Chicago Hotels

Nicknamed the Second City, in reality, Chicago is second to none. Known as much for its blues — and blues brothers — as it is for its famous gangsters and deep-dish pizza, Chicago is also a mecca of art, theater, dining, and other culture.

Chicago hotels offer visitors a bit of everything. Accommodations run the gamut from bargain hotels to luxury hotels in Chicago's downtown. Guests spend the day taking in the city's many sights and tours and head to a ballgame at historic Wrigley Field, one of the best in the U.S., or they enjoy one of the many world-class museums and take in some of the first-rate theater in the evening, topping it off with a nightcap and a view of the town at the Hancock tower's Signature Lounge. Navy Pier is a great place for families to keep busy between getting some rest at one of the top Chicago hotels.

Chicago Neighborhoods

Chicago is divided into over 70 different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct feel and flavor. The Downtown Loop, or city center, is the commercial and financial district, and many of the city's cultural institutions are located here as well, including the Magnificent Mile, a shopper's paradise, and Grant Park, where guests can choose to stay at the luxury Talbott Hotel. Travelers seeking one of the less expensive Chicago hotels opt for the Days Inn on the North Side, located right in the middle of the most dense population center of the city and near Lincoln Park.

The South Side is Chicago's largest area and includes many parks and public beaches. Also located here are Jackson Park, site of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the Museum of Science and Industry (the last remaining building from the Exposition), and U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. The West Side is known for its ethnic enclaves and is home to the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. Overall, visitors should try to find Chicago hotels they can use for a base of operations because this vast city and all its sites can't be explored in one day — or even a week.

Other notable neighborhoods include:

Gold Coast

• Designer stores (Hermes, Prada) and luxury boutiques on Oak Street
• Rush and Division St. nightlife; fine dining at Carmine's, Gibson's Steakhouse
• Walkable to Oak Street Beach and the Mag Mile; easy access to Lake Shore Drive
• Locals Know: Weekends lure cougars and daddies to the "Viagra Triangle."

Downtown

• Windy City landmarks: Willis Tower, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, "The Bean"
• State Street shopping, Chicago Theatre, Orchestra Hall and the Art Institute
• Easy access to taxis, buses, Metra and the L
• Locals Know: During summer, take a water taxi along the Chicago River.

Magnificent Mile

• Major retailers, Hancock and Wrigley buildings, Tribune Tower
• Pedestrian-friendly streets; easy access to the L and Lake Shore Drive
• Gut-busting eateries from Lawry's prime rib to Billy Goat Tavern "cheeseborgers"
• Locals Know: Hit the Signature Room in the Hancock for drinks with a view.

Museum Campus

• World-class exhibits at the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium
• Stroll through Grant Park; Soldier Field, McCormick Place, Northerly Island
• Easy access to taxis, CTA buses and Lake Shore Drive
• Locals Know: Gasp over the sparkling skyline views from the planetarium.

O'Hare Airport

• Convenient to the Allstate Arena, Rosemont Theatre and western suburbs
• Minutes from the convention center in Rosemont
• 45-minute train ride from downtown via the CTA blue line
• Locals Know: Check out the huge Brachiosaurus dinosaur in Terminal 1.

River North

• Popular and trendy dining: Ed Debevic's, Lou Malnati's, Quartino, Topolobampo
• Late-night clubs near Hubbard St, Blue Chicago and Redhead Piano Bar
• Walkable to the Loop and Mag Mile; easy access to the L and 90/94 expressways
• Locals Know: Load up on glam goods and antiques near the Merchandise Mart.

Chicago Quick Picks and Tips

Conventions

Chicago has several locations that attract trade shows from around the country. The Merchandise Mart is one of the more popular venues and is the yearly host of the National Prom Market, the USA's largest business-services trade event.

Dining

Food in Chicago: plentiful, diverse, and tasty of, course. Chicago is known for its Italian and Polish food. Lou Malnati's, which has several Chicago locations, is famous for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Major Point of Interest

Chicago visitors won't want to miss the Art Institute of Chicago and its impressive collection of Asian, modern and American art and much, much more.

Shopping

Any shopper booking a room in one of the many Chicago hotels shouldn't forget the Magnificent Mile. This section of Michigan Avenue is filled with history, shopping opportunities, and other entertainment to make your trip more than worthwhile.

Sports

Chicago has two major-league baseball teams, the Cubs and White Sox, and given the fierce loyalty of each team's fans, it's a good thing their respectivce parks are located so far apart. NFL fans have the Chicago Bears, while hockey fans root for the Blackhawks, and basketball fans cheer for the Bulls.