Visiting Memorial Day Weekend...parking questions/things to do (Chicago: how much, hotels)

[sl2050]

Hey everyone, we are coming for our 2nd visit to Chicago (I am thrilled!) and we are staying in Rosemont at one of the hotels (awesome deal on Priceline/Name your Price!) but last time we did this parking at our hotel ended costing us close to 70 dollars (for 2 nights) is there anything cheaper? We don't mind walking to get to our car (especially now that it is warmer) and we end up taking the 'El" everywhere to get into the city. Just wondering if there was any cheaper parking in that area! Also is there anything exciting going on that weekend? I read that the aquarium opened that weekend and there is a parade...anything else that I should know about? Thanks!

EDIT: I got to reading in on stuff, is it possible for us to park at the O'Hare airport in the Economy Parking and ride the train back to our hotel? We really don't need our car, just to drive up and then back to Indianapolis on Sunday.

[Drover]

There isn't any reason why a hotel way the hell out in Rosemont should be charging for parking. If it is, find a different hotel. I wouldn't park at O'Hare to take the train into town. Park at the Park & Ride at the Rosemont or Cumberland stations -- parking in these lots is relatively cheap (see here for a rate schedule). Or better yet, there are certain parts of the Blue Line where you can park within walking distance of a station for free along a side street.

As for what to do, it would help us narrow down our responses if you let us know what your interests are.

[sl2050]

If I park at the Rosemont Park & Ride do I have to move my car every 12 hours? I am scared that they will tow it. Oh, and as for fun we are just looking to do something fun. We aren't real picky, last time we were there we walked around and shopped, but now we want to go see some stuff. Navy Pier is on the list of things to do, and probably the aquarium (we have never been to one). I read about this Hot Dougs place and it sounds like they have good food. Any good places to eat? We are all about the family owned type places. Usually on long car rides we stop at small towns and eat at mom and pop type restaurants. Diners and stuff like that is what we like....any suggestions?

[long101]

uhhhh a hotel in Rosemont was charging $35 a day to park?!? Thats how much hotels off of Michigan ave charge in the middle of the city. That is prolly why the hotel was so cheap they ********* over on parking. You can find tons of amazing 'small' restaurants in Chicago everything from Italian to Thai. What kind of food are you looking for and we can make some suggestions. I would also check out all of the neighborhoods, china town, wrigleyville, little italy, Hyde park it will really give you a feel for the city.

[sl2050]

We like all kinds of food. We love Italian and I am a huge Chinese fan. Of course we are always about all "american" food too. I would say that we like a little bit of everything. We love food, we aren't that biased. haha.

[Drover]

Well if you want a gourmet twist on "all-American" food, Hot Doug's is the place. Don't be surprised if there's a line. For good ol' red-sauce Italian, there's a local chain called Leona's that hits the spot. For tacos and burritos, hit up one of the three La Pasaditas on the corner of Ashland and Division -- I prefer the sit-down restaurant, but many swear the walk-in stand across the street has the best burritos of the three. For the best burger in town and the best biergarten pehaps on all the Midwest, make you way up to Moody's. Be prepared though -- cash only. For something a little different and off the beaten path, I suggest checking out the restaurant in the back of La Unica, a small Latin grocery store up near the Loyola University campus. Honestly, you should find plenty of interesting places to eat just by walking around town.

As for your concerns about how to pay for overnight parking at the Rosemont station... I really don't know if you can do that. You might need to pay every 12 hours. That said, there are places where you can park near a train station for free if you're willing to drive into town a bit. Also, have you asked your hotel if they have a shuttle from the hotel to the Rosemont station?