Chicago's Chinese New Year parade ignites winter travel with dragon-based fun. Credit: Joe Marinaro.
By Jennifer Olvera
It may be cold, but traveling to Chicago after the holidays has its rewards since hotels are generally more affordable. Besides, there are a slew of events that give the city winter wonderland appeal, and a blast of blustery weather – complete with dancing snowflakes – never hurt anyone. And cheap Chicago hotels? Well, they can be found in spades. (more…)
All about autumn: Plan a cheap Chicago vacation before the Bean gets iced over. Credit: Bosc d'Anjou.
By Valerie Moloney
As if Chicagoans don’t hear it enough already, the forecast just got more frigid for 2012. An AccuWeather.com meteorologist predicted that folks in the Windy City might “want to move after this winter.”
As a 9-year Chicagoan who’s endured cracked hands, high heating bills and a Snowmaggedon that swallowed a jillion cars on Lake Shore Drive, I won’t state the obvious. However I will say that fall is the most glorious time of year (read: it’s in the 70s today) and if you’re at all curious, now is the time to stroll through Millennium Park to snap a photo of Cloud Gate. You know, before it gets too cold. (more…)
Sleep like a dream on the Westin Heavenly Bed? Bring one home.
By Derek Brown
There’s always a sense of anticipation after slipping your key card into your hotel room door. How cozy will that bed be? What stylish furniture awaits? Well here’s a little secret: Some of your favorite hotels — including major chains such as Hilton, Marriott and Kimpton — sell those linens, accent tables, and even mattresses so you can bring the luxury home. In fact, just about anything in the room is up for sale (and brand new, too). (more…)
U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. Credit: FaceMePls.
By Derek Brown
Play ball! The boys of summer might be all there’s to watch in August if the football lockout continues. Grab your glove and head out on this tour of 3 Midwest baseball stadiums in 3 days and watch 6 teams play in these cities known for brats and beers. (more…)
By Vince Font
Chicago painted the river green on March 12, but locals will still be painting the town red beyond Patty's Day. Credit: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar.
This might sound strange, but every time I think about St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago I can’t help remembering the scene from “The Fugitive” where Harrison Ford uses the parading throngs to make good on his getaway from Tommy Lee Jones. While the actual parade and river dyeing happened over the weekend, the party will most definitely carry on past the actual holiday, making for a great last-minute trip if you can manage it.
Maybe it was seeing the waters of the Chicago River dyed green on such a big screen that started my fascination, or the fact that the people in the parade all seemed to be having such a good time that I’d rather have had the camera follow them for the next hour and a half. Either way, real life has a way of proving that sometimes it’s entirely impossible to climb into your favorite movie scenes — and that doing so in this case doesn’t have to be all that expensive, especially if you know how to round up some of the best cheap Chicago hotels.
This week's travel deals include a cheap Chicago hotel, cheap Las Vegas travel deals and AirTran's cheap flight sale and .
Cheap Chicago hotel: The Essex Inn is on Michigan Avenue, just steps from Millennium Park and some of Chicago's most famous museums. This three-star hotel boasts a 24-hour business center and a garden pool under a retractable glass roof. The Essex Inn offers a great location and city views, and earns a 4.3 out of 5 rating from CheapTickets customers. Now save 30% on three-day stays through September 7.
Cheap Las Vegas hotels: From Bally's to the Tropicana, we have travel deals on some of the hottest spots on the Strip. Book a stay of three days or more at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower and save 30%, with rooms starting at $25 a night, or try Circus Circus for 30% off. Several other hotels are offering resort credits for gaming, dining or spa services.
Cheap flights:Air Tran's cheap flight sale offers round-trip flights for as low as $78 (between Milwaukee and St. Louis.) Sample fares on other cheap flights include New York to Orlando – $158; Minneapolis/St. Paul to West Palm Beach – $148; and Pittsburgh to Atlanta – $118. The cheap flight sale is good for travel through October 30, but you must purchase your ticket by June 4.
Check out these and more travel deals at our "Cheap of the Week" tab.
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By Kate Schwartz
Ring in the New Year in the Windy City with CheapTickets’ cheap Chicago hotels. Known for its breathtaking architecture and delectable cuisine, Chicago has something for everyone. With CheapTickets’ hotel deals, plus tips on cheap New Year’s Eve fun, you’ll be able to start the New Year with some cash in your pocket. Check out CheapTickets cheap guide to New Year’s Eve in Chicago.
Hotel Allegro: Located in Chicago’s Loop, Hotel Allegro is surrounded by the Windy City’s most astounding architecture and steps from the famous Chicago River. CheapTickets is teaming up with Hotel Allegro to offer 20% off your stay between now and February 15, 2009. For a cheap New Year’s Eve celebration, walk across the street for a drink at the Encore Liquid Lounge, or take a short cab ride to see the free fireworks show at Navy Pier.
Hotel Burnham: Pair cheap travel with cheap shopping, and you’ll be bringing in the New Year in style. Hotel Burnham is located across the street from Chicago’s flagship Macy’s store on State Street, so you’ll be in position to take advantage of any New Year’s sales. Hotel Burnham also is offering 20% off your stay through February 15. And for cheap New Year’s Eve options, take a romantic midnight stroll through Millennium Park or catch the lights on Michigan Avenue.
Hotel Monaco: Stay at Hotel Monaco this New Year’s Eve and you’ll be in position no matter how you decide to celebrate. Hotel Monaco is just steps from Michigan Avenue and Millenium Park, in the heart of downtown, so you’re close to great clubs, restaurants and attractions. Book with CheapTickets and save 20% on your stay.
The Windy City is where it’s at, so get the party started for less when you book your cheap Chicago hotel on CheapTickets.
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Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them! From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.
The bargain-hunter's resource for the most noteworthy CheapTickets travel deals, including hand-picked hotel offers, new sales, last-minute discounts and money-saving travel tips.