Hotels

My husband %26amp; I are flying to Chicago (O%26#39;Hare), will spend July 4-8 there. Then we will rent a car %26amp; drive west through Minnesota, South Dakaota %26amp; Colorado. After that we will drive back to Chicago %26amp; fly home (Florida). I have researched hotels in Chicago, but still am so confused as to where to stay. I don%26#39;t know if I should book now or wait awhile to get better deals. I have checked Hotwire %26amp; still can%26#39;t figure out what hotels are being offered. I went on Better Bidding but that didn%26#39;t help me either. The one I am interested in on Hotwire is 4 1/2 star hotel in the Magnificent Mile area (Streeterville) for $102. There is a 4 star hotel in same area for $79 %26amp; another one in N. Michigan area (Water Tower) for $89. I was leaning towards the Embassy Suites Downtown Lakefront - good price of $119 per nite. That area seems close to many things. I haven%26#39;t planned an exact day to day itinerary, but would like to go on Architectural Water Tour, Art Institute %26amp; museum of Science %26amp; Industry. We are seniors, retired, like to walk, sightsee. Haven%26#39;t decided how to get to the hotel from airport. We also will need to rent a car after we check out of the hotel. Is it better to go back to the airport to rent car? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hotels

Downtown hotels will fill up during that time. Book sooner vs later. Allow at least a 1/2 day for the MSI.

Hotwire hotel list - www.betterbidding.com/index.php鈥?/a>

Just match the area, star rating and amenities to figure out the hotel.

From ORD to the Embassy Suites - CTA blue line train to Clark/Lake. Take a cab from there to your hotel.

www.transitchicago.com for public transit information. There%26#39;s a trip planner function on the home page. A CTA visitor pass might come in handy for your visit.

Most of the major car rental chains have office downtown. Pick up your car downtown and return it at the airport.

Hotels

I can help you out with a Chicago Hotel suggestion close to the Magnificent Mile. I would suggest the Avenue Hotel. It%26#39;s reasonable, 4 star, contemporary but comfortable. My husband and I found the staff to be amazing and you truly can%26#39;t beat the location. You can walk anywhere! We mixed a business trip with a romantic weekend and can%26#39;t wait to return. Good Luck!