Someone suggested that I look for a condo to rent through vrbo while I'm there. Problem is, I don't know what area of the city I want. The race starts/finishes in Grant Park. My choices on vrbo are: Far North, Near North, North Side, Central Loop, Near South, West and Near West, and South Side.
Near North has the Magnificent Mile listed and I that looks pretty close when I look at the course map. Right now I'm booked at the Howard Johnson Downtown...I think that's about a mile away from the start but it's cancelable in case I find something better. I'd like to stay w/in a mile of the start.
FYI, this is the course map.
And this is what I'm seeing on vrbo.
Thanks...I'm an idiot and have no clue where I'm going.
Re: Chicago girls - Help!
I don't live in the downtown area but if I were you, I'd choose the loop areas (they are all within cab distance and close to Grant Park. I work near west loop and if I really wanted to, I can get to Millenium Park in 15 minutes walking at a slow normal pace). All the other areas listed are accessible by public transportation. The West/South Loop areas may not have a lot in terms of shopping, since it's more financial district.
If you narrow some addresses down, I can ask people here what they think about the areas (since most of my co-workers live in these neighborhoods)
I agree you should choose one of the loop locations and then you'll be able to walk or take a cab.
It appears the South Loop is by the museums and Soldier Field and your best bet if you wanted to be right in the middle of everything would be the Central Loop location.
Like Mel said though from any of the loop locations you could walk to Grand Park within 15 minutes easily.