Scouting Report 2008: Willunga

The average rate for hotel room in downtown Chicago is about $190 a night. But with some persistence, it's possible to book a more affordable place that's central, comfy, and—sometimes—even stylish. Given that this lakeside metropolis is a hub for conventions and special events, we recommend you plan ahead. Generally speaking, you'll find the best rates if you book at least one month in advance. Some booking strategiesThe newest option for affordable lodging is Roomorama, a Web marketplace for short-term rentals in Chicago and a few other cities. Any resident can list a share, an apartment, or a house for rent, and a rating system reveals what past guests thought of each rental. Guests secure their reservation by sending a credit card or PayPal payment to Roomorama. When a guest arrives on the scheduled date, he or she evaluates the lodging and gives the host a code supplied by Roomorama. The host plugs this code into Roomorama's website, and the company transfers the guest's payment to the host's account. If you would rather book a standard hotel, the blind-booking websites Hotwire and Priceline have proven themselves to be promising sources for discounted rooms in Chicago (and elsewhere). These two sites won't name the hotel (or airline or car-rental company) you're working with until your credit card has been charged. For Priceline, try a lowball bid, using BiddingForTravel.com as a guide. For Hotwire, be aware that the deepest discounts are generally for hotels that it rates "four stars." You'll find the most eye-catching deals by clicking on the "Deals" tab on the site's homepage. Of course, you face some uncertainty about where you're going to stay if you opt for either short-term rentals or blind-booking sites. You may want to instead go for a sure thing. Consider Budget Travel's picks for affordable, independently owned lodging with some personality, with doubles starting at $99 a night. OHIO HOUSE MOTEL 'Hood River North, a high-foot-traffic neighborhood between Chicago Avenue and the Chicago River. Walkers enjoy an eclectic mix of upscale art galleries, trendy restaurants, and perennial crowd-pleasers such as the Hard Rock Cafe. First Impression A suburban roadside motel transplanted to the city. Many of the rooms at the two-story complex face the parking lot next to a kitschy "Ohio House Motel" sign. The Rooms While they're hardly luxury suites, the rooms offer all of the basics at a more-than-fair price. Expect clean, serviceable quarters that are surprisingly quiet, given the neighborhood's bustle. Plus Sophistication is a short walk away. You'll find art galleries, antiques stores, four-star restaurants, and stylish late-night bars. Minus If you're looking for cozy, boutique touches in your accommodations, this motel isn't for you. Free Wi-Fi? No. Wi-Fi is available for $10 per day. Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club. Details 600 N. LaSalle St., 312/943-6000, ohiohousemotel.com, doubles from $100. Hotel Type Motel. Relevant Lifestyle Family-friendly. Photos 1 of 2 HOTEL CASS 'Hood River North near downtown Chicago, north of the Loop and home to Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile, an upscale corridor featuring the showcase stores of national chains, including the world's largest Polo store. First Impression This is a Holiday Inn Express and a boutique hotel? Well, yes, that is the familiar corporate logo on the hotel's edifice, but in the lobby you'll find an attentive doorman, a working fireplace, and ultramodern furnishings—and the guest rooms feel similarly upgraded. Plus The hotel is a few city blocks from iconic Chicago buildings such as the John Hancock Center and the long-standing Water Tower, a notable survivor of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Minus Standard rooms are extremely small. Two reasonably sized adults toting luggage may find it a tight squeeze. Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in all rooms. Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club. Details 640 N. Wabash Ave., 800/799-4030 or 312/787-4030, hotelcass.com, doubles from $117. Hotel Type Hotel. Relevant Lifestyle Hip, family-friendly. Photos 1 of 3 HOTEL INDIGO 'Hood Gold Coast, a wealthy neighborhood of Chicago known for its quaint brownstone residences, the Division Street late-night bar gauntlet, and the so-called Viagra Triangle, an area frequented by older single men. Think high-end steakhouses, piano bars, and dance clubs. First Impression Where's my daiquiri? Situated on one of the Gold Coast's quieter, tree-lined streets, Hotel Indigo's expansive, coastal-themed lobby is like an oasis in the city. The Rooms Hardwood floors and deep-sea-blue decorative accents give the rooms a relaxing, beach-house vibe. Plus When you tire of reclining in the lobby, walk about two blocks west to Lake Michigan and its free beaches. You're also an easy walk from Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, which draws hometown celebrities such as actor Vince Vaughn. Minus Parking is $36 a day; street parking is virtually nonexistent. Free Wi-Fi? Yes, in all rooms and public areas. Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover, Diners Club. Details 1244 N. Dearborn Pkwy., 800/972-2494 or 312/787-4980, hotelindigo.com, doubles from $159. Hotel Type Hotel. Relevant Lifestyle Family-friendly. Photos 1 of 3 HOTEL SAX 'Hood River North, half a block from the Chicago River and next to Marina City, a pair of iconic 60-story, corncob-shaped towers that are showpieces of 1960s avant-garde architecture. The area attracts locals with its upscale hangouts, including Bin 36 (a hip wine bar) and Keefer's (a swanky steak house). First Impression Fresh from its $30 million renovation, the former House of Blues Hotel is now all about modern chic. The lobby's check-in desks look like jewel cases, and the white marble floors and high-end furnishings complete the hotel's transformation. The adjacent Crimson Lounge is an enormous, ornately decorated cocktail bar. The Rooms High energy and high style: Damask wallpaper and a panoply of red, gold, and royal-purple fabrics on bedspreads and pillows, with occasional, unique flourishes such as faux-snakeskin wing chairs. Plus The little details, such as padded headboards and 320-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Minus Fido will cost you. Pets incur a nonrefundable $50 charge. Free Wi-Fi? Yes. There's also a simple, plug-in cable connection. Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AmEx, Discover. Details 333 N. Dearborn St., 877/569-3742, hotelsaxchicago.com, doubles from $189. Hotel type Hotel. Relevant Lifestyle Hip. Photos 1 of 3 ESSEX INN 'Hood South Loop, close to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago and to Millennium Park, with its famous band shell designed by Frank Gehry. Here, skyscrapers preside over wide, landscaped boulevards. 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. 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. Photos 1 of 3 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. Photos 1 of 1 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 Photos 1 of 2 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. Photos 1 of 2 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. Photos 1 of 3 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. Photos 1 of 2

1. Tell your coworkers not to call you unless there's a hostage situation. The more memorable your message, the more likely it is that you'll be left alone. 2. Get a cell phone that makes it difficult to send e-mail. And don't tote a business-connected BlackBerry. For domestic trips, Virgin Mobile sells prepaid phones for as little as $15 at Target stores and elsewhere. (Note: Virgin's phones come with mobile Web access. If that seems too tempting, you'll have to ask the company to turn it off when you call customer service to activate the phone.) 3. Give your hotel's name and number to only one colleague. If any other coworker needs to reach you, your point person can decide whether revealing your whereabouts is warranted. 4. Stay at hotels that are known for offering activities. For example, many Kimpton and Omni hotels host frequent wine tastings. Social mixers may especially appeal to solo travelers, who tend to find it hard to unplug from BlackBerry-based interaction. 5. Don't over-schedule. Or else your vacation will seem like work. As you plan your itinerary, allow free time for strolls and other spontaneous adventures. 6. Make an "unpacking" list before you go. In his book Work to Live, Joe Robinson suggests you jot down the stuff that has no business going with you: work worries, the boss, colleagues, career progress, laptops, pagers, cell phones.... 7. Only respond to four-alarm emergencies. This advice is especially worth following when your boss insists that you check your e-mail and voice mail periodically, says NFI Research CEO Chuck Martin.

You just ordered a new suit "At six foot four and 380 pounds, I got used to standing out while in Chongqing, China. People stared, some folks patted my stomach, and a few even walked into street poles while looking me over. One shopkeeper took it a step further. He ran out of his store and motioned for me to stand still, then hurried back inside. He emerged with a tape measure and proceeded to measure my height and girth, each time holding it up to the small crowd that had gathered. I knew enough of the culture not to take offense—I was being paid an honor." Clarence Holbrook, Loveland, Colo. Shaggy goes to China "My friend and I rented bikes and cycled out to the village of Baisha, outside of Lijiang, China. As we were exploring the town, a friendly woman invited us to her home. We walked to her house, where we enjoyed tea and peanuts. Then she pulled out a box of traditional dresses and cheerily motioned for me to try one on. After dressing us up, she paraded us around her courtyard, taking pictures with our cameras. We gradually realized that she expected a modest tip, which we were more than glad to give for such a bizarre experience." Rich Fowler, San Francisco, Calif. Cutting to the chase "While studying abroad in Beijing, I visited the Great Wall—but in a strange twist, I became the tourist attraction. The locals marveled at my long blond hair and asked me to pose for countless photos. One vendor approached me and commented on my 'golden' hair. I smiled and nodded. 'Golden hair,' she said. 'I buy.' I gave her a strange look and declined. She started offering me money. Not wanting to give up my hair, I kept refusing. She got agitated and walked away. I was heading back to the bus when she came chasing after me with a pair of scissors and yelling, 'Golden hair! Golden hair!' I ran faster than I had in a long time." Nicole Andersen, Santa Barbara, Calif. "Easy-egress" is more like it "Moms and grandmas on our Interhostel tour of China were intrigued with the easy-access pants worn by diaperless toddlers. It became our mission to photograph a youngster wearing them, but this proved difficult: As soon as parents would see us eyeing their little one, they'd whisk their child around, assuming we wanted to capture the baby's face. After one Beijing dad presented me with several front view photo ops, I waited until his attention was elsewhere, then snuck up from behind." Nancy Shephard, Stockton, Calif. Like your husband isn't an animal "My mother, my husband, and I noticed that most Chinese people dress formally in China. In fact, it wasn't uncommon to see Chinese tourists in suits and ties. When we got to Guilin, the weather was unseasonably warm, and my husband wore shorts. A Chinese girl soon wrapped herself around my husband's leg. She was fascinated with his hairy legs, petting his knee like he was an animal." Delia Rhodes, Jamestown, N.C. We'd rather eat the stick My husband and I try to fit in by eating the local delicacies. We ate ant eggs in Mexico, and llama and guinea pig in Peru, but while in Hong Kong we finally put a stop to the tradition. Walking toward the Temple Street night market, we found a store that sold sun-dried foods such as mushrooms and shark fins, but what really caught our eye was one local dish we'd never try—lizard on a stick. Macarena Scalia' South Miami, Fla.

Q: When many people think of vacation, they think of sunning themselves on a beach. What prompted your interest in "voluntourism"? A: I've been a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America since 2000, and philanthropy has always been a part of my life. But my volunteer experiences have all been in American cities I've called home. I've been curious about volunteering overseas, and since travel is my passion, it only seemed natural. Q: How did you pick a placement organization? A: I searched for volunteer opportunities online, but programs can be quite pricey. I was delighted to stumble upon an agency that had a small placement fee, and after corresponding by e-mail, we were able to arrange an opportunity in Asia. At first, the agency's representatives guided me to make sure I was able to navigate the buses and trains in Singapore and make it to the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home on my own. And after that, we checked in daily and became fast friends over lunches before I went to volunteer in the afternoon and evening. Q: Please share with us some of the memorable moments from your trip. A: Singapore is one of the most developed nations in Asia, but an undercurrent of extreme hardship exists. Many of the children at this home had experienced terrible heartbreak. Some are orphans. Some have parents who are serving time in prison or are too poor to raise them. And some of the children are developmentally disadvantaged. While a few of the kids had an aura of sadness or frustration, others still had that sweetness all children deserve. Q: Did you bond with any of the children during your week's stay? A: There was a 15-year-old whom I bonded with the most. We started working together on the first day. Due to confidentiality, I'm unable to share his story; however, he has experienced more in his short life than any adult should have to endure. Despite the difficulties, he still possessed the kindest nature. On the very first day, after our daily "tuition," or homework, session, this young boy pulled out a chair for me and invited me to snack time. By the second day, I was greeted with a brilliant smile and a friendly wave to join him and work on math homework. By the end of my assignment, we exchanged email addresses, and he asked when I would be back to visit. It was so difficult not to have an answer. Q: What is your fondest memory? A: I have many positive and important memories that helped color my experience. One of them was a moment in which few words were exchanged. During a regular afternoon downpour before the brilliant sun came out, I was caught darting to the end of a dead-end street to the children's home. A young girl in her school uniform, whom I later learned was 13 and a resident of the home, spotted me and quickly scooped me up under her beige Snoopy umbrella. I tried to carry on a conversation with this teenager while we avoided the raindrops together, but she was too shy. Q: Do you have any advice for others on how to evaluate the best program for them, and the best program for effectiveness locally? A: I think you have to consider the same factors as when you research volunteer programs in your hometown. Do you want to work with kids, adults, animals, or the environment? Do you want to volunteer directly with the people who may benefit or at the administrative level? Ask yourself, "Do I want to teach my skills and share my experiences or work in an area outside my expertise?" Consider if you want to be in a city or a rural environment, and research which immunizations might be required. Once you tackle these topics, you'll find something that suits you. Q: What about cost? A: I did everything with a small budget in mind. Once I was in Singapore, I could have taken cabs, but I relied predominantly on trains and buses so I could cut costs. (In my experience, mass transit is the best way to get the real flavor for a community anyway.) So my biggest expense was the flight. Another suggestion is to check with your employer. Many companies will support employees as they take time to do volunteer work, which was the case with my opportunity. Q: Do you have any practical advice for other travelers? A: I did bring some academic goodies for the kids, which they very much appreciated. They started using everything immediately during homework time. I wrestled with bringing the children candy from the U.S. and opted not to. I thought the counselors might be irritated if I got the kids wired up on sugar! In hindsight, the candies would have been a hit after homework and during playtime. I know the kids would have cherished American candies since they were so curious about my life in the U.S. One more tip: Remember your hosts as well! Whether you bring something from the U.S., purchase something small but thoughtful during your travels, or take them to lunch, it's an appreciated courtesy. Q: Can you offer any suggestions on what to pack? A: I'm glad I had a travel journal to document my observations, hand sanitizer, running shoes for basketball and badminton matches during afternoon recess, and my favorite well-traveled, wide-brimmed straw hat to shield the sun. While in Asia, I was reminded that it's important to carry a small pack of tissues. You may need tissues in the ladies' room, to serve as napkins or even to save a seat! At many Singaporean open-air food stalls, called hawker centers, residents use the tissue packets to reserve seats. Q: What are the chances you'll return to this place? Or if you opted to do voluntourism again, might you choose another location (for the sake of variety, perhaps)? A: I would definitely consider volunteering at this children's home again and visiting the friends I've made through the volunteer agency. In addition to bonding with the children, I enjoyed getting to know other volunteers. One man in particular impressed me: a senior pilot, he was a longtime volunteer and brought the kids goodies from all over the globe. The children obviously looked forward to his visits. But I am also considering a volunteer experience elsewhere, and I've already started casually researching for 2009. Q: Last question: Could you tell us a bit about yourself, for readers who aren't familiar with your background? A: I'm a news anchor for CNN.com Live, CNN's cutting-edge, multi-stream live video service. With CNN.com Live, if you're at the office, at an airport or school, you can still get news from around the globe, via CNN.com! I also serve as a substitute anchor for CNN, CNN International TV, and CNN Headline News. I've always been fascinated by other cultures and my career allows me to learn about the world. Now, international volunteering is a perfect compliment and an adventure I look forward to next year! Related Articles: • You Can Count on Us • Volunteer Vacations • Give Back to the Earth