Visiting Downtown Chicago (Lincoln, Tremont, Grant Park: hotel, live, restaurants)

[hemdroid]

hey everyone! i'm visiting downtown chicago in october.
I need some help with someone familiar with chicago to tell me which area is best to stay at.
I've narrowed it down to 3 locations. my main concerns are 1) safety, 2) close to night life i can walk to and from at night 3) close to attractions

the 3 locations i've narrowed down are:
1) Tremont right next to JOhn Han**** center
2) Travelodge right next to Grant Park
3) Howard JOhnson Inn right next to merchandise mart on LaSalle right above the river.

Thanks so much for your helps!!

[Avengerfire]

Go with the Tremont.

[hemdroid]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm leaning toward that one, but any reasons?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by hemdroid

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm leaning toward that one, but any reasons?

It is more safe. You have a better ability to walk around there. And the biggest thing is the quality of the hotel itself is better at the Tremont.

[hemdroid]

awesome thanks so much for the input!
How do you feel about taking the CTA at night time? good idea? or should i walk around instead.
it'll be just me and my gf.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by hemdroid

...How do you feel about taking the CTA at night time? good idea? or should i walk around instead....

I depends where you are going to go,what buses you are going to take and/or what trains you are going to take.

[UICJohn]

The Tremont would be the best for sure. If you're by the Hancock, then it's right by the Mag Mile and closer to some of the more major attractions. For example, a walk straight down Michigan to Grant Park will get you to see Grant Park, Millenium Park, the Art Institute, the Mag Mile, and good views of buildings like Trump Tower, Wrigley Building, etc. Rush Street isn't far for nightlife. However, if the poster wanted to go elsewhere, the Red Line isn't far away (the stops on Chicago and State is probably an equal distance as the one on Clark and Division) which can take you to Lincoln Park which also has some great restaurants. Don't want to make it to be just a bar area.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by hemdroid

...
the 3 locations i've narrowed down are:
1) Tremont right next to JOhn Han**** center
2) Travelodge right next to Grant Park
3) Howard JOhnson Inn right next to merchandise mart on LaSalle right above the river.
...

I'd go with the Tremont, too.

I don't know who told you that the Howard Johnson is "right next to Merchandise Mart" and "right above the river."

I live next to the Howard Johnson, and while it's only a 10-12-minute walk from both the River and the Merchandise Mart, no one in their right mind would say it's "right next" to either of those things.

The Howard Johnson is also only a 10-minute walk from Michigan Avenue at the Watertower, but, honestly, unless you're planning to drive and want parking, there's really no good reason to stay there. The rooms are dingy, the staff is surly, and while it's not far from things, it's not particularly close, either. The only benefits I see is that it has a cheap diner, and it comes with free first-come, first-serve parking for guests.

All of those places are safe enough that safety shouldn't play into your decision. But the Tremont is your best choice for proximity to sites and facilities quality.

[hemdroid]

i really appreciate it guys!!!
if i enjoy my stay, i would really love considering moving there.
i love the city. I'm from los angeles and its much too big here. LIved here for almost 30 years and i think its time to try something new.

[trickygal]

Another vote for the Tremont. Everytime I walk by the ho-jo, I can't help but think when are they going to tear down that place?