Chicago, located on the edge of huge Lake Michigan, is the third largest city in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles, and one of the most visited. Staying in Chicago, the capital of Illinois, without spending much it is not complicated, although it is certainly not a cheap city, especially if you want to sleep in the city center.
Nicknamed The Windy City, due to the strong winds that often blow over Lake Michigan, Chicago is a city of international prestige and unparalleled beauty, which attracts millions of visitors every year.
Chicago is the home of blues and true jazz, and one of the main world centers of theater and comedy. If this is your first trip to Chicago you will have plenty to see and do, such as eating a Chicago-style hot dog, seeing the famous "The Bean", do one river cruise and much more.
One of the most amazing things about Chicago is his picturesque skyline made up of many skyscrapers, many of which are famous all over the world, such as the Willis Tower and 875 North Michigan Avenue. No less interesting are the luxurious theaters, the shopping streets and renowned restaurants offering the best of international cuisine.
If you want to visit Chicago well, even a week would not be enough, it is an impressive city with many art and science museums world-class, kilometers of beaches and huge historic houses parks, but also monuments, famous neighborhoods and one of the most beautiful modern architecture in the world.
Where to stay in Chicago
In a city as big as Chicago it is very important to choose the right neighborhood or area to sleep in. In general, the more central the neighborhood or area is, the better it is for getting around, for safety, and for what it offers in terms of attractions, things to do and see.
Magnificent Mile: the best area to sleep in Chicago
Certainly the best sleeping area in Chicago is on the Magnificent Mile, la main commercial artery of the city. It is located on the northern side of Great Michigan Avenue, which is why it is also known as N. Michigan Avenue.
Among the main attractions is the Water Tower, one of Chicago's best-loved landmarks. It is the busiest area of the city, both day and night. There are so many bars, restaurants and shops, and it's a safe area even at night.
The only negative are the accommodation rates, the highest in the entire city. Difficult to find a hotel with the price per night for a double or twin room below $ 200.
Still, if you want to stay in the best area of Chicago, these are the ones best hotels in the Magnificent Mile area:
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Park Hyatt Chicago
The Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile - best value for money
Four Seasons Chicago
The Whitehall Hotel - the cheapest choice
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago Loop: Chicago's financial district
Chicago Loop, also known as Downtown Chicago, is the central, financial and commercial district of the city. It is bordered by the Chicago River to the north and west, Harrison Street to the south and Lake Michigan to the east.
The tallest buildings in the city are located in this neighborhood, forming the striking Chicago skyline. In this area is located the Millennium Park, the main park in the city, as well as the Theater District e numerous museums.
There are many hotels, therefore you can find any type of accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget ones. Among the advantages of the area also an efficient public transport system that allows easy connections with other areas of the city and with the airport.
It's a'modern and very lively area during the day, with many shops and restaurants. Even if the area empties a bit in the evening, it is still a safe area and a good choice for those looking for a quiet neighborhood at night to stay.
The besti hotels in downtown Chicago I'm:
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago - best quality / price ratio
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
Hotel Essex
HI Chicago Hostel - the cheapest solution
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
River North: for lovers of nightlife
River North is a lively neighborhood both day and night, with numerous art galleries, shops, tourist restaurants, and various nightclubs and bars. It is the best choice for those who love the nightlife and look for various evening entertainment.
For those looking for accommodation with good value for money, in this area there are many hotels of good standard with prices even under $ 100 a night for double or twin room.
The best River North area hotel I'm:
Found Hotel Chicago River North - best quality / price ratio
Freehand Chicago - best quality / price ratio
Ohio House Motel
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago - if you want to stay in one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city
Best Western River North Hotel
Lincoln Park: the best area for families with children
Lincoln Park is one of the best areas to sleep, especially for the families even with very little children. IS one of the greenest neighborhoods and most popular in the city, perfect for those who want to dive in real Chicago life.
In the area they are located important attractionsi like the University of De Paul, the Church of San Miguel and beautiful parks, including the fabulous Lincoln Park Zoo, a very nice place to visit for both adults and children.
Staying here allows you to be close to other important areas such as Old Town, the historic area of Chicago where there are two of the most famous theaters in the city, Steppenwolf and Second City.
The best hotel for families with children I'm:
Inn at Lincoln Park - best quality / price ratio
Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago
Chicago Getaway Hostel
Hotel Lincoln, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
Streeterville: near Magnificent Mile
The Streeterville neighborhood is located across the famous Magnificent Mile boulevard, in the area near Lake Michigan. Although it is an expensive area with luxurious hotels, you can still find good accommodations in hotel without spending much.
The best Streeterville area hotel I'm:
Inn of Chicago
The St. Clair Hotel – Magnificent Mile
Dewitt Hotel and Suites
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Near the Chicago airport
LChicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the major airports in the United States. Many of the flights to various American destinations stop at this large US airport.
If you have to do a long stopover at this airport or if you have a I fly early in the morning, and prefer to sleep near the airport so as not to miss your flight, the best hotel near the airport are the following:
Best Western at O'Hare - best value for money - free breakfast and shuttle
Motel 6 Chicago O'Hare - Schiller Park - cheaper solution
Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O’Hare
Wyndham Chicago O’Hare
Where not to stay in Chicago: the dangerous and avoidable areas
Chicago, through the films, has very often been portrayed as a violent and dangerous city, thankfully in reality this is not the case. The central, modern and commercial districts of the city are not as dangerous as the university areas and hipster neighborhoods are.
I most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago are: West Garfield Park, Riverdale, Auburn Gresham, Fuller Park, Gage Park, Grand Crossing, Chicago Lawn, Chatham and the entire Englewood area. It is advisable to avoid these areas both during the day and especially at night, and therefore not to stay and sleep in these areas.
When to go to Chicago
Being a windy city and located near Canada, the best time is summer, from May to September. In this period you can enjoy long sunny days and maximum temperatures above 20 degrees.
Also spring and autumn they can be a good time to visit Chicago. The maximum temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees, although the minimum temperatures can go a few degrees below zero.
For those looking for a low cost trip to Chicago, winter period (not including Christmas and New Years), early spring and late fall are a good time for a budget vacation in the Illinois capital.
Le rainfall they occur more or less regularly throughout the year, with a slight increase during autumn and spring, and less during the summer. Pay attention to what to pack, remember to insert warm clothing and also suitable for windy days.
