5 2008-12-03T23:29:58+00:00 <p>When visiting Chicago, you have a number of options of how you want to spend your nights. If you hope to focus your attention on the Downtown area, it would make sense to pick a hotel near Michigan Avenue. </p><p>There are countless hotels and whether you're looking for classic comfort or a boutique feel, you have a number of options. If you're in town for a conference at McCormick Place, it makes sense to stay down there at the Hyatt. But if you're at a show Downtown, your options open up. </p><p>Most hotels these days have great amenities, including Wi-Fi, business centers and more. But that's just for the business traveler. What about you, who's just here to have fun? There are the chains you find everywhere (Hyatt, Hilton, Westin) and smaller hip spots like the James, Hard Rock and the W. We also have historic hotels like the Drake, the Belden-Stratford or the Palmer House, which just underwent a major renovation.</p><p>If you don't want to stay downtown, your options become slimmer but you find intimate hotels or B&amp;Bs in Wicker Park, Bronzeville, Lakeview or other neighborhoods. Unique offerings exist on quiet, tree-lined streets all over the city -- and depending on where you want to spend your time, it might make sense to explore these off-the-beaten-path options. If you're visiting friends or family and you know you'll be at their home or in their neighborhood more than Downtown, save your money on cab fares and find a place closer to them.</p><p>However you choose to spend your time in Chicago, you can lay out a lot of money on a four- or five-star luxury space with top-notch restaurants and spas or you can be just as comfortable in a more budget-conscious setting. Chicago's hotel offerings are as varied and diverse as the city and its residents.</p><p>Regardless, you should spend more time figuring out how you're going to fill your days and nights and worry less about where you're going to sleep. This is Chicago after all. Get out there and enjoy it.</p> 1 292 Accommodations 5-accommodations-featured-articles 2010-02-19T21:26:33+00:00