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Other Options for Chicago Accommodations

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For B & B aficionados, 'Bed & Breakfast Chicago' and books rooms at over 60 locations in central and near-central Chicago. Call (773) 549-0962, or go to www.chicago-bed-breakfast.com . 'At Home Inn Chicago' is another, similar service; call (773) 394-2000, or go to www.athomeinnchicago.com . The service also books visitors in finished apartments. Bed and breakfasts in Chicago usually cost between $105-185 a night, and a two-three night stay is often required for your reservation.

Although the locations listed above are the most central for Chicago's biggest attractions, you may be able to save a significant amount of money by staying farther out. Many hotels offer a free shuttle service to the train station, where in turn you can catch an inexpensive train into the city. This also obviates the parking problem, which is a big one in downtown Chicago.

Research online for last-minute deals in various locations. www.hotwire.com is a good example of a site that can help you deal with the overwhelming abundance of accommodation options in Chicago. On Hotwire, you choose your dates, general location (i.e., "the Loop"), and quality of hotel/motel according to number of stars. The site quotes a price, and you can adjust your expectations accordingly, or accept the price offered. You learn the exact location of your hotel after you have committed to your reservation. www.priceline.com is also a good site for hotel discounts; it works by accepting your bid for any hotel in the neighborhood, dates and quality-range you select. If it is impossible to obtain lodging for the amount of your bid, you can try again. If Priceline does find something that meets your criteria, it automatically books your reservation.

You may also find last-minute deals -- or, alternatively, advance-reservation deals -- on the websites of individual hotels or hotel chains. www.hoteldiscounts.com , www.cheaptickets.com , www.travelzoo.com , and www.travelocity.com all allow you to search numerous hotels for discounted rates.

Resources:

Baty, Chris. Lonely Planet City Guide to Chicago, third edition. Oakland, California: Lonely Planet, 2004.

Terry, Cliff. Off the Beaten Path: Chicago, third edition. Guilford, Connecticut: Insiders' Guide, 2005.

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