So, myself and Mrs Mac are visiting Mummy Mac in upstate New York for Thanksgiving. Normally we go via NYC and have a couple of days there, but this time for a change (and also to get in my 4 AA flights this year to keep platinum) we're travelling via ORD, and decided to stopover in Chicago for the weekend.

I'm planning to try to Priceline a room (have had great success in NYC and DC) as I find it ideal for a leisure traveller, where exact location isn't too important; since we're looking at a Saturday/Sunday night stay (27/28 Nov), I thought I'd be able to get a good deal.

Until I checked and found that the RSNA are holding their annual meeting from 28 Nov to 3 Dec. I don't even know who the RSNA are, but they're expecting 60,000 delegates. 60,000 !!!

Checking some websites I can stay in the 4 points for about $300 per night, or the Ramada Lakeshore (completer with terrible reviews) for about $120.

I'll still try the priceline thing, but does anyone know any hidden gems that the conventioneers might have missed that will have some reasonably priced rooms ?

or am I completely scr**ed ?

tia
Stewie

RSNA = Radiological Society of North America

If I were in your position, I'd book a "cancellable" backup in the O'Hare area, then see if Priceline gets any inventory when the downtown hotels release any unsold rooms that are currently blocked for the show. I checked the show's website, and they state that the housing application deadline for attendees is November 8th - so MAYBE something might come available on PL after that date. If worse comes to worse, being near ORD means relatively good access to the CTA Blue Line if you're not renting a car/SUV.

If the O'Hare accomodations are also too expensive, you should be able to find decent non-Priceline accomodations in nearby suburbs while you wait for PL inventory to materialize. Look at Elmhurst and Addison as examples - there is a Courtyard, a Holiday Inn, a Hilton Garden Inn, an Amerisuites, and a Holiday Inn. Some of these may have shuttle buses to the airport, but they will not be very frequent.

Will go the 'cancellable-near-O'Hare' route, then keep trying with PL and scout round the hotel sites after 8th November.

Stewie

PS guess that you don't want to be needing an x-ray during the last few days of November...

maybe this hotel is a choice? : http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336244

** update **

well, got the Hard Rock Hotel for $110 on Priceline last night, which I think is a bargain, given that those dates are going for $269 on their website.

Not totally sure about the whole music thang, but location seems to be great.

Can anyone recommend some decent places to eat/drink in downtown - I know that all the best places are in the 'burbs (have read the hot dog thread, salivating ), but we really don't have the time/energy to head out miles just for a superwhoopie ! Not looking for 'fine dining', more good local places to eat Chicago food and maybe have a few beers watching the Bears on Sunday evening.

Thanks
Stewie

Some that should fill the bill. Call them about whether they have TV on.

First 2 a cab ride away from your hotel:

1. Reza's Restaurant (www.rezasrestaurant.com) on Ontario. Persian/Middle Eastern, with very good veggies and grilled meat. Dill rice a specialty.

2. Phoenix Restaurant, 2131 S Archer Ave One of the best in Chinatown.

Walking distance from your hotel:

3. Berghoff. German style, very popular, have their own beers, which IMO are overrated.

4. Heaven on Seven just off Michigan around 600-700N (not the Wabash one). Pretty much the best Louisiana food around here.

If you are willing to take a 40 minute train ride each way (Metra Electric to Flossmoor, $5 for all-weekend pass):

5. Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery (attached to train station). 2002 "Best in Chicagoland." Get a sampler (5 oz. of each of their beers) and a couple pints of your favorites and pour yourself back on the train, but check the schedule since it only runs every 2 hours on Sunday. www.flossmoorstation.com Email me and I'll join you!

Nonononono.. Most of the best places are actually within a walk.

If you want an early dinner or a late dinner and like Mexican, then go to Frontera Grill. If you're there very early, the chili relleno are to die for.

About a dozen FTers had a very nice tapas dinner at a place called 1492. And another ten have had several nice lunches at Ben Pao. Both within walking distance.

Pizzeria Due. No need to say more. It'll be easier to get in at lunch than at dinner.

For watching the Bears game, I'd probably consider Haray Caray's, which is a short walk away. Not the greatest food, but a good place.

Greektown is a $8 cab ride. Costas is my favorite, or Santorini if you like seafood. Flat Top is a do your own noodles place just north of Greektown, across from Oprah's studio.

Get a hot dog, a polish sausage, and an Italian Beef at Portillo's on Ontario street, and split them between the two of you. Mr. Beef is very good for Italian Beef as well, but they're only open until 2pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday.

I'm sitting here at work first thing, saliva dribbling down my chin reading these recommendations

I will have to start marking up the map, and trying to work out how to fit everything into a three day trip and still have time for sight-seeing/shopping/whatever else Mrs Mac wants to do !

In addition to all of the deliscious suggestions already posted, I wanted to mention the China Grill restaurant that is in your hotel. It is family style, asiany fusion-ish and is very good and fun.

[QUOTE=toomanybooks]
Berghoff. German style, very popular, have their own beers, which IMO are overrated.

I thought I was the only person who loved the Berghoff, but hated their beer!