How to Find Luxury Hotels in Illinois

Illinois is located in the Midwest region of the United States. The state is divided into the largely urban northern half, comprising Chicago and the suburbs, and the more rural western and southern sections. Visitors looking for shopping, cultural attractions and lasting memories should consider visiting Illinois.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Internet capability for research and reservations

Know Illinois

1. Venture outside of the usual tourist attractions in Illinois. With the historic capital of Springfield, the beautiful green spaces of Rockford and the rustic style of Galena, Illinois is a dynamic destination.

2. Pack a variety of clothing for your trip to Illinois. The temperatures are fairly moderate throughout the summer, spring and fall, with cold winters requiring warmer clothing. Pack comfortable attire for a variety of activities.

Travel in Illinois

3. Use a rental car or truck to get around the state of Illinois. While Greyhound and Amtrak offer routes through Chicago, much of the state is only accessible by personal vehicle.

4. Book plane tickets through Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports. Both facilitate national carriers and discount airlines, with airfares ranging from $150 to $500 per ticket. Rental cars, shuttles and other transportation can take visitors from the airport to their destination.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Illinois

5. Stay in quaint inns and hotels throughout Southern Illinois. Visitors to Springfield and Carbondale, for example, can find both national hotel chains and local lodgings for a reasonable price. Hotel accommodations in Southern Illinois range from $75 to $150 per night. To book accommodations, contact the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

6. Spend a bit more money to stay in Chicago's beautiful downtown hotels. Luxury hotels in Chicago can cost upwards of $200 per night but offer all the modern amenities and style for the jet-setter.

7. Find accommodations near the suburban shopping centers just outside of Chicago. Cities like Schaumberg and Waukegan have major malls, retailers and shopping centers that attract regional attention. Hotel accommodations run from $75 to $125 per night for a reasonable-sized room.

Learn Local Attractions in Illinois

8. Journey into the past with a trip to the Lincoln Home National Historical Site in Springfield. This site features the home of President Abraham Lincoln and a restored 19th-century town that can only be viewed on foot.

9. Take a day trip to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. With dozens of earthen mounds from early native cultures, this is a great destination for history buffs and those interested in America's heritage.