Does any know of a hotel near Chicago Union Terminal that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg?
Personal observation.
When it comes to lodging, you get what you pay for - anything below $100 a night is getting risky.
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What I do is try to get a credit card deal with points via Hilton. As Balt said if your going to stay in Chicago, pay the arm and a leg, why risk it with horrible security. My favorite is the Palmer House Hilton.
You can also try to find a package deal via Amtrak Vacations that includes your rail fare and extras.
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A few years ago I stayed at the Holiday Inn near the Merchandise Mart. My room even overlooked the northern approach to Chicago Union Station, so I could watch passenger trains come and go. It’s a decent hotel in every respect. I see they have rooms at about $200 (some less, some more). It’s called (today) “Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart, an IHG Hotel.”
It’s worth a look.
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Club Quarters Hotel across the river on Adams (close to Union Station) is often a bit under $200. Safe location.
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Thanks! But we are all set now.
I’ve had good luck using Google maps and clicking on the hotels link. Zoom in on Chicago Union Station say a mile across. Or whatever you want. Give it a date range and it’ll search for rates. 2 things to note.
1). When seeing the rates go only for the official hotel website or an established travel agent such as Expedia Priceline etc. There are some really dodgy websites that look like bargains but they rarely pan out. These sites work by taking your money now and ”hoping” rates go down and THEN they book you room for you. What often happens is they cancel your room or put you up somewhere else.
2). Read the reviews carefully. Especially look at the bad reviews . Some people always gripe so even the Ritz get some 1 star reviews. But a large number of say 2 or 3 stars is a warning sign.
The whiny people will always give one star. That’s what they do. But if someone gives two or three stars they probably put thought into it.
In viewing the reviews - look at the listed residence of those commenting in relation the location of the lodging. A high number of ‘local’ reviewers might indicate a high number of hourly users.
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We have booked a room now. Not cheap, but when compared to what we’re paying for a bedroom on the Zephyr, it’s downright refreshing! Hotel costs $300/nite. 
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And to think - back in 1966 I was getting motel rooms for $7 a night when I was a traveling extra operator.
In 1966 the minimum wage was $1.25 and gasoline was 35.9 cents a gallon at Sohio.
My summer job paid $1.50 p/h.
I miss 1965 and 1966!
Ouch!
I don’t. Doing much better now than then.
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