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Chicago TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

Chicago stands a strong chance of being everyone's kind of town. With world-class museums and performing arts venues, legendary jazz and blues clubs, more than 7,000 restaurants serving everything from haute cuisine to hot dogs, and 29 magnificent miles of lakefront, the "City of Big Shoulders" offers something for everyone.

Why Go

 For gravity-defying architecture, a world-class music scene fueled by thousands of restaurants, and cosmopolitan comforts without the big-city attitude.

Chicago Travel Deals

Chicago Hotels

A diverse array of lodging options abound in Chicago, from the grand and luxurious hotels of Magnificent Mile to nearby boutique properties and budget options geared toward value-conscious travelers.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Amalfi Hotel Chicago
The consummate business traveler’s hotel (think state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary breakfast on... business

Hotel Burnham
This century-old National Historic Landmark is home to the extravagant boutique, Hotel Burnham, located in The Loop across... architecture | moderate | great value

Hotel Indigo Chicago
The stylish Hotel Indigo Chicago debuted in May 2005, bringing an innovative and inspirational lodging experience to... boutique

Hotel Sax
Out of the ashes of the old House of Blues Hotel, a thrilling new Phoenix, the 357-room Hotel Sax, has risen. Old World meets... moderate | editor pick

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace
Packing a one-two-punch of affordability and location (you can hear the fans roaring at nearby Wrigley Field), this 59-room... great location

City Suites Hotel
Set on busy Belmont Avenue, where real locals live, you’ll find plenty of hip eateries and happening nightlife, as well... budget | great value

Hotel Cass
The Hotel Cass has teamed up with Holiday Inn Express to transform the former no-frills hotel into a beautifully chic boutique...

Ohio House Motel
For location, price and the nostalgia factor, you can’t beat this strictly no-frills, mid-century motor lodge located in... family

The James
All heads turned when this luxury boutique hotel opened in 2006. Think modern, white rooms, the swanky J Bar, and David... trendy | expensive

Park Hyatt Chicago
The Hyatt chain is Chicago based, so naturally its flagship property is a real stunner. In addition to its perfect Magnificent... smart splurge | expensive

The Drake
The famous lakefront property is marvelously elegant, with a magnificent setting that never fails to attract a slew of royalty... historic | expensive | editor pick

The Peninsula
This extravagant hotel’s wow factor is undeniable. The lobby features soaring white-marble walls that lead to a... smart splurge | pool | expensive | editor pick | smart luxury winner

Amalfi Hotel Chicago
The consummate business traveler’s hotel (think state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary breakfast on... business

Hotel Burnham
This century-old National Historic Landmark is home to the extravagant boutique, Hotel Burnham, located in The Loop across... architecture | trendy | great value

Hotel Indigo Chicago
The stylish Hotel Indigo Chicago debuted in May 2005, bringing an innovative and inspirational lodging experience to... boutique

Hotel Sax
Out of the ashes of the old House of Blues Hotel, a thrilling new Phoenix, the 357-room Hotel Sax, has risen. Old World meets... trendy | editor pick

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace
Packing a one-two-punch of affordability and location (you can hear the fans roaring at nearby Wrigley Field), this 59-room... great location

City Suites Hotel
Set on busy Belmont Avenue, where real locals live, you’ll find plenty of hip eateries and happening nightlife, as well... trendy | great value

Hotel Cass
The Hotel Cass has teamed up with Holiday Inn Express to transform the former no-frills hotel into a beautifully chic boutique...

Ohio House Motel
For location, price and the nostalgia factor, you can’t beat this strictly no-frills, mid-century motor lodge located in... family

City Suites Hotel
Set on busy Belmont Avenue, where real locals live, you’ll find plenty of hip eateries and happening nightlife, as well... budget | great value

Hotel Burnham
This century-old National Historic Landmark is home to the extravagant boutique, Hotel Burnham, located in The Loop across... architecture | moderate | great value

Hotel Sax
Out of the ashes of the old House of Blues Hotel, a thrilling new Phoenix, the 357-room Hotel Sax, has risen. Old World meets... moderate | editor pick

The James
All heads turned when this luxury boutique hotel opened in 2006. Think modern, white rooms, the swanky J Bar, and David... luxury | expensive

Park Hyatt Chicago
The Hyatt chain is Chicago based, so naturally its flagship property is a real stunner. In addition to its perfect Magnificent... smart splurge | expensive

The Drake
The famous lakefront property is marvelously elegant, with a magnificent setting that never fails to attract a slew of royalty... historic | expensive | editor pick

The James
All heads turned when this luxury boutique hotel opened in 2006. Think modern, white rooms, the swanky J Bar, and David... trendy | expensive

The Peninsula
This extravagant hotel’s wow factor is undeniable. The lobby features soaring white-marble walls that lead to a... smart splurge | pool | expensive | editor pick | smart luxury winner

Chicago Restaurants

Don't forget to pack your appetite. With incredible four-and five-star restaurants, innovative fusion hot spots, the best deep-dish pizzerias in the world (the pie was invented here!), and a McDonald's furnished with chairs by Le Corbusier, Chicago offers an array of dining options, from ultra-high-end to super budget.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Avec
Top chefs and eager locals crowd together at communal tables to nosh on to-die-for Mediterranean small plate dishes like... great value | open late | small plates

Bluebird
Foodies are swooning over this candlelit wine bar and eatery. The simple and rustic menu is heavy on sharing (think flatbreads... romantic | trendy | great value | editor pick

Crust
This newbie pizzeria has the distinction of being the only restaurant in the Midwest that’s 100% certified organic.... trendy | patio | pizza | cocktails

Tank Sushi
Gastro-centric Lincoln Square has its finest culinary expression at this much ballyhooed fresh-from-the-sea sushi and Japanese... trendy | sushi

Foodlife
Tired shoppers seek refueling at this basement collection of fancy food stands where guests can choose from over a dozen... family | comfort food

Hot Doug's
The hour-long wait is worth it at restaurateur Doug Sohn’s self-described sausage superstore and encased meat emporium.... local favorite

Molly's Cupcakes
The cupcake craze shows no signs of slowing, as evidenced at this sugary sweet bakery frequented by soccer moms and their... family | great value | dessert

The Wiener's Circle
This iconic hot dog stand is where drunken North Siders come to trade barbs with the acerbic staff and dine on greasy food.... open late | comfort food

Moto
Chef Homaro Cantu’s marriage of food and science has rocked the culinary world. Think servers in lab coats, edible menus,... smart splurge | trendy | notable chef

Sepia
This West Loop newbie has already been dubbed an instant classic. Think roasted rabbit with ricotta dumplings or slow baked... notable chef | american | editor pick

Sixteen
“The Donald” is determined to put his indelible stamp on Chicago’s dining scene and he’s set to do so... smart splurge | new american

The Signature Room and Lounge
At the bar and restaurant on the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock building you can have cocktails and a sumptuous... smart splurge

Avec
Top chefs and eager locals crowd together at communal tables to nosh on to-die-for Mediterranean small plate dishes like... great value | open late | small plates

Bluebird
Foodies are swooning over this candlelit wine bar and eatery. The simple and rustic menu is heavy on sharing (think flatbreads... romantic | trendy | great value | editor pick

Crust
This newbie pizzeria has the distinction of being the only restaurant in the Midwest that’s 100% certified organic.... trendy | patio | pizza | cocktails

Tank Sushi
Gastro-centric Lincoln Square has its finest culinary expression at this much ballyhooed fresh-from-the-sea sushi and Japanese... trendy | sushi

Foodlife
Tired shoppers seek refueling at this basement collection of fancy food stands where guests can choose from over a dozen... family | comfort food

Hot Doug's
The hour-long wait is worth it at restaurateur Doug Sohn’s self-described sausage superstore and encased meat emporium.... local favorite

Molly's Cupcakes
The cupcake craze shows no signs of slowing, as evidenced at this sugary sweet bakery frequented by soccer moms and their... family | great value | dessert

The Wiener's Circle
This iconic hot dog stand is where drunken North Siders come to trade barbs with the acerbic staff and dine on greasy food.... open late | comfort food

Moto
Chef Homaro Cantu’s marriage of food and science has rocked the culinary world. Think servers in lab coats, edible menus,... smart splurge | trendy | notable chef

Sepia
This West Loop newbie has already been dubbed an instant classic. Think roasted rabbit with ricotta dumplings or slow baked... notable chef | american | editor pick

Sixteen
“The Donald” is determined to put his indelible stamp on Chicago’s dining scene and he’s set to do so... smart splurge | new american

The Signature Room and Lounge
At the bar and restaurant on the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock building you can have cocktails and a sumptuous... smart splurge