A question for Chicagoistas:

If someone was theoretically considering a trip to Chicago, what are areas to look at for hotels that 1) aren't so ritzy as to be unaffordable, 2) aren't kind of skeezy for someone traveling alone, and 3) are accessible for public transportation to fun landmarks and whatnot?

There's a Best Western just north of downtown that is convenient and relatively cheap (compared to the Loop hotels). It's also known as the Inn of Chicago.

There's also several Club Quarters locations in and around the loop that are supposed to be quite reasonable.

BTW, let us know when you're in town, we'll have to have a little get-together! I was just reminded this morning about the little Polish hole-in-the-wall I took MFNLaw to last year. I'd love to get back there soon--I'm craving their white borscht and potato pancakes!

You should also try Priceline for naming your own price at some of the hotels right downtown in the middle of everything. A girlfriend and I tried it the last time we were heading to Chicago and were pleasantly surprised.

I had planned to hit some of the discount websites, but since I've never been to Chicagoland before, I didn't know how to know which areas were good choices.

I haven't decided yet if I'm doing the trip. It would be a birthday gift to myself, but I'm not sure yet that I can justify the expense. Must do more research! But yes, I would love to get together with localistas!

Well, I've asked for leave to come to the F2F.

Make sure when you book your hotel, wherever it is, that you're within a block's walk to the L, then you can get just about anywhere in the city. However, other than the Museum of Science and Industry and UofC, there really isn't much of tourist interest on the South or West Sides. If you get a place either in the Loop, just north or west of it, or even up in Lincoln Park area, you'll be within striking distance of most of the usual haunts.

If you have a nice day weatherwise while you're here, make sure you head over to the river for an Architectural Society tour on the water--it's a great way to spend a nice day and you get a nice view of the city. Also, there are free walking tours available from the city greeters program. You can make your pick from a huge list of themed tours and your guide will be a local volunteer who's a big geek on the subject. Those are very popular with travelers.

For meals, try and stick with the neighborhood restaurants as opposed to the tourist traps or places in the Loop. Here's a really comprehensive list of "neighborhood restaurants" from a local foodie website where I've gotten some great recs (including that Polish place I mentioned upthread, Podhalanka).

Thanks Kathy, your post is totally marked!

Hey, speaking of F2Fs, any news on the hotel front?