Who will love Chicago? Couples, families, architecture fans, music nerds, sports lovers, food critics and anyone looking to book a cheap hotel will all find something to interest them. Chicago is unarguably enchanting—its mix of uptown class and downtown funk make it a fun and interesting area to explore when you have a cheap hotel room to stay in. Anywhere you walk, the buzz of the El Train is singing right beside you, and the flavor of working class bars are never more than a short cab ride away. Some of the tallest structures in America punctuate the Chicago view as you enjoy international food fare at your convenience—there are plenty of vendors with exciting new foods to try at every block.
The sound of the underground is a neat accent to Chicago’s rich landscape. Its sparklingly tidy city streets, the Great Lake Michigan, the charming variety of outdoor recreational facilities, affordable hotel rooms and suites, and historical buildings stir in the foreground. Chicago is a city with many kinds of spice: major sports fans, admirers of fine art, and theatre appreciators have all found a place for themselves. In Chicago, you can see theatre productions from A-level acting troupes, and explore the fashion world at high-end boutiques or small shops on the fringe of the latest trends. If you prefer a patient food experience to street caters, enjoy a five-course meal as you dine in at some of the country’s finest restaurants.
When is the best time to visit? From June through October the Chicago weather is at its best. Its winds are not as strong and you can count on the sun to show itself. Unless you prefer arctic temperatures you should avoid the span of November through March—although you can be sure to find a cheap hotel with bargain prices during these months. Also iffy is April through August when the weather won’t settle down–forecasts range from rain bouts to suffocating humidity. However, again, because of the weather, these are good months to get a cheap hotel.
Where do I great deal a on a premium hotel room? For two culture enthusiasts planning to explore Chicago on a budget, there are affordable cheap hotel options. Hotel Burnham in the Loop district and The James Hotel on E Ontario Street both offer rooms starting at $300, which is a deal at a cost split between two travelers. Remember that Hotels always add extra service charges and Chicago’s 15.4% room tax is another expense to keep in mind. Your safest budget hotel bet is to ask about these charges before you book your room.
How do I get around? A car in Chicago can be inconvenient; traffic gets pretty heavy, and good luck finding street parking, not to mention the private-owned city parking lots are way over priced. Public transportation is by far the best choice for exploring Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system of trains and buses is pretty easy to use. Chicago’s rapid-transit system is called the El, which is short for elevated, because it is partly an above ground system. The El, though highly congested during rush hour, is the fastest way to guide your self through Chicago. Many run for 24 hours, so when your day of culture adventure is at its end, you can take it take it back to your safe, cheap hotel room and get your much deserved night’s rest.
