Hotel Recommendation Needed!!!

by Sarah Hope on Jun 30, 2006 12:25 PM CDT

I need a recommendation from you crazy kids for a great lakefront hotel (Sarah wants to tan!) for this weekend.

I don't want to say that my boyfriend and I are high-maintenance, but the nicer the better. Anyone who responds with anything that includes "8" or "Ho-Jo" will be punished accordingly.

Thanks! :)

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If

you're looking for a place downtown, you'll most likely have to walk to the beach anyway. It's just a matter of how far you're willing to walk.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 30, 2006 12:36 PM CDT reply actions

Ok fair enough.

I've never stayed in that area before, so I have no idea. What's the best bet for a nice hotel in walking distance? Any favorites?

I just want to be tan and relax.

she

by Sarah Hope on Jun 30, 2006 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

The

closest beach to downtown is the North Avenue Beach. It's a bit of walk from River East/Streeterville/River North/lower Gold Coast.

There's a really small beach near Division and is like half a mile south of North Ave Beach. You could walk to it from the lower Gold Coast, but you'd also be out of the way or the main attractions (Magnificent Mile, State Street, museums, etc...).

Honestly, if you're looking to tan, Chicago is the wrong place to go.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 30, 2006 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

And

if you end up not caring about the beach and just want a place downtown, the Embassy Suites at Columbus and Illinois is really nice. Across from that is the Sheridan, which is right on the river.

Hotels that might be cheaper would be the Mariott on Rush and the Hitlon chain has two hotels on Grand right by the Red Line. I can't recall their names, I think one is the Homewood and the other is the Hilton Garden Inn.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 30, 2006 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

are you a transient?

because i remember a place called the viceroy hotel that had a sign out front that said "transients welcome". it was probably the scariest place i've ever seen.

we stayed at a really cool place recently called hotel indigo on the near north side off michigan ave. no lake view, but a nice place with very cool and unique rooms (they all have wood floors).

the park hyatt is right on michigan ave by the shops, and walking distance to the lake. its expensive (300 ish a night, but you'll feel spoiled there.

we once stayed at the hotel monaco, also walking distance to everything, also a boutque hotel and they give you a free goldfish to hang out with during your stay, and a free wine reception in the evening.

the drake, which i've never stayed at, is supposed to be nice (but i think old-nice) and is walking distance to one of the nicer beaches downtwon.

once you narrow your search, check tripadvisor.com for lots of reviews

you probably already know this, but chicago has an ordinance that no buildings (except lakepoint tower, for some reason) can be built on the water side of lakeshore drive, so anywhere you stay will require a bit of a walk to get to the beach.

by tomas21 on Jun 30, 2006 12:36 PM CDT reply actions

Transients??

LMAO!! Scary!

Ok, you brought up a good point. What is the nicest beach? Where should I go? Do I have to rent chairs and all that stuff? I'm used to resorts! Help!!

she

by Sarah Hope on Jun 30, 2006 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions

north ave beach

is probably the most popular, and there is lots to do and people watching.

by tomas21 on Jun 30, 2006 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

and if you plan

on swimming bring a vat of purell with you, those illinoians pollute their water.

by tomas21 on Jun 30, 2006 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

so i hear

crazy illinoians and their polluting.

stuck in exile in Disney.

by Faith plus 1 on Jun 30, 2006 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Ugh, no matter.

Looks like it's going to rain. This sucks!

she

by Sarah Hope on Jun 30, 2006 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Last time

I came to town with my lady we stayed at the W Lakeshore. It's right across from Navy Pier and everything was great for the stay.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Jun 30, 2006 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

I wish I could tan.

I was out in the sun for 3 hours today and plenty of other days, and I'm not tan.

I hope you find a great hotel!

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on Jun 30, 2006 2:46 PM CDT reply actions

if all that

mexican blood can't get you tan, there's no hope for of northern europeans.

by tomas21 on Jun 30, 2006 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions

of=us

by tomas21 on Jun 30, 2006 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I think...

it's my dad's fault, so his Mexican genes didn't help me. He's so pale. I'm not as pale as him, but I have trouble tanning. I use to tan pretty well but not any more.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on Jun 30, 2006 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Try renting a condo

My brother-in-law turned us on to this. They're available in various sizes and price ranges. The best web site we've used is vrbo.com. (vrbo=vacation rentals by owner)

by cubzfan on Jun 30, 2006 2:58 PM CDT reply actions

n/t

http://www.goldcoastchicagohotel.com/index.html

by tomas21 on Jun 30, 2006 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

I used to work at a couple of hotels in the area.

Alot depends on your price range. If you are very high maintenance, you will want to check out the Four Seasons, Peninsula, Ritz Carlton, or Park Hilton. For a hotel that is a little less stuffy and more economical check out hotel 71, sofitel, hard rock, the W Lakeshore.

Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue.

by Cubby4life3 on Jun 30, 2006 4:31 PM CDT reply actions

also

the Drake is in a great location and right across the street from oak st beach

Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue.

by Cubby4life3 on Jun 30, 2006 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Way

to list the nicest/most expensive hotels in the city. Add the Palmer House Hilton to the list I guess, since it's the oldest and popular just for that reason. Plus, it's in a great location.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 30, 2006 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

doesn't get any better...

than the W. It's got a European feel to it and isn't far from Navy Pier. I would venture to say that their beds are the most comfortable that you will ever sleep on. When my wife and I stayed there a couple of years ago, we were blown away. After checking in, we got on the bed for a quick rest but as it turned out we couldn't get back up! As soon as we got home, we got on their website and ordered one for ourselves. I hate going to hotels now, because I know their bed couldn't possibly be more comfortable than mine!

Whassup, my cracka?

by Blood Brother on Jun 30, 2006 6:13 PM CDT reply actions

people tan

in chicago?

by Strickland843 on Jun 30, 2006 8:36 PM CDT reply actions

The Swiss...

If you want excellence and fabulous view then stay at the Swiss...The Staff is superb...

by DudeVf1 on Jun 30, 2006 10:20 PM CDT reply actions

Here's One...

http://www.preferredhotels.com/values/hotel_descr.asp?id=59604

...the Ambassador East. More Chicago history there than you could shake a stick at. My home away from home. Close to the beach as well. The Drake can also be described this way.

by BeerCub on Jun 30, 2006 11:29 PM CDT reply actions

Alright guys, LMAO

Yes, I know that Illinois is not the Sunshine state. But we are coming for other reasons (ever heard of some baseball team up there? I hear they suck somethin' awful this year) so I figured while I'm there, I want to relax in the sun at the lake. I mean, c'mon! It's summer!!

I'll be in the bleachers tomorrow, so if weather permits, I'll have plenty of sun.

Al, I'll come say hi! Thank you Ebay!!

she

by Sarah Hope on Jul 1, 2006 1:03 PM CDT reply actions