Hotel rec for 1 night in/near Chicago

Question

We will be traveling on a road trip from Maryland to Colorado via Chicago. We’d like to spend 1 day in Chicago & looking for recs where to stay. We were thinking east of Chicago in a small town or downtown. Will be getting in later in evening on arrival.

Answer

For your road trip stop in Chicago, you have a few options depending on your preference for proximity to downtown or a more relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Since you'll be arriving in the evening, it might be helpful to stay somewhere convenient for an easy check-in, with good access to restaurants or attractions if you're planning to spend your limited time exploring the city. Here are some great recommendations:

Downtown Chicago – If you're looking to stay right in the heart of the action, downtown Chicago offers a variety of great hotels. You'll be near the main attractions like Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the Magnificent Mile. Popular hotels include:
- Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown – Located in the Loop, it's a great budget-friendly option with free breakfast, within walking distance to many top spots.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco – A stylish boutique hotel in the Loop with great amenities, close to many attractions.
- Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel – A more upscale option offering spacious rooms, a pool, and an excellent location close to the lakefront and parks.
East of Chicago (Suburbs) – If you prefer staying outside the city in a smaller town, there are a few suburbs that offer a more relaxed environment while still being close enough to Chicago for a quick visit. Suburban options might also offer better parking options, which could be helpful during a road trip. Here are some nearby towns:
- Evanston, IL – Just north of the city, Evanston is a charming town with a nice selection of hotels and easy access to Chicago via the 'L' train. Hotels here include:
  - Hilton Garden Inn Evanston – A comfortable and modern hotel in downtown Evanston, close to shops, restaurants, and the beach.
  - The Graduate Evanston – A trendy boutique hotel with a quirky, collegiate vibe, located near Northwestern University.
- Oak Park, IL – A bit further west, Oak Park is known for its historic architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright homes. It's a great place to stay if you're interested in a quieter environment but still want easy access to downtown Chicago. Options include:
  - Carleton of Oak Park – A charming hotel located in the heart of Oak Park, just a short 'L' ride from downtown Chicago.
  - Holiday Inn Oakbrook – A budget-friendly option located in Oak Brook, with easy highway access to both the city and the suburbs.
Convenience & Proximity – If you're looking for convenience and want to avoid the city center, you might consider staying near one of the major highways (I-90 or I-94) for easy access to both the city and your next destination. The O'Hare area has many hotels that are close to the airport but also offer good transportation into the city. Some options include:
- Hyatt Regency O'Hare – A great option if you want to be near the airport, offering free airport shuttles and good access to downtown Chicago.
- Westin O'Hare – A sleek, comfortable hotel close to the airport, with easy access to public transportation.

All of these options offer convenient access to the city, so you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening and a fun day exploring Chicago before continuing on your road trip. Safe travels!

Hotel rec for 1 night in/near Chicago

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