Newbie Chicago tourist (Lincoln, Erie, Warren: 2014, rental, how much)

[deebin]

Would like to visit Chicago for the first time. Probably will fly into Midway. I won't have a car.

Downtown hotels are quite expensive. I was hoping that some on this Board could recommend some inexpensive hotels that I can stay at within a short subway ride to downtown.

Maybe even mention a few must see attractions if you care. Thanks.

[marothisu]

You will need to learn how to use deal sites like Travel Zoo, Hotwire, Priceline, etc. The base rates for hotels downtown can be expensive, but knowing how to utilize the sites above can get you a good hotel for a definite discounted price. How much per night are you looking to spend on the hotel? When do you plan on visiting and for how long? You could also look into doing something like Airbnb.

Also, what sorts of things are you into? Are you into Music? Theater? Food (if so, what kinds?)? Nightlife? Sports? Architecture and history? Museums and other cultural stuff? Do you want to be in an area that has a good amount of street life during the day or do you not care?

[scratchie]

Great museums, if you like museums (Art Institute, Field Museum, Science & Industry). Lincoln Park Zoo is a good, small zoo in the city. Don't forget to try some stuffed pizza and Harold's fried chicken.

[knitgirl]

Try airbnb: Warren Buffett Airbnb: Berkshire Hathaway tries to lower costs at its shareholder meeting in Omaha.

[chet everett]

Real hotels or even true licensed bed & breakfast operators are hurt by the crooks behind AirBnB -- The rise of AirBnB.com and the illegal, short-term rental | InnkeepingBlog.com

Bed-and-breakfast licensing advances - Chicago Tribune

[Chicago60614]

when are you coming? What's "expensive" to you?

[dittoCO]

I'm planning a trip to Chicago as well. I heard great things about the Days Inn in Lincoln Park and had decided to book there, however, at the last minute I got a smoking good deal through Southwest for my flight and a hotel in River North.

[OyCrumbler]

Where in New York are you? Can you ride a houseboat from Lake Erie to Lake Michigan?

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by dittoCO

I'm planning a trip to Chicago as well. I heard great things about the Days Inn in Lincoln Park and had decided to book there, however, at the last minute I got a smoking good deal through Southwest for my flight and a hotel in River North.

The get a much bigger "cut" if they keep the money "in house" and they tend to use that advantage to offer some really terrific package discounts. They even have their own web / smart phone application to promote these offers -- https://www.southwest.com/html/ding/what-is-ding.html