Planning a trip to Chicago...

runforfun

DH and I are planning a trip to Chicago but would like to possibly stay in a outlying town to avoid the expensive hotel rates. Is there a suburb someone might recommed to the west of Chicago that is safe, has some fairly decent hotels but is also close to a town that would have access to the train lines? We'll be coming from Kansas City and were hoping to stay on the west side of the city. Thanks for your help!

yellowroses510

If you stay in the Hinsdale area, you'll be on the west side but you'll be out of the city. You'll be able to take the Metra train into Chicago and you'll be close enough to walk places, or take a cab or other form of transportation to get to the sites you want to get to.

teambollman

Use priceline.com, you'll find great hotel deals.  The suburbs will charge not too much less and then you have the hassle of getting downtown.  The really expensive hotels are right on Mich Ave, but there are many just a block off... good luck!

ElizabethD

Definitely use online sites and you can find stellar CHicago deals.  I'm going to a 4 star hotel JUST off Michigan ave for $115!  Over Memorial weekend to boot!  Travelzoo.com is one great site that has deals on that hotel perhaps over your dates.

You do not want to avoid downtown.  YUCK to try managing public transportation.  Much nicer to be in the action and be able to have some drinks and stroll "home" to your hotel.