Any Chicago DUers have any advice about downtown Chicago, Il, Grant Park, Hotels

[kansasblue]

for the Obama election night rally?

Location for budget minded travelers

[mopinko]

1. i can only say that there will be nothing affordable and close

there are not that many cheap hotels in chicago, period. look for something close to one of the train lines and/or look for others to bunk up with. you might be able to find something at one of the airport hotels. it is a kinda long train ride, but bearable. 1/2 hour or so.

[sirdales]

6. There are deals to be found...

Finding a reasonable Hotel in Chicago is not all that difficult. Sure, they can be pricey, but it is the same as anywhere else. Now more than ever, the hotels are wheeling and dealing.
Check it out. There are plenty of deals to be found!
Sir Dales
Chicago Il

[lin_e65]

2. Hotels

Use one of the online consolidators. They may be a bit cheaper.

[crownchakrabound]

3. This is totally out there, but what about a hostel? YMCA somewhere north of city?

The great thing about Chicago is that even in the outlying areas, you can find places that are reachable by El in 30 minutes or so. Try a western suburb with bed and breakfast.

[Radical Activist]

7. There's a great hostel downtown on Congress.

It will probably fill up but it's the nicest hostel I've ever been to.

[sirdales]

8. B&B is better

I would definitely try a bed and breakfast rather than a hostel. I guess it all depends on how courageous you are :)
I will tell you this.. It is very tough to find a clean, cheap, and safe Hotel in Chicago.
Best of luck!

[bobbert]

4. Anything in the city will have high prices

At least, anything in a nice area of the city. If you go to the subarbs and rent a car, you'll have to pay $20 for parking close to Grant Park. You might be able to find something close to a train line in the subarbs (checkout metrarail.com), the train station is about a mile to 1 1/2 mile walk from Grant Park. Chicago (like most big cities) isn't really designed for budget-minded travelers, but for tourists and business travel. You could try a site like orbitz, priceline or hotwire for a deal on hotels, and it might be a lot cheaper that way if you really want to stay downtown.

[mauvesubmarine]

5. You have to be a resident of IL, you know...

I just learned about that last night.