Discussions

Hello everyone! Myself & my bf are planning to go on a 4 day trip to Chicago for an event happening in the new year. The event is near the Navy Pier. We have looked into different hotels but still not sure. So with that being said here are a few of my questions.  
 
How did you travel? (Plane, drive?) What would you recommend for cheapest travel option? Are there an good, cheaper hotels near the navy pier? Have you used Booking.com before?  
 
Also in our short trip we are looking for some things that are a must see/do well down in Chicago!  
 
Any information/ideas will be greatly appreciated! TIA

I love Chicago. Amazing city. Navy Pier is great.  
 
Do you have a passport? You will need that to fly. Unsure about the DL as I have had a passport for 45 years.  
 
You cannot say cheap and Chicago in the same sentence. The airport is a solid hour from the Navy Pier area.  
 
Driving is minimum of 15 hours each way, gas, hotels, aggravation. Driving in and around Chicago is not for the meek.  
 
Flying is confusing. I went with AC, which co-shares on United, which uses a United feeder airline. I got lost in O'Hare.  
 
I love Chicago, gorgeous city. Strolling up and down South Madison, Nay Pier fireworks, Millennium Fountain, Miracle Mile shops, Looking over the world from the top of the Hancock building.

Thanks everyone! This is all great to hear! Have you guys used Expedia before? On there we found a hotel room (a few miles) for $100 Canadian a night! I just want to check in and make sure that its a good site!

Expedia works fine.

Beautiful city, lots to see and do. I always check tripadvisor for things to do before going.  
 
We flew and took an airport transport shuttle to our hotel, booked the return to the hotel at the same time. We stayed downtown and walked, used public transportation.  
 
Expedia is a good site, I would really make sure you are close to the area, $100 per night sounds too cheap to be true in Chicago!!! If you are really far away from Navy Pier and where you want to be, you will spend a fortune on cabs and transportation, waste time travelling etc. Make sure you can cancel your hotel room, I hate being locked into one if I find a better deal or better location.

I've been really digging up research and it's about 2 miles away from the navy pier. We are thinking possibly about driving after talking with family. It's the best western. The $100 doesn't i:nclude taxes in that price as well! We are honestly mainly going down for a 2-day event! (Possibly sightseeing the second day)! Along with this comes insurance...Thoughts on insurance and where did you get it from?

Expedia and bookings, also try Travago.com.

I highly recommend checking out Buddy guys Legends  
700 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60605. Buddy is playing there Thurs to Sunday all month. I've seen him 5 times now and his place is off the charts. I make it a must when in Chicago.

Amtrack had a train that goes from Rugby, ND to Chicago. It leaves in the evening and arrives in the afternoon the next day. It's a nice option - cheaper than flying but takes longer. Train isn't always on time so give yourself some wiggle room. The station is right downtown. If you're hotel is somewhere along the Subway line it is pretty easy to manage and a cheap way to get around in the downtown area and to the main attractions.

call the same hotel and book yourself. I have found that it is often cheaper to do so yourself then to book thru a third party.  
 
Been to Chicago...and the Navy Pier... great place to visit.

We are planning on going to Chicago next summer. anyone have any info on camping..?(travel trailer)

Check out the Chicago City Pass saved us a lot of money!