A weekend in Chicago
BUDGET
Getting there
One-way rates of $58 are offered nearly every weekend on American, Delta, United — all with frequent nonstop service to O'Hare; AirTran to Midway. Depart Saturdays; return the following Monday or Tuesday.
Stay
Find lodging in the heart of the city for less. Roomorama.com is a peer-to-peer Web platform connecting travelers with local room and apartment rentals. Hosts can confirm availability, rates and PayPal payments. Choices run from private sublet studio apartments to posh condos; roomorama.com.
Eat
Ala Turka for an authentic Turkish evening dining on Oriental carpets and cushions. Belly dancing show Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 9 p.m. Starters from $4.95; mains and kebabs $12.95; alaturkachicago.com, 3134 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-935-6101.
Experience
Through Aug. 23, the 11-week Chicago SummerDance festival features free one-hour professional dance lessons followed by two hours of live music, open dancing on a 4,600-square-foot dance floor; Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.; every Thursday-Saturday, 6-9:30 p.m.; Sunday 4-7 p.m.
MODERATE
Getting there
One-way rates of $114 to Midway or O'Hare valid daily through April 2010; 21-day advance; all airlines.
Stay
The "Summer Playground" package from the Hotel Burnham includes deluxe accommodations, a $25 dining credit, in-room movie and popcorn from $229/night, valid to Sept. 6. The historic, green-certified hotel hosts a complimentary evening wine reception for all guests. Rooms feature robes, pillow menu, Italian linens, honor bar with gourmet goodies; burnhamhotel.com, 1 W. Washington St., 312-782-1111.
Eat
Ingredients from local Midwestern farmers make up the daily menu at stylish Mado. Antipasti plates under $10; Mediterranean-influenced entrees around $20. BYOB allowed, no corkage fee; madorestaurantchicago.com, 1647 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-2340.
Experience
Passengers of the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.'s signature "Hop On, Hop Off" tour receive a souvenir T-shirt, a sample of Garrett Gourmet Popcorn's famous Chicago mix and a tour stopping at 18 city attractions. All-day tickets (last board 6 p.m.) include a guidebook with more than 30 tips on what to do/see; $29 adults; $17 ages 3 to 11; chicagotrolley.com.
SPLURGE
Getting there
Walk-up, business class rates start at $398 to either airport with all serving airlines.
Stay
The James Hotel's "Epicurean Weekend" package includes a sommelier-selected bottle of wine, a prix fixe tasting menu for two at David Burke's Primehouse with private tour of the Himalayan salt-tiled dry aging room and classic breakfast served in-room, from $449 per night for a loft suite (550 square feet); from $289 for a king guest room, two-night minimum stay required, valid to Aug. 31; jameshotels.com, 55 E. Ontario; 312-337-1000.
Eat
Try for a table at swanky Schwa in Wicker Park, where food is art. A nine-course tasting menu is $110; three courses for $55. BYOB, corkage fee $2.50 per person; schwarestaurant.com, 1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466.
Experience
Take a 90-minute architectural tour along the Chicago River or a historical tour on Lake Michigan; $36 adult, $21 ages, under 6 free (space permitting). Includes complimentary Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, muffins, cookies; chicagoline.com.
