Looking for recommendations...... an okay hotel (top of the line not a requirement) near the Museum of Sci and Industry, but not in the immediate neighborhood.... far enough to the north so as to not be in an area of concern Thanks

Any hotel downtown will cost a decent amount of money, especially on the weekends. I would say try up on Michigan Ave. The Mariott and the Hyatt are usually pretty decent.

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Ed
-1984 Mercedes 190D 2.2 5-speed gray market(bought@30,000 miles) (Sold back to original owner@170,000 miles)
-1999 Mercedes E300DT (245,000 miles)
-1999 Mercedes S500 Grand Edition (80,000 miles)

Call the Union League Club of Chicago. The place is gorgeous and they do have non-member room rates, as I recall. It's amazing... I am sure they have a website (try google). I think I spent $100 for a night there (member rate through a friend)... non-member might be $125 or so (???). They have the 2nd most valuable art collection in the city, if I recall correctly. Amazing...

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

I have previously and will continue to recommend the Palmer House Hilton. You are right downtown, very close to everything. Parking is available at a very reduced rate (you will spend big money parking downtown, this is a big plus). The place is very nice, room rates are reasonable (for downtown) and there is a restaurant in the basement (Trader Vic's) that is a ton of fun (and has killer mai tai's-and I'm a beer guy). Highly recommended.

There's the new Sofitel and there's also the Peninsula. I'd say spring for the Peninsula if you can afford it. Never stayed there but the next time I think I will. I once met Sherman Helmsley at the Peninsula.

If you're not into amenities like a real health club and swimming pool, or even a real restaurant, the Sutton Place hotel is pretty good. A little off the well beaten path but close enough. Not my first choice, kinda like a very well appointed Motel 6 with awesome bathrooms. (the shower is great, they have these newly renovated rooms with multiple showerheads which make it seem like you're taking a shower in a waterfall).

The Hyatt Twin Towers is a real nice place. It's like a little city in there with enough banquet space to do a sit down dinner for 2,500 people.

The Hilton Towers in downtown is nice but the rooms are a little small and many of them do not have good views.

Of course there's the Ritz Carlton, the Drake, and the Fairmont, all equally well appointed, but the dining room at the Ritz is the best, and the brunch at the Drake is unsurpassed.

One step down is the Crowne Plaza. Cheapest parking by far (last time I was there) at $15/day if you're a guest. You can park it there yourself, no valet needed although it's available if you want to. The TP isn't as nice as at the Fairmont or the other luxury hotels, so bring your own.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

http://www.lenoxsuites.com/

Heres my favorite, reasonably priced and close to espn sportzone, Michigan ave, and the good eats.

It is attached to a prety good steak house which I bat a 1000 at spotting celebs.

The Marriott on Michigan Avenue was pretty average, but it is a nice location, being within walking distance of the Pier and restaurants.

Ditto, been there done that. Real nice place. Reserve your room at one of the discount internet sites and save a few bucks.