Following is a list of locations which are offering us discounted rates. In every case, you'll need to call them directly to make a reservation, being sure to mention that you are associated with the Skinner-Oclander/McClelland (say that three times fast) wedding party. Because the rates in Chicago are a bit high (compared to Indianapolis and St. Ignace, anyway), we've found a range of prices and styles. We searched primarily for accommodations which are close to the wedding site - the Chicago Historical Society (CHS) - which is located at the intersection of Clark and North, in the Gold Coast district of Chicago.
1. The Days Inn Gold Coast is the least expensive
hotel in the area that meets our key standard - "clean". It's
practically across the street from CHS, in a nice neighborhood, overlooking
Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The standard rooms are very small,
although the "junior suite" rooms may be just right for a small
family, as they have two double beds and two small bathrooms. The furnishings
are a little dated, but as I said, it's clean and in a great location.
Continental breakfast included.
Prices are $129 for a standard, and $149 for a junior suite.
Call 312-664-3040. 1816 North Clark Street.
2. The Claridge Hotel is a nice little European-style
hotel in the Gold Coast, a little bit south of CHS. It was recently highlighted
in Time magazine article as one of the best small hotels in the world.
Built in 1923, it is quite nicely appointed, and offers a small bar/lounge
area , an excellent restaurant, and a spa. Each room has an armoire with
a TV and mini-bar. It is in a nice neighborhood, and is close to the shopping
district of the Magnificent Mile. There are some lovely restaurants located
in the area. Continental breakfast included.
Prices run $159 for a queen-size, $179 for a king-size (with fireplace),
and $179 for a double queen room. Suites are also available.
Call 1-800-245-1258. 1244 North Dearborn Parkway. http://www.claridgehotel.com
3. Bed & Breakfast Chicago is a bed-and-breakfast
reservation service. Many of the B&Bs in Chicago will only allow reservations
through this organization. Their website is very helpful, with descriptions
sorted by region, often with accompanying photographs. I have spoken with
"Liz" to find the rooms nearest to CHS, so all you need to do
is call and mention the Skinner-Oclander wedding - they have a list of
the approved rooms with numbers corresponding to the website descriptions
and photos. Please note that most of these rooms require a three-night
stay.
Prices range from $125 to $225.
Call 773-394-2000. http://www.chicago-bed-breakfast.com
4. Wyndham Downtown Chicago is a luxury hotel
located one block east of the Magnificent Mile, surrounded by shopping
and restaurants. The staff is attentive and the furnishings are very nice.
Each room has direct Internet access, armoire with TV, and mini-bar. The
hotel itself boasts a full exercise facility with pool, 24-hour room service,
and a nice Italian restaurant. The concierge level provides special amenities,
such as a club lounge and continental breakfast, at an extra cost - inquire
when making your reservation.
Standard rooms are $149 for single occupancy, $169 for double. Corner
rooms are $184, and suites are $269 for single occupancy ($20 more for
double).
Call 312-573-0300. 633 North St. Clair Street. http://www.wyndham.com/chicago/
5. Hilton's Homewood Suites is an appropriate
hotel for those who would prefer a kitchenette and living room - it's
especially well-suited for families or two couples who want to save on
hotel costs (a sofa-bed is included). It is located just off the southern
end of the Magnificent Mile, a few blocks west of Michigan Avenue, and
is surrounded by shopping and restaurants. There is an indoor pool &
fitness center, and a full breakfast is included.
Suites are $159 a night (plus $10 for each extra person).
Call 312-644-2222. 40 East Grand.
6. Finally, for those of you wanting to splurge on
an elegant, sophisticated hotel overlooking the historical Water Tower,
the Park Hyatt is the newest and best luxury hotel on the Magnificent
Mile. It offers butler service, a full-service concierge staff, 24-hour
room service, complimentary shoe shine, oversized soaking tubs, imported
marble, flat screen TVs, window seats, mini-bars, a fitness center, indoor
pool, spa, and afternoon tea.
Rooms are $340 a night.
Call 1-800-233-1234. 800 North Michigan Avenue.
Please be aware that reservations at all of these sites must be made no later than 30 days before the wedding date. After that time, the rooms go back into the regular pool and there is no special wedding rate.
For those of you searching for a deal and willing to take a small risk, I suggest finding rates on the internet or through a clearinghouse. My brother has always had good luck with http://www.priceline.com, and my friend Sharon has been pleased, as have we, with http://www.hotrooms.com (also by phone at 1-800-468-3500). The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau has hotel deals at both http://www.choosechicago.com (under "accommodations"), and http://www.877chicago.com (also by phone at 1-877-CHICAGO). The important thing to remember is location. To easily access the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and CHS, as well as an easy drive to the Museum Campus, I suggest the following neighborhoods: North Loop (northern downtown), Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Ave.), Gold Coast, Old Town (both in the Near North), or the southern side of Lincoln Park. Please do not hesitate to e-mail or call us if you have a hotel or neighborhood in mind and want to make sure it is clean, safe, and in a good location.
Again, thank you so much for being a part of our big day. We hope this is helpful...many thanks to Linda Johnston (Mark's aunt) and Monica Oclander (Nancy's mother) for their help in the quest for Chicago accommodations.
