8 Ways to Get the Best Chicago Hotel Rate

Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is known for its extraordinary shopping spots, remarkable architecture, some of nation’s best attractions and off course, the lake. It attracts more than 40 million visitors every year. If you have planned to visit the windy city, you will be thanking your lucky stars for all those websites and mobile apps offering you a wide range of cheap Chicago hotels and Chicago Motels and helping you make your Chicago hotel reservation. You want to save on your Chicago accommodation, and want to spend those extra bucks to enjoy your trip: go sightseeing and get clicked, savor some amazing Chicago cuisines and buy some gifts for your friends and family. 

But what might have worked for you when you last visited Chicago or when your friend did, might not work this time. So, following are some sure-shot tips to get you the cheapest Chicago hotel rates whenever you travel.

Be flexible with your check-in and check-out dates. You can save money if you can adjust your dates while booking your Chicago accommodation. Hotel rates can vary due to many reasons: an event near the hotel, peak season or simply, less room availability. And if you are flexible with your dates, you can get a deal. At times, even a day or two can make a big difference and can spare you some money to buy an extra T-shirt at a shopper’s stroll.

Call the Hotel. Once you check a Chicago hotel or a Chicago motel and like it, find its number on Google (not the 1800 number) and call them. Check if you can get a better deal or at least some freebies. The hotel agents know more than the agent representing a third party company. They can tell you what can be arranged and what can’t be arranged. It will keep you from a future inconvenience.  

Use membership programs and special offers. Many Chicago hotels and motels offer a discount to military personnel, educators, seniors, corporate employees and AAA and AARP members. So check if you qualify for any discount. There is no harm in asking. There are numerous hotels and motels in Chicago and competition is tough. Ask if there is any promotion or offer that you can take advantage of.

Compare online and go for price match. So many search websites advertising the cheapest Chicago accommodations, popping up on your computer and mobile screen, and spamming your email? Must be chaotic to check them all, right? Don’t do that. Rather, check Chicago hotel rates on websites which let you compare Hotel prices on different websites. Do the comparison on www.kayak.com and www.trivago.com. Search websites offer match price. You can find a free night or a discount coupon for your next trip.

Last minute Deals. Chicago Hotels and Chicago motels often set off a last minute deal to fill their unoccupied rooms. If you are flexible with your deals you can be lucky to save some extra money to explore Chicago.

Opaque booking-big risk, serious rewards. Hotwire.com started opaque booking, also called blind booking, a decade ago and many hotel booking sites followed the suit. You pay for a room in advance without knowing the name of the hotel and the booking will be non-cancelable and non-changeable.  There is certainly a risk involved of uncertainty as it can introduce you to unpleasant surprises, but check internet, the booking sites are getting business, and people are saving money. You can save up to 60 percent. 

Check the less known hotels. This can be useful in doing your cheap Chicago hotel booking if you don’t want to pay big bucks to big hotel chains. These can be small hotels, bed and breakfasts or vacation rentals. Most of these are not found on booking sites. You can try TripAdvisor. 

Know the total cost. While doing your Chicago hotel reservation, check what fees are included in the base rate. Know what parking, rollaway, WiFi and others will cost you. Do your calculation before you book you’re your favorite Chicago hotel or Chicago motel.

Best Budget Hotels in Chicago

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There are a plenty of budget hotels in Chicago with amenities like free WiFi and breakfasts to stretch one’s money even further.  Listed below are few of the  cheap hotels in chicago budget while still being within walking distance or a quick CTA train or bus ride away from major attractions.

BEST WESTERN Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel 
BEST WESTERN Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel is a budget hotel in Chicago nestled in vibrant Lakeview neighborhood. The guests in the hotel enjoy the contemporary décor as they surf the web using the hotel's free WiFi, watch premium cable television on flat panel TVs or read the newspaper delivered to their door. Complimentary bottled water, in-room refrigerators and microwave ovens are also provided. One can enjoy suite amenities such as separate sitting areas, full kitchens, whirlpool tubs and delightful views of our terrace. Complimentary continental breakfast is included but there is a very limited seating area. Guests can visit downtown Chicago within 30 minutes. The area is packed with great dining options and Outdoor enthusiasts can embrace the lakefront beaches, get things moving on the running and bike paths or launch a boat at Belmont Harbor

Days Inn Chicago 
Just outside the bustle of the downtown area, the Days Inn Chicago offers a centered yet slightly off the beaten path for motels in Chicago. Guests can enjoy free wireless Internet access in each room, as well as satellite television and valet laundry and dry cleaning. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning in a comfortable breakfast room. There is also a fitness center, as well as fully functional business and conference rooms. There are many fun and exciting things to do In Chicago nearby the Days Inn Chicago. One can take a moment to learn more about top attractions in Chicago such as DePaul University, Navy Pier, and McCormick Place.

Chicago's Essex Inn 
Chicago's Essex Inn is a budget hotel in Chicago directly adjacent to the famous Grant Park. Guestrooms offer flat screen satellite televisions, Internet access for a fee and many views of Lake Michigan and the cityscape. Guests seeking extra space can upgrade to a suite with multiple bedrooms, a separate living area, sofa bed and more. There is a fitness centre, sauna, in-room safe, outdoor garden and terrace area for watching passersby. There are also two restaurants, a cozy bar and a free all-season rooftop swimming pool and fitness center.

BEST WESTERN PLUS River North Chicago Downtown Hotel
BEST WESTERN PLUS River North Chicago Downtown Hotel is a cheap hotel in Chicago where guests save even more with free hotel parking and free high-speed Internet access. Special hotel amenities include an exercise facility equipped with cardiovascular equipment, sun deck with skyline views, indoor heated pool and business center with conference services. Guests also appreciate the extra touches including complimentary coffee and fruit in the hotel lobby and it also offers a full-service restaurant located on the premises. The hotel offers modern lifestyle conveniences for business and leisure travelers, from the concierge to discounted parking in the heart of the city. One can relax or swim a few laps in the large indoor pool or lounge on the rooftop deck with stunning views of the Chicago skyline. One can also get energized in the modern fitness center with a treadmill, elliptical trainer, recumbent bike, and weight machine.

The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown
The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, a thriving community known for its exceptional dining, night life and art scene. The AC Lounge, a great place for happy hour or night cap features local brews, craft cocktails and tap wine that highlight AC Hotels unique beverage menus. The hotel also has Wi-Fi connection, air conditioning, in-room refrigerator and laundry service. The guests can also take advantage of the fitness center and the pool during their stay.

Aloft Chicago City Center  
Aloft Chicago City Center  is one of the cheap hotels in Chicago located in the trendy River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. It is close to Michigan Avenue shops, Millennium Park, Soldier Field, and award-winning restaurants. The hotel guest rooms feature a pet- friendly bright, spacious environment with nine-foot ceilings, extra-large windows, and our signature bed. Each of the rooms feature walk-in showers and are 100% smoke-free. Guests can enjoy Chicago's hot-spot, Beatrix, for a full menu and bar in the lobby, order room service or check out many of the city's top restaurants and bars right outside our door. Valet parking is also available with a fee.

Travelodge Chicago Downtown 
Travelodge Chicago Downtown is one of the motels in Chicago conveniently located off Interstate 94 and offers easy access to the most popular attractions in the area. The non-smoking hotel features free high-speed Internet access in all rooms. Suites with a wet bar, microwave and refrigerator are available, and kids 17 and under stay free with an adult. The guests can enjoy wheelchair-accessible elevators, dry cleaning, housekeeping, Laundromat etc.

Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan  
Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan, a budget hotel in Chicago,  features a fantastic riverfront location on Wacker Drive, one block south of The Magnificent Mile. The hotel offers full service accommodations in a warm, club-like atmosphere. There are four guest room types to choose from for nightly stays plus corporate apartments for extended visits. The hotel also offers many complimentary services including high speed Wi-Fi, unlimited, chilled bottled water, a fitness center, and access to the Club Living Room.

ACME Hotel Company Chicago 
ACME Hotel Company Chicago is located 2 ½ blocks from the Magnificent Mile in the River North neighborhood and offers a modern hotel experience with stylish decor, a high-tech vibe, affordable rates and so much more. ACME is one of the cheap hotels in Chicago and is downtown Chicago's all new boutique hotel alternative. If one appreciates an eye for design and dig a high-tech vibe, one will feel right at home. ACME is what one would consider approachable in more ways than one. The guest can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning, room service, laundry services and fitness center.

Hampton Inn Chicago Michigan Avenue 
Hampton Inn Chicago Michigan Avenue  is a budget hotel in Chicago and they have clean rooms, free WiFi and a gigantic free breakfast (eggs, bacon, waffles, oatmeal, and fresh juices are among the buffet items). This hotel was built in the old Chicago Automobile Association offices and this newly renovated hotel maintains the building's history, including its original art deco decor. The hotel has a friendly staff and excellent location. One can take advantage of professional services in the 24-hour business center and the two meeting rooms are ideal for a variety of conferences.