First time visitors from Aus- where to stay in Chicago?

Question

Hi all!

My family have booked a trip to America later this year (October-November) from Australia (fam of 4; kids will be 6 and 11) and as we’re first-time-visitors I'm after suggestions please!

We're staying in the US for 28 days total and have mostly worked out the logistics of our first week, so we've locked that in (but as we want to attend regular season NBA games in Chicago, San Francisco (& potentially LA), and also want to visit Nashville, we can't book any more of our trip until the NBA scheudle is released later this year & we can then work out the logisitcs of the rest of our trip then!).

I'd like to at least do some investigations now though so I'm ready to 'BOOK' as soon as the NBA fixture is released.

I'd love some suggestions please on where to stay in Chicago please? I'd like to shortlist a couple of places to stay & hope that one of them is still available when we're ready to book. I've looked at a few places on Booking.com and Air BnB and have read heaps of reviews but it's still tricky not knowing much about the areas. If you could please suggest areas I should be looking at, or even which specific areas/streets we should avoid that'd be super helpful!

The two main things we'll be doing while we're there are attending a Bulls game & visiting the Chicago Museum (my son is super excited to see SUE the T Rex!)

Any advice would be much appreciated! :)

Answer

Welcome to Chicago! It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned, and I’d be happy to help you with some suggestions on where to stay. Since you'll be attending a Bulls game and visiting the Field Museum to see SUE the T. rex, staying in a convenient location with easy access to both the United Center (for the game) and the Museum Campus (for the museum and other attractions) is key. Below are some of the best areas in Chicago for first-time visitors, along with tips on where to stay and what to avoid.

Best Areas to Stay in Chicago:

Loop & The Cultural District:
This is the heart of downtown Chicago, and it’s perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll be close to major attractions, including the Field Museum, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). It’s also near the Chicago Theatre, art galleries, and the shopping district along Michigan Avenue.

The Loop is also close to many public transportation options, making it easy to get to other parts of the city, including the United Center for the Bulls game.

Hotels to Consider:
- Palmer House Hilton: A historic hotel right in the Loop, offering a classic Chicago experience with family-friendly amenities.
- The Langham: For a more luxurious experience, this 5-star hotel is just a short distance from the riverfront and offers great service and family accommodations.
- The Wit Hotel: A trendy, modern hotel located near Millennium Park and the Theater District.
South Loop:
Close to the Museum Campus (where the Field Museum is), the South Loop is a great family-friendly neighborhood. You’ll be near the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum, and there are plenty of restaurants and parks in the area.

Hotels to Consider:
- Hotel Chicago South Loop: A great option for families with easy access to the Museum Campus and public transport.
- The Wheeler Mansion: A more boutique hotel with a quieter, homier feel while still being in a central location.
River North:
River North is a vibrant neighborhood that offers great dining, art galleries, and easy access to Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile for shopping. While not directly next to the museums, it’s a great spot for families who want a lively atmosphere with easy access to most major attractions.

Hotels to Consider:
- The Godfrey Hotel: A sleek, modern hotel with a great rooftop bar and proximity to River North’s attractions.
- Public Chicago: This hotel offers a hip, artsy vibe with a great location in the heart of River North.
West Loop:
If you're looking for a neighborhood with a slightly more local feel, West Loop is known for its trendy dining scene and easy access to the United Center. It’s a great area to stay for a Bulls game, and you’ll be just a short drive or bus ride away from downtown attractions.

Hotels to Consider:
- Soho House Chicago: A stylish option with a club-like atmosphere, perfect if you want to stay in a hip neighborhood near the United Center.
- The Hoxton: Located in the heart of the West Loop, The Hoxton is a boutique hotel offering a cool atmosphere and family-friendly amenities.

What to Avoid:

Near the Airport (O'Hare): While O’Hare is an airport hub, it's quite far from downtown attractions, especially if you’re visiting for a limited time. If you're only staying a few days, it’s best to stay closer to the action.
Streeterville: Although it's close to Navy Pier and some museums, it can feel a bit touristy and doesn’t have the same local vibe as other neighborhoods like River North or West Loop.

Transportation:

Chicago has an excellent public transportation system, with buses and the "L" train system making it easy to get around. The Loop and South Loop are particularly well-served, so you won’t need a car, especially since parking in Chicago can be expensive and limited. The CTA passes for visitors can also make things easier if you plan to take the train frequently.

Final Thoughts:

For your trip, the best areas to stay would be the Loop, South Loop, and West Loop, all of which are well-connected to the attractions you'll want to see. River North is also a great choice for its vibrant nightlife and restaurants. If you can book early, staying near the Museum Campus or the United Center would be ideal, especially for your NBA game and museum visit. Happy planning!