Miracle Mile? Navy Pier? Suggestions... (Chicago: hotel, home, safe neighborhoods)

[tiffani]

We're trying to book a hotel for our Chicago trip in May. I'm assuming the MM is the best place to stay since it's tourist driven and a nice part of Chicago? What about the Navy Pier area? Good, or stay away?

Can anyone recommend a nice hotel in a good location? We're interested in good bars, nice (but not fine dining) restaurants, and shopping. There are 7 of us and we'd love to find something in the middle or within *safe* walking distance of all the action.

Could you also tell me what part of Chicago to avoid?

Thanks in advance!

[desibear]

Stay where Oprah sends it guests to stay, in the Hotel Omni! Half kidding there but you could choose just about any hotel in/around mag mile that fits your budget and you'd be fine. Avoid staying near Navy Pier b/c then a lot of stuff you want to do will require more walking or cabbing.

[aragx6]

There's a Hilton Garden Inn and a Sheraton Four Points who both sometimes offer weekend deals.

But yeah, anything near Mag mile is fine. You might be able to get a slightly cheaper place in the loop, but you'll be a bit farther from the action.

[jessiegirl_98]

It's Magnificent Mile, not Miracle Mile and yes, both of those areas are good. There are a zillion threads on what areas to avoid (search the threads), but you'll be fine in that area. You can also use priceline for that area to get a good deal.

[tiffani]

Originally Posted by jessiegirl_98

It's Magnificent Mile, not Miracle Mile and yes, both of those areas are good. There are a zillion threads on what areas to avoid (search the threads), but you'll be fine in that area. You can also use priceline for that area to get a good deal.

Duh. I'm an idiot, I meant Magnificent Mile.

Thought I'd take the slack way out and just start another thread. Sorry for being a PITA.

[Drover]

Mag Mile and Navy Pier are right next to each other anyway. Stay near one and you'll be within walking distance of the other.

[Lookout Kid]

I'd recommend staying near the intesection of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. You'll be close to all of the Mag Mile action and Navy Pier, but will also have access to the Loop for architecture tours, Millenium Park, and State Street. In terms of areas to avoid, nearly all of the areas immediately surrounding downtown are now safe neighborhoods with the exception of Cabrini Green, who's southern edge is several blocks directly west of the Watertower/Hancock Center area. You'd really have to go out of your way to stumble over there, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. There are a few homeless shelters in the immediate vicinity of downtown and the YMCA on Chicago Avenue, but I really can't say that avoiding these areas is paramount. There are hundreds of tourists walking by the YMCA daily, and most of them don't even notice except for a small spike in panhandlers.

[Lookout Kid]

By the way, just to warn you... Navy Pier isn't that much fun.

[GoCUBS1]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

By the way, just to warn you... Navy Pier isn't that much fun.

....unless you have kids.

[tiffani]

Originally Posted by GoCUBS1

....unless you have kids.

I do, 4 of them, the oldest in 5 (see why I need a vacation?). But....this is a girls trip, the kids are staying home with hubby.

Thanks for all the replies, you all have been a big help!