August 15, 2006

Curious George: Staying in Chicago Curious George: Where should I stay in Chicago in April, 2007?

I have to attend a huge conference in Chicago in April, but I have 2 problems: The website for the conference (AERA) seems to not give the location of the meeting. Since AERA is often like 30,000 people, I would assume it has to be a big center (the 2006 meeting was in the Moscone Center in San Francisco). So I am not sure whereabout to make a reservation. The other issue is that I do go to the conference, but I also want to have some access to interesting things to do in Chicago. In the past, I have had to stay in crapholes in places like San Francisco because I was a student and could not get funding for places closer to the action (I actually stayed in the heart of the Tenderloin in SF). Although I do not have a ton of cash now, I have more than 69.95 a night. The conference is 5 days, though. So, can the Chicago Monkeys or those who have stayed at a nice, reasonable place suggest anything for me?

posted by oflinkey 18 years ago
  • Oh, I screwed up the title. Damn wine!
  • You sure you are going to be OK travelling all that way by yourself? I always manage to stuff up the title too..
  • You're going to be at the Hyatt Regency. There are a couple of em but you're probably at the McCormick Place Hyattwhich is right next to the big ass convention center (McCormick Place)
  • At leat that's where your meeting is at. I wouldn't try and stay there. Parking alone should run you the 69 bucks a day...
  • Argh, how did you find that? I have ben trying to navigate the site forever and could not get to that. /bats her eyes at Argh /My hero
  • Whatever you do don't stay in The Loop. Yea it's closer to McCormick Place but it just sucks at night. If you want to go cheap check out Arlington House( it's a hostel). Get one of the private rooms (68.00). You'll be in the heart of Lincoln Park and centrally located to everything in the city. The Windy City Urban Inn is also in the heart of lincoln park but rooms (the cheaper ones they have) will run ya about 120. I've had friends stay there and rave about the place. If ya want to suck in yer cheeks and join the poser crowd, there's The Wicker Park Inn. Nearby there are tons of bars restaurants and people trying really hard to look cooler than you. (115.00) Remember that Chicago has insane hotel room taxes so anything you're quoted online or elsewhere goes way up when it's time to actually pay the bill.
  • Argh is pretty much all things Chicago.
  • Certainly when I go to Chicago I say "Argh!" a lot. Be sure to visit the Field Museum!
  • Last time I was in Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town, I set fire to a nun.
  • Hi, Chy!
  • Not right now, but I plan to be.
  • I actually stayed in the heart of the Tenderloin in SF You poor dear. How long did it take to get rid of the crabs? Sorry, I have nothing helpful to say. I stayed in the Hilton or something when I was there, because it was paid for. Be sure to explore the underground walkways!
  • Moooo!
  • Well, it sounds like you're looking for fancier and more private surroundings, but the Family Hostel (which I saw featured on WTTW's Wild Chicago a few days ago) sure seemed like a fun & interesting place to stay in Chicago, for the truly budget minded.