First Impression Urban posh at an affordable price. This 15-floor hotel has a sleek, metal-and-glass lobby and a swimming pool enclosed in a glass atrium—you can see Grant Park while treading water.

The Rooms Standard fare for business hotels.

AFFORDABLE CHICAGO These hotels and inns range from homey to stylish to downright cosmopolitan—all at rates that are reasonable for the Windy City. • Launch the slide show

Plus East-facing rooms have king-of-the-world views.

Minus You may wonder, Is this really Chicago? So many conventions are held in the neighborhood that you're more likely to bump into an out-of-towner than a local.

Free Wi-Fi? No. $6 a day.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover.

Details 800 S. Michigan Ave., 800/621-6909 or 312/939-2800, essexinn.com, doubles from $99.

Hotel Type Hotel.

Relevant Lifestyle Family-friendly.

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GOLD COAST GUEST HOUSE B&B
'Hood Southeast of Old Town, where the city's venerable walk-ups and town houses share elbow room with gritty, multiunit apartment buildings and gourmet grocery stores. The landmark Holy Name Cathedral is seven blocks away.

First Impression Entering this brick Victorian town house is like walking into a good friend's well-kept apartment. The hardwood floors are immaculately clean, the breakfast room is stocked with organic cereals and juices, and the south side's floor-to-ceiling windows frame a lovely backyard garden.

The Rooms Owner Sally Baker has decorated each room with a tasteful mixture of vintage furnishings and understated mementos, such as a World War II serviceman's framed letter and photo. The Victorian-era Queen Room on the north side has a beautiful pedestal sink and an extra-deep bathtub.

Plus Eating the complimentary breakfast in the garden is a welcome respite from the pace of the city.

Minus Children under 10 and pets are not allowed.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in public spaces and all rooms.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover.

Details 113 W. Elm St., 312/337.0361, bbchicago.com, doubles from $129.

Hotel Type Inn/B&B.

Relevant Lifestyle Romantic.

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THE BELDEN-STRATFORD HOTEL
'Hood Lincoln Park, a few city blocks from Lake Michigan, known for its expansive, tree-lined boulevards. DePaul University and the Lincoln Park Zoo are highlights.

First Impression It's no accident that the hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A red-coated doorman welcomes you to the elegant lobby decorated in a spectacular, art deco-inspired style. The hotel is modern where it counts: There's free Wi-Fi Internet, a small spa, and a French bistro, Mon Ami Gabi.

The Rooms Relatively spacious compared with other Chicago hotel rooms in a similar class. The well-maintained guest rooms typically have vintage furniture and Oriental rugs.

Plus Each apartment-like guest room has a kitchenette with a rudimentary fridge, a range, and a microwave. Many of the park-facing rooms offer astonishing views. The hotel provides a free continental breakfast and summer access to a rooftop sundeck, with views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan.

Minus If you're looking for the hip crowd, go elsewhere.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in all rooms and public spaces.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club.

Details 2300 Lincoln Park W., 773/281-2900, beldenstratford.com, doubles from $129.

Hotel Type Hotel and extended stay.

Relevant Lifestyle Family-friendly, romantic

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CITY SUITES HOTEL
'Hood Wrigleyville, six blocks south of Wrigley Field and its surrounding sports bars, reggae clubs, and restaurants. The neighborhood is a short cab ride from Chicago's famous theaters (including Briar Street Theatre, home of the Blue Man Group) and a block from Boystown, the city's widely recognized gay neighborhood.

First Impression From the outside, the hotel looks unremarkable—even a little drab—but inside, you'll find surprisingly well-maintained rooms and a friendly, professional staff. The Belmont stop on the elevated train (the El) is roughly a block away; it's a brief 20- to 30-minute ride to most downtown attractions.

The Rooms Clean and spare. For more, book one of the suites, which have generous sitting rooms adjacent to the bedrooms.

Plus Boutique shops, tiny eateries, and the nearby Vic Theatre make for a lively neighborhood.

Minus The hotel is sandwiched between buildings; you won't have a view.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in all rooms and public spaces.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club.

Details 933 W. Belmont, 800/248-9108 or 773/404-3400, cityinns.com/citysuites/, doubles from $159.

Hotel Type Hotel.

Relevant Lifestyle Family-friendly, GLBT-friendly.

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THE MARGARITA EUROPEAN INN
'Hood Evanston, two blocks from the Davis stop on the El train's Purple Line and 30 to 45 minutes from downtown Chicago. This suburban hub—known for its dignified mansions and woodsy parks—is anchored by Northwestern University.

First Impression Originally built in 1927 to provide "proper" housing for single businesswomen, this European-style hotel is remarkably well preserved. Entering the Grand Parlor from the lobby is like walking into the past; the room is outfitted with antique furniture, a working fireplace, and shelves lined with blue-and-white porcelain.

The Rooms Charming. Floral-pattern bedspreads and curtains, period-style ceiling fans and light fixtures, and antique dark-wood furniture successfully strike an early-20th-century note.

Plus It's a bargain, after you factor in the free continental breakfast and the rooftop deck, from which you can see downtown Evanston.

Minus Some of the cheaper rooms share a communal bathroom. Be sure to ask about your room's facilities before you book.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in common areas.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club.

Details 1566 Oak Ave., Evanston, IL, 847/869-2273, margaritainn.com, singles from $79.

Hotel Type Hotel.

Relevant Lifestyle Family-friendly.

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WICKER PARK INN
'Hood Wicker Park, where residents of the area's brownstones can be found chatting in sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and rock clubs.

First Impression The brownstone that houses this B&B shares the urban loft aesthetics of its owners, Mikky and Laura Wright, who formerly ran the hip Alliance Bakery down the street.

The Rooms Each of the eight rooms has a name to match its themed decor. The Cape Cod, for instance, has powder-blue walls, white furniture, and sailing-related artwork. Heads up: The El train runs behind the Blue Line Studio, and the Provence Room requires that you cross a public kitchen on the way to the bathroom. Finally, two of the units are larger, multibedroom apartments that are in a building across the street.

Plus Close to the Damen-O'Hare Avenue and Division Street stops on the El's Blue Line; the downtown Loop's Theater District is less than 15 minutes away.

Minus The cancellation policy. If you fail to give two weeks' notice, and you can't rebook, you'll pay the full rate you were quoted.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in all rooms.

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx.

Details 1329 N. Wicker Park Ave., 773/486-2743, wickerparkinn.com, doubles from $129.

Hotel Type Inn/B&B.

Relevant Lifestyle Hip, GLBT-friendly.

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