Amenities Columns

$$ | Miles | Fit | Kit | I'net

$$

This column indicates the typical price range of this hotel. We use the following codes: E=Economy (under $50), M=Midrange ($50 to $100), U=Upscale ($100 to $150), L=Luxury (over $150). Please note that room rates fluctuate (seasonal popularity, special events in the area, etc.).

Miles

The approximate distance in miles from the exit to the hotel. These are calculations using GPS data. Distances along city streets will be somewhat different but this should give you a good idea of the distances to Discount Hotels near the cited Interstate exit.

Fit

Hotels, near the Interstate exits in Chicago, offering  'fitness' or exercise facilities are indicated with an F in this column. If the hotel also has a spa, it is so indicated by an S in this column. Most hotels define a 'spa' as a large hot tub with built in water jets. In a few cases, fitness facilities and spas may be off-premises (entry by pass issued by the hotel) in which case dressing rooms are also present for your convenience.

Kit

Hotels, near the Interstate exits in Chicago, offering a full kitchen or 'kitchenette' are indicated with an 'K' in this column. An 'M' in this column indicates microwave available. If the room also has a refrigerator, it is so indicated by an 'R' in this column. Many hotels have some rooms furnished with microwaves and small refrigerators but you have to request them. We list them only if there is not an additional charge (or so they have informed us).

I'net

Hotels, near the Interstate exits in Chicago, offering Internet access are indicated (with an M for dial-up and W for wideband) in the I'net column. Please note that 'wideband' facilities vary. In addition to a network port (usually installed in the docking station), we suggest you bring along cables and your Windows distribution CD (in case you are required to load a special network driver). For 'dial up dataports', you would only need a modem and an RJ-11 patch cord (which you should always have with you, anyway).

To check rates, amenities or make hotel reservations, just click on the hotel name.

.

CHICAGO

   You don't just stop and spend an hour or two in Chicago. At the very minimum it takes a day to see anything or do anything - and there is a lot to see and do.
   As with most Visitors' Bureaus, you can request them to send you a tourist packet which includes all kinds of information about the area. Chicago's calls itself a Tourism Bureau - and they are multi-lingual: French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.
   We've never stopped there nor do we know how to get to their visitors' center but they will be happy to direct you.
  You can phone them at 1-877-CHICAGO - toll-free (1-877-244-2246).
   The last time we toured Chicago with grandchildren we stayed at the Homestead in Schaumburg (see above) and hired a limo. Yes! a limo. The driver knew exactly where to go and how to get there - was always ready for us when we exited the museum or whatever and we had no traffic or parking problems. And it was a lot less expensive on both the wallet and nerves than taxi or rental car. Ask at the front desk of the Homestead and they can make arrangements for you.

continued in column 2

 (continued from column 1)

  In the Windy City, visitors will find a great culture, diverse food, magnificient skyscrapers, dramatic architecture and a colorful population. Chicago boasts more than a handful of architectural achievements, from the towering Sears Tower to the Tribune Tower, whose base includes stones from famous buildings throughout the world. Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago can be whatever you want it to be - a sports fan's paradise, a music lover's mecca, a shopper's delight, a culture-seeker's dream. Just don't for a second call it boring.
   Chicago is home to the Chicago Bulls NBA basketball team, two baseball teams - the Cubs (National League) and the White Sox (American League) plus the Bears of the National Football League. Tickets can be hard to come by - especially at the last minute. If you would like to watch one of their games while in Chicago, Ticket-Lady.com can probably get your tickets at a pleasant price. Or, if you already have tickets but find you will be unable to use them, Ticket-Lady.com would be most happy to buy them from you. You can be sure there is someone out there looking for those tickets.
   Reserving a room in a fine hotel in the Chicago area is very easy here with Hiway-Guide.com. Just select the community with a left-click of your mouse and then select the hotel of your choice. You can even request desired amenities.