XP: another Chicago question. not F&B

[winterbride1220]

This year is my First Marathon in Chicago. I'm nervous about where to stay!

Close to the Grant Park start most of the hotels are filling up. is a mile or two that big of a deal in DT Chicago?

TIA for any tips.

[monsterellachz]

I would say no, it's not a big deal. Transit is easy here. As long as you're in the downtown area you're probably fine. I wouldn't go too much more south past the park though.

[runforrest]

I agree with Goldn. There are a bunch of hotels north of Grant Park but south of the River (Hard Rock, W, Hyatt, Swissotel?) that wouldn't be a bad walk. Also, any hotel on Michigan Ave is an easy bus ride south to Grant Park.

Good luck! I want to do it next year, but I'm skurred.

[hz80408]

Ah! I ran it last year for my first marathon! I'd say it's ideal to stay nearby because you can just wake up and walk over; but with public transit, it's easy to stay not as close. If you have a few hotels you're considering, post and we can help you pick if you'd like.

The race itself is pretty overwhelmingly huge, but it's really cool! Good luck!

[xokell2]

I don't have any advice, but yay for a trip to Chicago!

[tahiti36]

Are you actually able to find a hotel in the city?? I thought they were all sold out already because I was actually looking for one for one of my friends who is running it with me....I am also running it, and they were all sold out!
Anyhow, with the public transportation/cab availability around here if you stay a little further out it won't be a big deal.
Good luck, it is a fun race with such great crowd support!

[hz80408]

Aug 16, 2012 14:31:05 GMT -5 tahiti36 said:

Are you actually able to find a hotel in the city?? !

Eek, yea. I hopped on Priceline and found two; one at $955/nt and the other at $550/nt.

Another alternative could be renting an apartment via vrbo.com or homeaway.com
eta:
www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p391029 $155/night; near red line train (Clark/Division)

www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p391030#map no price but right at Michigan Ave and the park

[winterbride1220]

Thanks a million! I'm looking at Hotel Allegro on 171 W Randolph $225/night.?

[winterbride1220]

also the Intercontinental on N michigan and the Westin river North has avail.

[hz80408]

Aug 17, 2012 8:13:09 GMT -5 winterbride1220 said:

Thanks a million! I'm looking at Hotel Allegro on 171 W Randolph $225/night.?

Good location. I've been there before for work, it's nice!

[winterbride1220]

Great ! Hotel Allegro it is.

[tahiti36]

Hotel Allegro is nice and in a great location for the marathon!!