Chicago offers many options for accommodations, all of which end up being more cost effective and offering more flexibility than the blocks of rooms we've discussed with hotels. But as always, location remains important, particularly if you plan on walking or taking advantage of Chicago's marvelous public transportation options.
Airbnb:
While the pre-internet concept for Bead and Breakfasts (BNBs) consisted primarily, if not exclusively, of awkward breakfast conversations with strangers about how nice it was to finally get away from the kids, the internet's version of BNBs offers you a chance to reserve a few nights a room, apartment, or even house of your own.
If you're looking to take advantage, you can search by zip code. The zip code for our wedding venue is: 60622. If you're looking to be extra precise, the exact address is 2109 W. Chicago Ave. If neighborhood quality is something you'd think about, you should generally consider North and East of the venue to be good, while South and West probably leave a little something to be desired (but they're still cool).
This LINK should get you started.
Hotels:
After checking with a few different hotel options, online discount sites offer better prices (and more flexibility) than what they were willing to give us in advance. So you've got complete freedom on where to book, but here's some guidance:
Recommended Neighborhood (using hotel.com terminology): Magnificent Mile
Secondary Recommendations: Gold Coast, The Loop-Downtown
Recommended Hotels (all linked) :
Holiday Inn Express Chicago-Magnificent Mile
Recommended budget/economy option:
Howard Johnson Inn Chicago Downtown
If one of those options doesn't suit your needs, anything in this map area also works just fine:
(click on map for link)
Chicago's a cool town with plenty of great places to stay. We can't wait to see you all and celebrate together real soon.