Where to Stay - Western Chicago Business Trip

Question

First business trip to Chicago area to visit accounts. Most are located in the western 'burbs such as Naperville, Aurora, Oakbroook, Elgin, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove and Westmont. What area should I look for best hotels and easiest access? Will be driving. Also have accounts in Joliet, Barrington, Hoffman Estates and up north in Skokie, Northfield and Winnetka which I'll do on a day swing.

Thank you! I know that's a lot. Just looking for easiest area from which to base for the week.

Answer

For your business trip to Chicago, given the locations of your accounts across the western suburbs as well as further out in Joliet, Barrington, and up north in Skokie and Winnetka, you’ll want to choose a central location that offers easy access to the major highways and is conveniently located for your meetings. Here are some great options for where to stay during your trip:

1. Oak Brook / Oakbrook Terrace

Oak Brook is centrally located, making it an excellent base for your trip. It provides easy access to major highways such as I-294 and I-88, which will take you to areas like Downers Grove, Westmont, Naperville, and Aurora. Oak Brook itself is home to numerous corporate offices, so it’s a business-friendly area with many hotels and amenities. Additionally, it’s a short drive from other suburbs like Elmhurst, Lombard, and Oakbrook Terrace.

Hotel Recommendations:
- Le Meridien Oakbrook
- DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Brook
- Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

2. Downers Grove

Downers Grove is a great option if you're looking to be centrally located for your western suburb meetings. It’s close to Naperville, Oakbrook, and Lombard, and is well connected via I-355, which can get you to all of the western suburbs and Joliet fairly easily. It’s also a quieter suburban area with good hotel options and some nice dining options for after-hours meetings.

Hotel Recommendations:
- Hyatt Regency Downers Grove
- Best Western Plus Downers Grove

3. Naperville

Naperville is one of the larger and more upscale suburbs in the western Chicago area. It has a charming downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants, and it’s well connected by I-88 to all the other suburbs you’re visiting. While it may be a little farther from some of your northern meetings (like Skokie or Winnetka), it still offers great access to the west and southwest suburbs, and you’ll find a range of business-friendly hotels here as well.

Hotel Recommendations:
- Hotel Arista
- Hyatt Place Naperville

4. Schaumburg / Hoffman Estates

Schaumburg is another solid option if you're heading to the northwest suburbs, including Hoffman Estates and Barrington. This area has numerous business hotels, as well as a large shopping and dining area (Woodfield Mall). Schaumburg is close to major highways like I-90, which will give you quick access to your northern accounts in Skokie, Northfield, and Winnetka, though it may be slightly farther from the more western suburbs like Naperville and Aurora.

Hotel Recommendations:
- Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg/Woodfield

5. Skokie / Northfield / Winnetka (North Side)

If your northern meetings in Skokie, Northfield, and Winnetka are a priority, you could also stay in the northern suburbs. These areas are less business-centric but still provide easy access to downtown Chicago via I-94 (Edens Expressway) and the Metra commuter train. Skokie and Winnetka are pleasant areas with plenty of dining and shopping options, but you may need to drive a bit further to get to your southern or western accounts.

Hotel Recommendations:
- The Skokie Inn
- North Shore Chicago Marriott in Skokie

6. Proximity to Highways

No matter where you stay, it’s important to choose a location with easy access to major highways, especially I-90, I-294, and I-355. This will help you minimize drive times as you move between the western, northern, and southern suburbs. Also, if you’ll be doing a lot of driving, it may be helpful to stay at a hotel that offers parking options, as this will save you the hassle of searching for parking each day.

Additional Tips:

Consider staying at hotels with business amenities such as meeting rooms and business centers, in case you need to work during your downtime.
If you’re planning to drive a lot, check traffic conditions beforehand as the area can get congested, especially during rush hours.
It may be helpful to pick a place like Oak Brook or Downers Grove that offers a balance of easy access to both your western and northern accounts.

Overall, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, or Naperville are your best bets for staying centrally located for your various meetings. Each of these areas offers good access to highways, plenty of hotel options, and a range of amenities to keep you comfortable during your stay.

Where to Stay - Western Chicago Business Trip

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