Which hotels allow 18 year olds to check in Chicago?

There are several mid-range hotels in Chicago that allow 18 year olds to check in by themselves. Some of those hotels include the Congress Plaza Hotel, the Hilton Chicago, the River Hotel and Warwick Allerton Chicago.

What can you do for free or cheap in Chicago?

There are lots of free and or cheap things to do in Chicago. Exploring the Downtown area on foot, soaking up all the skyscrapers and overall atmosphere of the place, is free to do. There are also lots of parks and green spaces to hang out in for free. Also free is the Chicago Cultural Center, the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millenium Park and Navy Pier.

What should tourists avoid in Chicago?

Chicago has some rough neighborhoods which tourists should avoid - these include West Garfield Park, Washington Park, East Garfield Park, Englewood and North Lawndale.

What is the cheapest way to stay in Chicago?

On a park bench probably. But that's not helpful, is it? The cheapest way to stay (somewhere with heating and a roof) in Chicago is to look for discounts and deals on mid-range hotels. So you're in the right place!

Chicago Hotels

Why visit and stay in Chicago?

Ah, Chicago - what a city! Sprawled on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan (which is so huge it might as well be the sea), this metropolis is a constant feast for the senses. The skyscrapers alone are reason enough to visit: the futuristic forest of glass and steel that is Downtown is truly awe-inspiring and you can expect to return home with a stiff neck (a small price to pay!). Then there's the abundance of world-class art, from the statues and sculptures scattered playfully about the streets to the incredible museums filled with masterpieces from all the ages. And once you've had your fill of buildings and paintings, you've got the whole sports scene to check out, an apparently endless stream of festivals and - loosen your belt - FOOD! God, the food. Seriously, this is a place you have to see.

In terms of staying, students and young adults have loads of hotels and other kinds of accommodation to choose from, and the following information should give you everything you need to know before booking your room. Remember if you book with us, you can get up to 30% off rooms just for being a student. Call it an education in saving money.

Where are the best places to stay in Chicago for students and young adults?

Chicago is the third largest city in the US (only NYC and LA are bigger) so you're not short of options when it comes to choosing areas to stay. HOWEVER, our recommendation is to keep your hotels search to the Downtown area.

Hotels in Downtown Chicago

Downtown is the best place to stay for a trip to Chicago. This is the beating heart of the city and where the vast majority of action and attractions can be found. Also known as The Loop, the perimeter of the Downtown neighborhood is roughly defined by the Chicago River to the north and west, Lake Michigan to the east and Roosevelt Road to the south.

Hotels here are slightly more expensive than more outlying areas, but it's worth paying a little bit more. Also, this is where you'll find the widest variety of accommodation options, so finding something to suit the budget shouldn't be too tiresome.

What are the best attractions in Chicago?

Chicago has an epic array of attractions and things to do, from entertainment to shopping to food markets to museums to public street art.

If it's entertainment you're here for, you'll want to stick to Downtown, which is the heart of Chicago's theater district, where you'll find amazing shows and productions year-round. The Chicago Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theater and Cadillac Palace Theatre are some of the more famous ones. Also, sports are BIG in Chicago. You may have heard of a basketball team called the Bulls - they're kinda popular. For baseball you'll want to see the White Sox, for the NFL the Bears and for ice hockey the Blackhawks.

In terms of sightseeing, there are a few things you can't miss. Navy Pier makes for a brilliant couple of hours, especially in the summer: you'll find rides, shops and food, and a feel-good atmosphere. If it's museums you're after, don't miss The Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Craving a view? Make a beeline for Willis Tower - even by skyscraper standards this thing is a beast. Peaking at almost 1500ft, this was the world's tallest building for the last quarter of the last century.

Can students get discounts on Chicago hotels?

Yes! If you're a student and or young adult, sign up today for a free membership with StudentUniverse, verify your student status / age and voila! Our whole thing is negotiating with airlines and hotels to get people like you exclusive prices not available to the general public. You could save up to 30% on your Chicago hotel.

What are the hotels like in Chicago?

You'll find a wide range of hotels in Chicago: at one end of the spectrum are establishments that have a pleasantness factor of cockroaches mating with spiders and at the other end are places of such ludicrous opulence you'll need to put your yacht down as a deposit. Perhaps aim for something in the middle.

Frequently asked questions about Chicago Hotels

The price of hotels in Chicago depend on how nice the hotel is and how much the hotel owner thinks they can get away with charging, though this is broadly true of capitalist ventures the world over, so we're not sure how useful this sentence is. More specifically, the average cost for a 3 star hotel in downtown Chicago is about $200 per night, but this will vary depending on seasonality and other things.