Through search engines like Kayak, it is possible to find a rewarding combination of decent accommodation and outstanding location. One example is the Tremont Hotel, just off fabulous Michigan Avenue.
Right now, there are scores of other hotels in prime Chicago locations offering excellent rates. Since I stayed at The Tremont, I'll share this specific information:
The room was $120 USD/night, including taxes and energy fees.
Just one block from both Michigan Avenue (across from the John Hancock Center) and Rush Street (Chicago's eating/entertainment favorite), it could easily cost twice that much. Most others in the area are much more money.
The hotel was built in the 1920s and has been renovated. Rooms are smallish and sometimes noisy, but very clean and well-maintained.
A 90-minute, expert-guided architectural tour was included free at the time I booked the room. Tour costs $21 USD/person for everyone else.
Excluding walking tour deal, the savings over traditional rates in this location: $85 X 3 nights=$255.
Note: If you reserve via Internet, a follow-up phone call is in order. Our "non-smoking" room was not available on arrival, and we were told such reservations on-line often are garbled.
Budget Problem #2: Outrageous Parking Fees
Although the Tremont's room rates are reasonable, its parking prices are not.
They offer valet service with in/out privileges for $32 USD/day.
So my three-day stay will produce a parking bill of $96!
