Exclusive deals on vacations and trips to Chicago

Where to stay in Chicago: Best areas for travelers

• Downtown Chicago: Full of atmosphere and ambiance, this is a perfect match if you love being in the thick of the action. Choose a comfortable room at the theWit Chicago - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel or the Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop - Theatre District. Then, you'll be ideally placed to discover this neighborhood's best attractions, like Navy Pier and Chicago Children's Museum.

• Near North Side: You've got lots of options when it comes to welcoming places to stay in this neighborhood. To start with, look up the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, The Talbott Hotel and the FieldHouse Jones. You'll be able to jump out of bed and be at terrific attractions like Navy Pier soon after.

• Lakeview: If the reason for your travels is to check off the major attractions, staying here is a wise choice. Make yourself comfortable at The Wheelhouse Hotel, the City Suites Hotel or the Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel. Of the area's many highlights, the crowd favorite is Wrigley Field.

• West Town: If you're on the hunt for someplace to stay in this area, the Ruby Room , the Beautiful Modern Bright And Open West Town Single Family Home and The Robey are convenient options. Creative types in particular will enjoy this part of town, with Ukrainian Institute Of Modern Art and Chicago Center for the Performing Arts among the many sights available here.

• The Loop: If you only have time to discover one attraction in this neighborhood, make a beeline for Millennium Park. Take in this well-known sight at your own pace and then head on back to the Palmer House a Hilton Hotel. The Congress Plaza Hotel and the Chicago Athletic Association also have everything you need for a pleasant stay.

Chicago Vacations

You’ve long known of Chicago’s reputation as the “The Windy City,” and now that you’re here, wise wanderer, walking amid the fountains, bike trails, and art installations of Lake Michigan’s waterfront, you’ve certainly found yourself blown away. As one of the most storied cities in the U.S., Chicago overflows with history and culture around every corner, and there’s no shortage of exciting adventures awaiting you here. And by choosing one of the Chicago vacations featured here on Travelocity, you can sink your teeth into the Chi-Town’s iconic deep-dish pizza, root for the World Series-winning Cubs, and shop along the Magnificent Mile.

Hotels in Chicago

Embarking on your first adventure in this one-of-a-kind city? Where you choose to stay makes a big difference when it comes to vacations in Chicago. To ensure you make the right choice, here are four hotels you’ll fall in love with:

• Congress Plaza Hotel: Looking for a luxurious space to serve as home base while in Chicago? This is the place. Offering views of lush Grant Park, this iconic downtown hotel has been a presence in the city since 1893 and is just a quick walk from the Art Institute of Chicago. Choose from rooms with marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, and views of Lake Michigan. Fitness fanatics can workout in the on-site exercise room, while foodies can sample the offerings at the Congress Plaza’s own steakhouse or lounge. And if you need a trim before a night out on the town, there’s even a barbershop in the hotel.
• Hyatt Regency Chicago: Located a brisk walk from Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, this luxurious conference hotel sports contemporary rooms with iPod docks, high-def TVs, and for-a-fee Wi-Fi. To live it up a little, upgrade to a lakeview club room that includes complimentary breakfast on weekdays, and small bites in an upscale lounge. Other on-site eateries include a steak-and-sushi restaurant and a trendy sports bar.
• Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront: Situated just two miles from Millennium Park, the high-end, pet-friendly Wyndham Grand hotel invites you to spend your nights in their extravagant rooms that include hardwood accents and high-definition TVs among other amenities. You can optionally upgrade to a riverview room, or reserve a suite replete with separate living spaces and a soaking tub. In-room massages are available for an additional fee, but access to the on-site fitness center is free for all guests. And as far as food is concerned, there’s an American restaurant with a bar and in-room dining services.
• The Palmer House Hilton: Showcasing an ornately painted lobby that complements the masterful creations found in the nearby Art Institute of Chicago, this iconic accommodation is a mere 2 miles from the McCormick Place convention center. When it comes time to fill your belly after a day of collecting swag, pay a visit to the Palmer House’s restaurant, or swing by their plush lounge. Additional offerings here include a fitness center, full-service spa, and a pool and sauna sheltered from the elements.

Major Attractions

Choose one of our vacation packages in Chicago based around the attractions or activities you’re most looking forward to. In Near South is the sprawling Museum Campus, which consists of three large museums. Stargaze at the Adler Planetarium, pay a visit to the infamous Sue the T-Rex at the Field Museum of Natural History, and finish the museum hop at the Shedd Aquarium. Architecture aficionados will be drawn to the gorgeous buildings found in the Loop, including the Fine Arts Building, The Reliance Building, and the Rookery. Use the city's popular public transportation system to get around, but if you want to explore beyond the city limits you may want to rent a car in Chicago.

Festivals and Events

Every year, the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, which is celebrated with a parade the Saturday before the holiday. This popular event is only one item in a crammed calendar of city events. Head outdoors to listen to classical music during the 10-week Grant Park Music Festival or sip on favorite beers while discovering new ones at the Chicago Craft Beer Festival in July. Live music, food, and the arts are the focus of most of the festivals. Let the festivals guide you when you plan vacation package in Chicago, IL.

Travelocity makes it easy to find a cheap vacation in Chicago at any time of year. Take a look at our unbeatable Chicago package deals today, and you’ll be on the trip of your dreams in no time.

Tours and Activities in Chicago

So you've unpacked your suitcase and you're starting to feel weary after your flight — what do you do? Curl up in bed? Not a chance... getaways are about one-of-a-kind experiences and extraordinary adventures! (Besides, you can always have a rest when you get home.)

Looking forward to some thrilling activities while you're in Chicago? We recommend trying out some of these experiences:

• Bikes, Bites & Brews Bike Tour
• Bobby’s ‘Tike’ Hike- Kid’s Edition
• Helicopter Flight at Night
• Indoor Skydiving Experience
• Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour
• Historic Skyscrapers Walking Tour