Things You'll Need:
- computer
- internet connection
- time
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Step 1
Plan ahead. If you are flying book your flight way in advance. The earlier you book hotels, the better off you are. This is the way to lock in great rates with hotels in the Loop and the Mag. Mile. Use a site like Kayak that will search multiple sites, and then give you the lowest prices. If you cannot find a hotel in the Loop, try looking for a hotel out by O’Hare. Make sure the hotel has a free shuttle to the airport. This way you can catch the shuttle to O’Hare and pick up the Blue Line (elevated rail) there. The Blue Line can have you Downtown in 45 minutes. Depending on traffic, and then finding parking, driving yourself may take just as long and cost more. This is a great strategy for people who are traveling by car, and people making last minute weekend trips. These hotels are filled with business travelers during the week, so they usually have great weekend rates to fill all their rooms. You can sometimes get a really nice room and decent hotels for a fraction of their equivalents in The Loop. You can get a CTA pass at O’Hare and save a bundle of money in the process.
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Step 2
Ditch the car. Yes, ditch the car. Unless you are staying out by O’Hare, finding a hotel with free parking is not really possible. CTA (public transit) is wonderful and it can get you about anywhere you need to be. If you must drive, consider finding a garage without in and out privileges (they are usually cheaper) and getting a CTA pass. If you are looking for alternatives to driving, look to public transportation.
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Step 3
Skip the mini bar. Yes many of the hotels have a decent mini bar, but it isn’t worth it. Even if you are staying in the business person’s hotel, it will be cheaper to shop in their mini store than your mini bar. Chicago has Walgreens stores almost every block. Stock up on food and beverages there and save some money. FYI watch out for weight sensitive fridges. Some hotels are going that route and it charges you for items by weighing the content. If this is the case, you will not be able to use the fridge.
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Step 4
Search online. Of course the standard online search and using social networking tools can help you find free and cheap attractions. Remember, places like the Lincoln Park Zoo is always free, The Art Institute has free admission on Thursday evenings between 5:00-8:00 and there are many wonderful parks like Grant Park and Millennium Park in the loop. You can easily find more places just like by using your computer. You can also find suggestions for cheap but decent restaurants. If you in Wicker Park, be sure to check out Penny's Noodle Shop right under the Blue Line stop at Damen. Maybe Mexican is more your style? There is a little restaurant called Su Casa just blocks from the Mag Mile on Ontario. It has authentic food and the price is right. You can find just about any type of restaurant to fit your budget.
