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