best area for 9 nights

We are considering a 9 day holiday in the Chicago area at the start of October but that%26#39;s a long time in a city so we thought it might be more relaxing to be out a bit.

Would it be a good idea to stay North or South [we like the idea of staying near the water] with good public transport into the city?

With the £ not very strong we%26#39;d like a hotel around $130-150 with a pool but might it be warm enough to relax on the beach in October?

Any advice on location and hotels would be welcome

best area for 9 nights

Definitely stay on the north side of the city. Downtown is in the middle of the city, and it%26#39;s right on the lake obviously. You could get a hotel in your price range in the very center of town. There%26#39;s a couple Embassy Suites, a Hyatt and a Marriot on Hubbard St. that would do nicely, and aren%26#39;t too pricey. If you want to be outside of downtown, there%26#39;s a cute city just to the north called Evanston (right on the lake) that has plenty of good hotels and is connected by public transit to the downtown area.

October could be hit or miss in Chicago weather wise, but definitely too cold to go swimming outside whether in a pool or the lake. You can walk around the beach and there%26#39;s plenty of bike/walking paths, but too chilly to swim.

Hope it%26#39;s helpful... :)

You%26#39;ll love Chicago!!!

best area for 9 nights

A property in the Magnificent Mile or River North area is best from a tourist standpoint. Please read the reviews in the Chicago Hotels section of this web site.

Thank you. Your advice is greatly appreciated.