Chicago – Streetsmart – Accommodation & Dining Tips

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  1. Booking a Room

    To
    book a room, contact the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCVB).
    Discounted rates can be found by checking the Internet on sites such as www.877chicago.com,
    calling the hotel directly, or contacting a reputable, no-fee
    reservation service such as Hot Rooms and Hotel Reservations Network. To
    hold a reservation, a credit card is usually necessary: no-shows will
    be charged. Be sure to specify if you want a smoking or non-smoking
    room.

    CCVB

    Hot Rooms

  2. Rates

    Hotel
    rates vary according to the hotel category, and the time of week and
    season. Peak rates are weekdays and from April–December. Rack rates, the
    basic room rates, are the ones used in this book to provide a guide
    price. Don’t settle for them! It is almost always possible to get a
    better deal, so don’t be too shy to ask.

  3. Rooms

    Usually,
    the larger the room, the higher the tab, and many, though not all,
    hotels charge more for a room with a view – so consider how much time
    you will want to spend in your room before you pay the premium.
    Twin-bedded rooms are uncommon; most double rooms have either a queen-
    or king-sized bed or two double beds. If staying in a busy area, check
    to make sure rooms are soundproof.

  4. Bed & Breakfasts

    Bed
    & Breakfasts are a great way to see the city from a different
    perspective. For a list of homes offering guest rooms, check with At
    Home Inn Chicago, or Illinois Bed & Breakfast Association (ILBBA).
    Many require a minimum stay of two nights.

    At Home Inn Chicago

    ILBBA

  5. Taxes

    Downtown
    restaurants add on a 9.5 percent local sales tax to your check, and
    hotel tax in Chicago is quite high at 15.4 percent (though the suburbs
    are slightly cheaper). Room rates tend to be quoted without tax.

  6. Restaurant Reservations

    Some
    restaurants do not take reservations (or only for groups of more than
    five), while for others, in particular the upscale ones, reservations
    well in advance are a must, especially on weekends. We indicate a
    recommendation for the restaurants listed in this book, but it is always
    a good idea to call and check, especially if you have special needs or
    dietary requirements.

  7. Meal Times

    Breakfast
    is usually served in diners and coffee shops from about 6–10am. Lunch
    is normally available from 11:30am–2pm, and dinner takes place between
    approximately 5–10pm depending on the establishment. Early-bird dinners,
    normally served from 5–7pm, are usually a good bargain.

  8. Chicago-Style & Ethnic Cuisine

    Deep-dish
    pizza, hot dogs, and steaks are Chicago’s main specialties. But in a
    city where a multitude of cultures meet, so do a multitude of cuisines,
    so check out the city’s many ethnic restaurants .




    Pizzeria Uno

  9. Portions

    You
    will find that portions vary hugely from place to place. Often portions
    at upscale restaurants are smaller, while steakhouses and ethnic
    eateries offer a more than generous serving.

  10. Dress Codes

    Few
    restaurants have strict dress codes, though some hotel and other
    upscale restaurants still expect men to wear jackets and ties.