is it worth staying in budget friendly hotel near midway

Question

I plan to visit Chicago between may 24th to 26th - 3 full days.

I can see all hotel in downtown are bit expensive and does not cover parking and breakfast. I wonder whether to choose budget friendly hotels like Residence Inn Chicago Midway Airport or similar. I plan visit mainly places like millennium park, Skydeck, architecture tour etc. I am driving by my own car and a family of 4 including 2 kids. does this idea sounds good?

Answer

It sounds like you're trying to balance budget-friendly accommodations with your desire to see the best of Chicago, which is completely understandable, especially if you're traveling with kids. While staying near Midway Airport might save you some money on lodging and parking, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, especially given the locations you plan to visit in the city, such as Millennium Park, the Skydeck, and an architecture tour. Let’s break down the decision to see if it’s the right fit for you:

Pros of Staying Near Midway Airport:

Lower Hotel Costs: Budget hotels near the airport, like the Residence Inn, are often significantly cheaper than downtown hotels. Many of these also include free breakfast, which can save you extra money, and free parking is often available (especially for hotel guests), which is a great bonus if you're driving.
More Space: Budget-friendly hotels like Residence Inn tend to offer suites with extra space, which could be helpful for your family, especially with two kids.
Easy Access to the Highway: If you're driving, staying near Midway puts you in a convenient location to get on the highway quickly. This can be especially useful if you're planning to rent a car for day trips or sightseeing outside the downtown area.

Cons of Staying Near Midway Airport:

Distance from Major Attractions: Midway is about 10-12 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. While it's not terribly far, you will be looking at a 20-30 minute drive (depending on traffic) to get to popular tourist sites like Millennium Park, the Skydeck, and the architecture tour. In heavy traffic, it could take longer, and parking in downtown Chicago can be costly and hard to find.
Limited Public Transit Options: While you can take the Orange Line train to downtown from Midway, it may not be as convenient or comfortable as having a more central location, especially after a day of walking and sightseeing with kids.
Less Immediate "City Vibe": Staying near the airport means you won’t be in the heart of the action. You’ll need to drive or take public transit to get to the main sights, which may limit your ability to enjoy the walkable, vibrant city atmosphere of Chicago.

Suggestions for Getting the Most Out of Your Stay:

If you're okay with driving into the city and finding parking (or using public transit for a few days), staying near Midway could work, especially since you're staying a short time.
If you'd prefer a more walkable experience and want to minimize time spent driving and parking, consider looking at more affordable options downtown. You can find mid-range hotels or even Airbnb options that might offer good deals. Staying in a more central location could give you more flexibility to explore, particularly with kids.
Another option is to stay somewhere slightly outside the downtown area but closer than Midway, such as the Lincoln Park or Lakeview neighborhoods. These areas are still well-connected to downtown via public transit and offer a more neighborhood-like feel with good dining and attractions.

Conclusion: Staying near Midway can be a good option if you’re looking to save on lodging and parking, especially if you don’t mind the drive into downtown for sightseeing. However, if you're hoping to fully enjoy the energy of the city and minimize driving, you might consider staying a bit closer to downtown. Either way, Chicago is very accessible, and you’ll have plenty of ways to get around.