2 or 3 days-good location?

My wife and I are coming in May 8 for a concert, and plan on an extra day or so. We are staying at Spring Hill Suites-410 N. Dearborn St. It looks as if we will be flying in. Never bought plane tickets before, so I don%26#39;t know what airline or airport. As far as our hotel location-what%26#39;s in walking distance-especially the Oriental Theater? Is it feasible to just take a taxi from the airport and not rent a car? Parking is $44 a night at our hotel, so I would like to save that cash for something else. Would it be easy to get around town to see something not in walking distance? How safe is the area? Not to be offensive or overly paranoid, but we had an experience in Baltimore a few years ago-in daylight, in a busy parking garage right in the middle of the action, so we now, unfortunately, have to question our surroundings.

Any info would be appreciated.

2 or 3 days-good location?

No need for a car here. Parking%26#39;s expensive %26amp; public transit is abundant. www.transitchicago.com for public transit information. The area%26#39;s safe. You will see lots of people out %26amp; about. As in any other major city, common sense prevails.

Your hotel is within walking distance to the theater. You can print out directions here - http://www.hopstop.com/?city=chicago

We have two airports here - Midway (MDW) %26amp; O%26#39;hare (ORD). Both are about equal distance to downtown. You can take a CTA train downtown from either airport.

2 or 3 days-good location?

Buy your airline tickets and which ever airport you end up at, you can take a safe train into town. Both trains will drop you at the same station, so you can walk to your hotel from the train station, or take a quick taxi ride. Taking the train in is the more popular, less expensive option. Ohare airport taxi will run you about $40 and Midway Airport taxi will run you about $30. The train is $2.25 per person. Absolutley not do you need a car. You are staying in a great location with many restaurants, shops, etc. in walking distance. If you don%26#39;t want to walk, cabs are plentiful. If the weather is fine, you can walk to the Oriental in about 10 minutes.

Thanks for the info...Now we are staying at the Renaissance-closer to the theater I believe.

Southwest into Midway from Pitt is usually very cheap. I got $49 each way in late April for a Chicago to Pitt trip. So be sure to check that out. You can take the Orange Line in from Midway.

If you%26#39;re going to be in town for a couple days, visitor passes will be a good idea. They allow unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. A 1-day pass is $5.75 and a 3-day is $14. You can purchase them online or at shops in either airport. The 3-day passes are also available from vending machines at either airport rail station.

At Midway, follow the signs that say ';CTA Trains to City'; through the parking garage. Take the Orange Line to State/Lake and you%26#39;ll be across the street from your hotel. If you fly into O%26#39;Hare, follow the signs from the baggage level to the Blue Line and exit at Clark/Lake. You can walk one block north to Wacker Drive and turn right two blocks to your hotel.

When you check-in ask for a room with a river view, it%26#39;s a little nicer than overlooking the L track.

Thanks again. I%26#39;ve never bought plane tickets before, so I have to look at a lot of info. My wife has never flown, and I haven%26#39;t flown in about 25 years, so I guess I have to figure out the post-9/11 rules. Are you allowed to take liquids like bath gels, shampoos, mouthwash, face creams? Should electronics(cell phone, cameras) be checked or carry-on?

Sorry....another question. With tons of people flying in around the clock, generally how are downtown hotels about early check-ins? Now I realize each hotel is different, and if they were booked the night before it might be a problem. But, if we would arrive say 10-ish A.M., and a room is ready for us, would they allow a really early check-in? I know all hotels say 3P.M. or whatever. We just don%26#39;t want to end up not getting in our room for many hours. If we had to wait a couple hours, would they lock up our luggage somewhere so we could walk around?

It%26#39;s hit and miss with early hotel check-in. If your room isn%26#39;t ready, they will hold your luggage for you. Current air travel information - http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/index.shtm

Electronics and valuables should be in your carry-on bag. You can have liquids and gels in containers of three-ounces or less and all your containers must fit in a one-quart zip-top bag. Each person is permitted one zip-top bag. You can find details on www.tsa.gov/311/index.

You can pack larger containers of liquids and gels in your checked luggage. However, you should note that most airlines will charge $15 for your first checked bag. There are exceptions depending on the type of ticket you purchased, so check with your airline about what their fees are.

If you decide to not pay the checked-bag fees, you should select the items you pack wisely and not bring things that the hotel provides like shampoo, shave cream, moisturizer, etc. You can also purchase a travel size of most items at a drug store or supermarket once you%26#39;re in town. You%26#39;ll find a Walgreen%26#39;s or CVS every couple blocks in The Loop.

You can request an early check-in and if the hotel has rooms available, they%26#39;ll try to honor your request. If not, most hotels will store your bags until your room is ready. You could walk around and grab a snack or just get the feel of the city.

Thanks once again.....I have a feeling I%26#39;m not done asking questions, but as always the Trip Advisor folks, especially the city experts are a fountain of info....