Plan a visit to Chicago in one of three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
BUDGET
Getting there: Frequent weekend offers of $134 round-trip permit departures after 7 p.m. Friday or anytime Saturday with returns on the immediately following Monday or Tuesday; valid on nonstop American, Delta, United service to Chicago-O'Hare.
Stay: The Best Western River North is minutes from the Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile shopping, the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field and great restaurants. Contemporary guest rooms have plush bedding, free WiFi and in-room coffee. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, rooftop deck and complimentary guest parking. Prepaid reservations booked on the Internet range from $160-$170; www.rivernorthhotel.com, 125 W. Ohio St., 312-467-0800.
Eat: Twist is a local favorite with traditional Spanish tapas "twisted" to include international tastes. It fits the bill for a lunch or dinner with outdoor seating, great views and an eye on the budget. Small plates from $4.95-$10.95. Enjoy with a mango sangria; www.twistinchicago.com, 3412 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-388-2727.
Experience: Take a free two- to four-hour expert-led walking tour with a local Chicago Greeter. Choose from tours that visit more than 25 neighborhoods and from 40 themes. Reserve at least seven to 10 days in advance; www.chicagogreeter.com, 312-744-8000. Download a number of free themed audio walking tours to your iPod or MP3. Interests range from kids to how blues music influenced Chicago (and where to catch performances) to exploring landmarks such as Millennium Park; www.chicagotraveler.com/tour-chicago-by-audio.htm, www.downloadchicagotours.com.
__________
MODERATE
Getting there: Frequent one-way sale rates start at $69 (Tuesdays-Wednesdays) to $94 (any day) with a 10-day advance notice; valid on nonstop AirTran service to Midway; American, Delta or United to O'Hare.
Stay: Comfort Suites is just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile, world-renowned Michigan Avenue -- the city's retail, dining, cultural and entertainment district. Accommodations are residential-style suites with work desks, full kitchen, city views. One room suites range from $189-$249 through autumn, including a hot breakfast buffet; 320 N. Michigan Ave., 312-384-1208, www.choicehotels.com.
Eat: Maude's Liquor Bar is a hip Parisian dream with chic furnishings, chandeliers and oh so French (touched by American ingenuity) menu choices such as Lyonnaisse salad, French onion fondue and escargot. Entree prices to $19; 840 W. Randolph, 312-243-9712.
Experience: The Art Institute is the country's second largest museum with more than 300,000 works of art. Navigate at your own pace with an audio guide rental, $7. Admission is $18 adults; $12 children, students and Seniors; www.artic.edu/aic, 111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600.
__________
SPLURGE
Getting there: One-way, First Class rates start at $287 with a 21-day advance notice; from $307 with a two-week notice; valid on nonstop Delta service to O'Hare.
Stay: Before a night on the town, head up to ROOF on the 27th floor of the boutique hotel, theWit. The indoor/outdoor lounge features fire pits, live music and telescopes to take in city and Lake Michigan views. Guest rooms feature skyline and lake or river views. Guest privacy is ensured with a hotel policy of keeping all floors as ‘quiet zones.' No more than four registered guests are allowed in one room after 10 p.m. "Sweet Dreams" packages start at $249, including full breakfast; www.thewithotel.com, 201 N. State St., 312-467-0200.
Eat: The HB Home Bistro is a tiny and intimate restaurant serving up hearty American dishes. A three-course menu is priced at $30 each Wednesday and every evening three to four specials are prepared with fresh market goods. A la carte items include housemade Potato Pierogis ($11) to a milk poached Sturgeon for $25. The bistro is BYOB, no corkage fee; www.homebistrochicago.com, 3404 N. Halsted St., 773-661-0299.
Experience: Before a day game, take a 90-minute walking tour ($25) of legendary Wrigley Field and get an insider's view of over 90 years of baseball history. Tour stops include the clubhouse, dugouts, press box, bleachers and the playing field; 773-404-2827. The innings and runs during a game are changed by hand on the original scoreboard from 1937. The least expensive game tickets are $12-$24 with better seats ranging from $34-$72. Best in the house are $145-$165; www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com.
__________
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
About the Author
