We are in the process of planning a road trip from home (Ottawa, ON) to Chicago in July, via Watertown, NY (through Cleveland).
Our ultimate goal is to end up at the Shedd Aquarium and possibly the Lincoln Park Zoo.
We are only planning 2-3 days in the Chicago area, then heading to Detroit for a Tigers game on the Wednesday, then on to Brantford, ON to spend the rest of the week with family and a wedding.
We are fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants people and would prefer to not book hotels. We would much rather drive until we find a motel.
Any Chicago area dopers see a problem with hitting Chicago around July 15, 16, 17th and not finding a cheapish motel in the area?
Also, what other must-sees should we…erm…see on this road trip?
I wouldn’t be opposed to stopping in Sandusky and going to Cedar Point.
There aren’t many motels in the city anymore. Those that still survive are generally way north or way south of where you want to be. There are a few left on Lincoln Ave. about 5 miles N/NW. Some are really run down, but a few have been somewhat updated in an effort to keep the neighbors at bay. You may get by for $150+ our outrageous hotel taxes. It’s out of the way, but cheaper than anything closer in. Heck, if you come that far north stay at The Purple Hotel, just to say you did.
My suggestion would be to stay at the Gold Coast Hotel. It’s across the street from the zoo and there are many restaurants within easy walking distance. The hotel is supposed to have a shuttle to the museum campus. That will allow you to skip the weekend traffic. Or take the bus and do the same. The aquarium is just a short trip south. Walk over and visit the Adler Planetarium when you’re done seeing the fish.
The cost may be around $250-300 (summer rates) for a couple of nights, $40-50 of that will be taxes. From what I’ve heard it is clean and comfortable. It certainly is conveniently located.
I’m sure someone else will be along shortly with more (and cheaper) recommendations.