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Chicago Hotels

Chicago Hotels

What's On?                     Overview                     Prepare                     Highlights 

Chicago, Illinois, is the third largest city in the United States, behind New York and Los Angeles and hotels in Chicago are in high demand as the city attracts over 45 million visitors a year. The area probably most associated with Chicago is known as 'the loop'. This area encompasses most of the city's exceptional architecture and many of the most well known Chicago attractions including the iconic Sears tower. It is the heart of Chicago - home to the business district and also the theatre district, however nightlife within this area is somewhat limited and for this reason hotels within the loop are cheaper than those you will find to the north - still, transport links to the rest of the city are good so if you are on a budget, it may be a good idea to book Chicago hotels within the loop.

After a trip up to the dizzying summit of the aforementioned Sears Tower, you should consider a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago near the harbour, which houses some of the world's finest paintings including works by Monet, Van Gogh and Gaugin. Certainly a must see for any art fanatics.

Just to the north of the Art Institute you will find Millennium Park. Completed in 2004, this is an area of greenery in the middle of a sprawling city, complete with fountains performing spectacular water shows, al fresco restaurants and impressive sculptures. Indeed, Cloud Gate, one of the most famous modern landmarks in the USA is located here. Many will know it better from its nickname, 'the bean'.

If you are travelling with kids or you are an animal lover yourself then you will definitely want to stop by Lincoln Zoo. The two best things about the Zoo are the collection of Apes and Gorillas which are considered to be amongst the best in the world, and the price - totally free! If sports are more of your thing then try and catch a baseball game at Wrigley field - home to the Chicago Cubs and one of the most historic ball parks in America.

To find the best prices available on hotels in Chicago, simply complete our short form on the left and click search.

Overview

Overview

Chicago grabs life with zest - stunning skyscrapers erupt off Lake Michigan's shores, and the neighbourhoods are an ethnic rainbow. Culture is first-rate and, although the local sports teams might not be, Chicago fans never forsake them.

See

In the city that invented the skyscraper with the ten-storey Home Insurance Building in 1885, the urge is always to build higher. But most structures pale before the soaring Willis Tower and the John Hancock Building. Explore underwater life at the John G Shedd Aquarium, terra firma at The Field Museum and see stars at the Adler Planetarium.
Spend

Get the plastic out for shopping at the upscale boutiques and malls of Michigan Avenue. Browse the art galleries and antique shops of River North, and find funky fashions in Wicker Park and Bucktown. Fill most of your needs on State Street at Macy's.
Get Out

Stroll along Lake Michigan or Oak Street Beach. Pose for a picture in front of the Cloud Gate, a reflective sculpture shaped like a giant bean, or marvel at Frank Gehry's huge steel ribbons in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Amble around Lincoln Park and commune with the zoo's great apes.
Culture

The United States' second city has first-class culture. Peruse Picassos at the Art Institute of Chicago. Look skyward to see the stained-glass splendour of the world's largest Tiffany dome, inside the Chicago Cultural Centre. Catch the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or a play at a Downtown theatre or in Lincoln Park.
Eat & Drink

Treat yourself to American standards like steaks, pizzas and hot dogs in The Loop, River North and Lincoln Park. For baklava (sweet pastry), go to Greektown, or for moo shu (stir-fried shredded pork with scallions) try Chinatown. Dine out in the South Side for soul food – African-American specialities such as collard greens, southern fried chicken and ham with black-eyed peas.
New Perspective

For 130 years of architectural history, from pioneering steel-frame construction to the more free-form designs of today, jump aboard the free 40-minute Loop Tour Train.

Prepare

Prepare

The Windy City can blow you away so be prepared for all kinds of weather. Winters can be brutal and summers sometimes sizzle. Bring moisturisers and mufflers for winter and suntan lotion and layers for the rest of the year. Good walking shoes are a must.

Chicago Year

Savour Taste of Chicago (Jun-Jul). Hear great music at Grant Park during Chicago Blues Festival (Jun), Chicago Country Music Festival (Jun/Jul), Chicago Jazz Festival (Aug-Sep) and in Millennium Park at Chicago Gospel Music Festival (Jun). Feel the glow of the Lights on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) (Nov-Mar).
Public Holidays

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Martin Luther King Day (15 Jan), Presidents' Day (19 Feb), Good Friday (Apr/May), Easter (Apr/May), Memorial Day (May), Independence Day (4 Jul), Labour Day (Sep), Veterans' Day (11 Nov), Thanksgiving (Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec).

Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, but balmy days happen. January is most chilly – 6ºC, rising to 23ºC in July (73ºF). Pack boots for winter travel (annual snowfall is 762mm). Springtime is wet.
Electricity

110 volts AC, 50Hz; standard two-pin plugs are used.
Dialling Code

+1 USA, 312 or 773 Chicago.
Money

The currency is the US dollar ($).
GMT

GMT - 6 (GMT -5 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).
Chicago Tourist Info

Chicago Office of Tourism website

Fit In

Don a Cubs baseball hat or a Chicago Bears shirt and be one of the crowd. In the evening, smart dress is the norm for fine dining, while funky fashion works for the bar scene.

Get Around

Get Around

Divided by the Chicago River and bordered on the east by Lake Michigan, each compass point has a different personality.

Many of the main attractions are in the Downtown or surrounding areas, but it is worth venturing further afield if you have the time. The transit system (CTA) makes getting around the city and out to the suburbs easy.

The El circles the Loop past chic restaurants, theatres, the LaSalle Street financial hub and the State Street shopping haven. East is the lake and Lake Shore Drive bordered by sleek, high-rise buildings. West is Oak Park, home of Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright. Head south towards Hyde Park, the intellectual enclave of the University of Chicago.
El

The elevated train, the 'El' or 'L', is the quickest way around. Eight colour-coordinated lines snake around the city to the airport and a few northern suburbs. Apart from the yellow suburban Skokie line, all can be accessed from the Loop.
Bus

Buses connect with the 'El' and go where the train does not. Bus routes are also more scenic but can fall victim to sluggish traffic.
Taxi

Hailing a cab in busy spots along Michigan Avenue, the Loop or Wrigleyville is a piece of cake - as long as it is not during morning or evening rush hour.
Foot

For short trips, foot power works best. Escape the weather and crowded Downtown streets by burrowing through the underground 'pedways' (pedestrian walkways or subways). They link 40 blocks of streets and provide access to many buildings, stations and shops in the Loop.
Train

Metra, the South Shore Line and Amtrak serve the suburbs and surrounding areas. They are quick and efficient.
Trolleys

Free trolleys run to Navy Pier, the Museum Campus and State Street along Grand Avenue and Illinois Street.
Boat

During the balmy months of summer, Shoreline Sightseeing operates 42-seat water taxi boats between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus.
Transport Tips

The CTA Visitor Pass offers 24-hour unlimited rides and can be bought online or at the Visitor Center, airports and CTA stations. In the Loop, driving in the city is not for the faint-hearted. Traffic is congested, parking meters almost non-existent and parking fees outrageous.
Time Travel

Most of the city was destroyed in 1871 by the Great Chicago Fire. Hull House at UIC campus survived. Travel south to the Museum of Science and Industry, a remnant of the 1893 World's Fair or north to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, built in 1914. Climb into the clouds at The Skydeck or marvel at the futuristic architecture in Millennium Park.
Chicago Transport Link

Chicago Transit Authority website

Regional Transport Authority for Chicago website

Highlights

Highlights

When viewed from its pylons on an Architecture River Cruise, this cavernous city can be overwhelming, but it is easy to navigate, Chicagoans are friendly and there is much to see.

The city is set on a grid, which makes getting around easy. While strolling Michigan Avenue discover the Impressionists at the Art Institute of Chicago. To the east, stretching 800 metres into the lake, is Navy Pier. Climb aboard its giant Ferris wheel. Travel south to the Museum Campus, where the belugas reside at the John G Shedd Aquarium, mummies rest in The Field Museum and planets spin at the Adler Planetarium.

Explore the ethnic enclaves on one of several Chicago Neighbourhood Tours. See orthodox churches on the Ukrainian Village Tour, learn African-American history at Historic Bronzeville or enjoy a taco at Pilsen and Little Village.
Sightseeing Tips

Tuesday is free at the Adler Planetarium and Art Institute of Chicago. Buy a City Pass for discounted admission to the Art Institute, The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, John G Shedd Aquarium and The Skydeck.

Content provided by Frommer's Unlimited © 2009, Whatsonwhen Limited.