Suggests for where to stay outside of downtown

Question

My daughter and I are taking a short road trip as we travel from my brother’s to home. Part of this trip we are making a short stop in Chicago. We plan to spend one day, I know it’s not enough time, doing the hop on hop off tour for just a highlight trip. We don’t have time to spend more time.

I can’t afford to stay downtown so looking at staying on one of the marta lines and riding it in on our day there. I know it will take time getting into downtown and back to the hotel but that is okay. I’ll look at hotel prices and how long it takes to get to downtown to find a good compromise.

We will be coming from Minneapolis and heading south towards Indianapolis. We will arrive June 26, spend the 27 seeing Chicago, then leave the 28. Which Marta line do you recommend I look at for hotels?

Answer

For your short stay in Chicago and your plan to take the hop-on-hop-off tour, I understand you're looking for an affordable hotel outside downtown with easy access to public transportation, specifically along the Metra (not MARTA, which is in Atlanta) lines. Here's some advice and options to help make your stay more convenient and budget-friendly:

Metra Lines and Hotels Near Them:

Since you’re planning to use the Metra to get into downtown Chicago, here are some of the most accessible lines and areas where you can find affordable hotels:

Milwaukee District North Line – The Milwaukee District North line runs from the northern suburbs and provides good access to downtown Chicago. Stations like Morton Grove and Skokie are located in more residential areas and have convenient train connections into downtown Chicago. Hotels near these stations tend to be more affordable, and the train ride into downtown takes about 30-40 minutes.
BNSF Railway Line – This line connects the western suburbs to downtown Chicago. Stations like Downers Grove or La Grange Road are popular with travelers. These areas are quieter, with a range of affordable hotels and a quick 25-minute ride into downtown Chicago.
Union Pacific North Line – This line is great if you're coming from the northwestern suburbs, with stops in places like Ravenswood or Jefferson Park. These areas are close to public transit and also have a range of hotel options that are typically more budget-friendly than downtown. Travel time into downtown Chicago is about 20-30 minutes.
Southwest Service Line – This line comes from the southern suburbs and includes stops in areas like Oak Lawn or Palos Heights. Hotels in these areas offer a more suburban experience, and you can easily reach downtown in about 30-40 minutes. If you're looking for quieter, more affordable options, this could be a good choice.

Hotel Recommendations Outside Downtown:

Here are some hotels along these Metra lines that are budget-friendly and convenient for your short stay:

Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel – Located in the Ravenswood area, this hotel is close to the Union Pacific North Line and offers affordable rates with easy access to downtown Chicago via a quick train ride.
Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook – Situated near the BNSF Railway line (Downers Grove), this hotel offers a suburban feel, larger rooms, and easy access to downtown Chicago by train. It's a solid mid-range option.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Midway Airport – If you don't mind being a bit further south, this hotel near the Midway Airport station offers convenient access to the Orange Line, and the BNSF line into downtown Chicago. It's a practical option with good rates.
Hyatt Place Chicago/South Loop – While this one is closer to downtown, it's a little more affordable and offers easy access to the Metra Electric line. If you want to stay just outside the most expensive part of downtown but still be near transportation, this is a solid choice.

Conclusion:

Any of the Metra lines I mentioned will offer a balance of affordable hotels and good access to downtown Chicago. I recommend checking out hotels near stations on the Milwaukee District North line or the BNSF line, as these areas tend to offer both more budget-friendly options and a relatively short commute into downtown Chicago. If you’re looking for a compromise between price and convenience, I’d suggest focusing on areas like Morton Grove, Downers Grove, or Ravenswood. Enjoy your road trip, and have a fantastic time in Chicago!

Suggests for where to stay outside of downtown

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