I'll have a car because of plans in the evenings since I am in the Chicago area. I've never hung out south of the loop before, so I was unsure what traffic was like down that way. Sounds like it is pretty bad. Unfortunately most loop hotels don't have good parking, and there aren't too many good deals even then.

What is it like driving down to McCormick Place form North of the city? I have a few options up there.