Thanks everyone for your follow up! I've stayed at Homewood Suites before and really appreciate all the room and good price. I've found weekend rates as low as $59!!! There are a couple HWS in the Portland, OR metro area that I've used for weekend stays, and feel "almost home".

I'm anxious to try the Weber BBQ!!! I've seen that place featured on the Travel Channel. As I said, this is a mileage run, so I'll have a full day in Chicago, have been there before so I can find new places this trip!