Lodging next to transportation/what suburb

We%26#39;re trying to plan a family vacation June 14-18th. We%26#39;ll be driving in from NE. My husband just had knee surgery and will still be hobbling along at that time. We%26#39;re trying to find lodging that is right next to public transportation so he has to walk as little as possible. We also intend to stay in the suburbs so we don%26#39;t have to pay for parking and hopefully save a little on lodging. We%26#39;re looking for an affordable hotel for $120/night or less. Any suggestions?

thanks!!!!!!

Lodging next to transportation/what suburb

Since you are early in the planning stages, I will give you some advice that may change your thinking. Chicago is very big, and any visit here is going to involve a lot of walking, or a number of cab rides. If you stay in the suburbs and take the train in, for example, you%26#39;ll have the vastness of Union or Ogilvie Station to negotiate.

Also, I believe that week the city is hosting a large convention, so you may find hotel rooms higher than normal.

If you are still considering the trip, think about what activities you would be interested in, and I%26#39;ll try yo post back. I know it%26#39;s a particular challenge when you have no way of knowing what stage of mobility he%26#39;ll be in by June.

The Wyndham Glenview Suites is available on hotels.com for about $100 a night. You would be able to drive about 15 minutes to the North Glenview train station and there is usually parking there (see www.metrarail.com - Milwaukee North line). The hotel is also close to several restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue.

Lodging next to transportation/what suburb

Hotwire is showing what appears to be the Club Quarters in the loop for $99/night and the Holiday Inn Express for $109/night. Hotwire is also showing the Renaissance in Northbrook (free parking)for $72/night.

If your husband is hobbling, maybe vacationing at a beach is better. Luckily, Chicago has a great beach so you might want to consider staying downtown. You can see the sights and shop and he can relax at the beach. However, if you really need to be on a budget, consider the Ramada near Ohare airport. They have a shuttle to the airport from the hotel and from the airport, you can take the subway train right to downtown. You can park for free there at the hotel as long as you are a guest. Keep in mind that this won%26#39;t be anything luxurious but if your main goal is saving money (and spending more time on transportation), this will probably be your best bet.

Do know that the El (train)which most refer to below is elevated, and as such you normally have to walk up and down a bunch of wooden stairs to use it.

ZB

Also know that some of the el lines turn into subways along the way and you have to go DOWN many stairs to board a train. Also know that Chicago has undergone a big transformation in regard to the physically disabled people and public transportation and many stops now have elevators so physically disabled people can easily get on a train. The CTA website will tell you which stations have elevators.

As several posters have already pointed out, the El may not be a good option for someone recovering from knee surgery. I would try one of the Hotwire options Dave mentioned or try a Priceline bid under your budget - of course you will have to factor in parking which will likely put you over budget. One other option would be to stay at a suburban hotel and use Metra Rail in the city. One hotel that is really close to a Metra station is the Hotel Indigo in Palatine - it%26#39;s only a half mile from the Arlington Park station and the hotel offers free shuttle within 7 miles of the hotel. What I am almost certain is the Hotel Indigo is coming up on Hotwire for $39 a night on your dates. Buffalo Grove/Arlington Heights North zone with amenities of fitness/pool/restaurant/business center/laundry/golf and tennis. I%26#39;ve stayed at this hotel many times - it%26#39;s an older renovated Doubletree but it has some character - believe it or not it has a beach theme. Really comfy beds. Nice indoor pool. Ask for a room in back to muffle some of the train noise. Keep in mind this is just one suburban option - there are many other hotels that would put you close to a Metra station, but I think the free shuttle is a great perk - sometimes weekday parking at the Metra lots is a challenge. And certainly the price on this one is well under your budget.

pets