Convention Center?

Question

Hi - my teenage son and I will be traveling to Chicago for the National sports card trading show in July (at the E.Stephens Convention Center). We will go just for one day because the real reason we are coming is to attend the Soccer Card show each night at Chicago Soccer Fields in Melrose Park.

So - I’m going around and around on where to stay! The soccer show is each night from 4pm- midnight so I think it’s best to stay closer to that location so we can safely and easily get back to our hotel. I was first thinking of staying downtown based on a lot of info on the forum but now think it’s best to just travel there the one day we have free (during the day).

I’m not too worried about getting to the convention center since that’s just one day of the trip but would also like to venture downtown one day (not afraid to take transit).

Is staying in Melrose Park our best bet (feedback welcome on a hotel!). Also, should I bite the bullet and just rent a car if we do that?

Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned with a mix of events! Let's break down your options to help you make the best decision about where to stay and whether you need to rent a car.

Staying in Melrose Park vs. Downtown Chicago

Since the Soccer Card show is your main focus and it runs nightly from 4 PM to midnight, staying closer to Melrose Park will definitely make it easier and more convenient for you and your son. Melrose Park is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago, so staying there will save you time and avoid the hassle of traveling long distances at night after the show. It also means you'll have more flexibility to rest between events.

However, staying in Melrose Park means you're a bit removed from downtown Chicago, which might limit your sightseeing opportunities and access to all that the city has to offer. That said, you're not far from major transit options, so you can still head downtown during the day if you want to explore. If you plan on taking transit, you could stay in a more affordable hotel near Melrose Park and use public transportation to get into the city for the National Sports Card Trading Show and some sightseeing.

Hotels in Melrose Park

There aren't many high-end hotels in Melrose Park itself, but there are a few decent options depending on your budget. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Hampton Inn Chicago Oak Brook: Located about 10-15 minutes from Melrose Park, this is a reliable and affordable option with free breakfast and parking. It’s well-reviewed and a comfortable stay.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakbrook Terrace: Another good option near Melrose Park. This hotel is more budget-friendly and offers convenient amenities like free parking, breakfast, and a fitness center.

Both options are not too far from the Chicago Soccer Fields in Melrose Park and are relatively affordable. You won’t be paying the premium for staying downtown, and you can easily commute to your events. Also, with a rental car, you'd have more flexibility to get to and from the shows.

Staying Downtown Chicago

If you opt to stay downtown, you'll be closer to the convention center for the National Sports Card Trading Show and will have a much wider selection of dining, attractions, and entertainment to choose from. Staying downtown also gives you more options for things to do during the day, like sightseeing or visiting museums.

The Palmer House Hilton: A historic hotel in the Loop, close to the convention center and downtown attractions. It’s a bit upscale, but if you want to be near the action, this is a great option.
Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago: A modern, upscale hotel that is very close to the convention center and offers easy access to transportation.

That said, staying downtown means you’ll need to manage transportation to and from Melrose Park every night, which could be time-consuming and costly (especially with Uber or taxi rides). Parking in downtown Chicago is also expensive, so if you plan to rent a car, be prepared for those extra costs.

Should You Rent a Car?

If you stay in Melrose Park, renting a car would definitely be the easiest option, as it would give you the flexibility to move between the convention center, soccer show, and downtown Chicago. There’s also free parking at most hotels in Melrose Park, so you wouldn’t need to worry about parking fees.

If you stay downtown, you could potentially manage without a car. Public transportation in Chicago is excellent, and it’s easy to get to the convention center or other attractions via the CTA (bus and train system). However, traveling to Melrose Park each night for the Soccer Card show would require you to either rent a car or use a ride-sharing service, which can be pricey. In this case, renting a car might be more convenient, but it depends on your comfort with driving in the city.

Summary

If your primary focus is the Soccer Card show and you prefer convenience, staying in Melrose Park is likely your best bet. A rental car would give you the flexibility to travel to both the convention center and the soccer show without the stress of transit.
If you want to explore Chicago more thoroughly and are okay with traveling to Melrose Park for the Soccer Card show, staying downtown is a great option. Just be prepared for the extra commute and parking costs.
Renting a car is highly recommended if you stay in Melrose Park. If you stay downtown, you could skip the car rental and use public transit, but a rental car might still make life easier for the nighttime commute.

Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities—convenience and proximity to the soccer show, or enjoying everything Chicago has to offer while managing transportation to Melrose Park each night. I hope this helps, and I’m sure you and your son will have an amazing trip!