East for pizza, ride to the top of the John Hankock building or Sears Tower, take a boat ride along the lake. Gosh there’s so much to do. Get ticket for Sox or Cubs.
By Shrunken Fro™ now wearing hats on Dec 28, 2009 | Reply
Evanston is a beautiful city. You will have Northwestern University to see and the incredible Mansions. See about a hotel there and take the train into the city. The purple lines starts there and then you transfer on to the red line. I think anyone coming to Chicago should get on the train. When people come to visit me, we just leave the car at my place (I live in Rogers Park which is the north side) and take the train and they are always fascinated by the scenes. It’s a good way to see more than just the touristy places.
By chitownmink on Dec 29, 2009 | Reply
Are you driving or flying to Chicago?
If you’re flying, there is really no need to rent a car (and have to worry about parking). Chicago has a pretty extensive mass transit system which can take you almost anywhere you would want to go, including to/from both major airports.
Most of the more touristy (but worthwhile!) things to do are within a short train or cab ride from one another (or a decent walk).
Do NOT stay near either airport. Trust me, you don’t want to stay near either place.
Skokie and Niles are both nice, but you don’t want to stay in either of those places.
If you can afford it, stay somewhere downtown, near or on Michigan Avenue. Or, stay in the Gold Coast or River North.
Alternatively, Evanston is VERY nice. It is, I think, Chicago’s best, most beautiful suburb (I lived there for 4 years). Evanston has a nice lakeshore and there are several train lines that go right from Evanston into Chicago, so this could be a good choice for you.
Enjoy your time here. There is no better place to be in the summer than Chicago.
By Leslie on Jan 1, 2010 | Reply
I think if you go by the Millennium Park, Loop and Grant Park Area you will have a better scenic view. Especially if you have never been to chicago before