Parking outside the city

Question

We are driving in May from Ontario to Chicago, arriving after spending a few days in Holland, Michigan. We don’t want to drive in a large, unfamiliar city and would rather park in a less stressful location. Would it make sense to book a park/stay/go pkg at Midway, stay that 1st night and leave our car? We would then go to a downtown hotel for a few days to sightsee. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced hotel in the Magnificent Mile area? And at the airport? Thank you.

Answer

Your plan to park at Midway Airport and then head downtown to explore the city is a great idea, especially if you want to avoid the stress of driving in downtown Chicago. The Park, Stay, Go packages at Midway Airport offer convenience and can be a cost-effective way to park while you’re staying in the city. By using this option, you can leave your car in a secure lot at Midway and take public transportation (like the Orange Line train) directly into downtown Chicago. This option allows you to avoid the hassle of city driving and expensive downtown parking fees. Additionally, parking at the airport can often be more affordable than parking at a downtown hotel.

As for hotels, here are a few suggestions for reasonably priced options in both the Magnificent Mile area (which is centrally located for sightseeing) and near the airport:

Downtown Chicago (Magnificent Mile Area):
- Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile – A budget-friendly option with a central location, just a short walk from the shops and attractions on Michigan Avenue. They offer free breakfast and have an indoor pool.
- Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – Located close to the Magnificent Mile, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a good location for exploring the city. It’s often more affordable than some of the high-end options in the area.
- River Hotel – Situated near the Chicago Riverwalk and steps from Michigan Avenue, this hotel offers modern accommodations at a reasonable price, with easy access to major tourist spots.
Near Midway Airport:
- Holiday Inn Chicago Midway – Located just minutes from the airport, this hotel offers a shuttle service to Midway and comfortable amenities, including an on-site restaurant and fitness center. It’s an affordable option if you want to stay near the airport on your arrival or departure day.
- Best Western Plus Chicago Midway Airport Hotel – A budget-friendly option near the airport with a free shuttle to Midway. It’s a convenient place to stay before heading downtown.
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Midway Airport – Another solid option near the airport with a shuttle service. This hotel offers more upscale amenities while still being reasonably priced compared to downtown hotels.

By staying near Midway for the first night and leaving your car there, you’ll have an easier time getting into the city and won’t need to worry about downtown parking. Afterward, you can head to your hotel in the Magnificent Mile area for sightseeing. For transportation between Midway and downtown, the Orange Line train is a quick and convenient option that connects you directly to the heart of the city. Depending on your preferences, either of these airport hotels offers a smooth start to your trip before diving into the city's many attractions.

In summary, booking a Park, Stay, Go package at Midway Airport is a good idea for convenience and cost savings. As for hotels, the Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and River Hotel are great options in the Magnificent Mile area, while the Holiday Inn and Best Western near Midway are perfect for your first night in the city. Enjoy your trip to Chicago!

Parking outside the city

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