Things to do in Chicago

[Al Skierkiewicz]

The parking will be very high although some hotels give breaks on parking. The Amtrack station is just west of the loop but a short cab ride to any downtown hotel. There are some specialty bus routes that go directly to museums, just check the CTA at http://www.transitchicago.com/ or Metra at http://www.metrarail.com/ for commuter rail around the fringe of town.
If you like to walk, downtown is easy to get around and a north loop or Michigan Avenue hotel will get you easy access to shopping on north Michigan Avenue. Chicago is pretty well laid out for travelers. A handy map will make things easy. Try checking out http://www.chicagotraveler.com/ as well. If you are coming directly to Chicago after IRI, you might be able to hitch a ride with someone coming here or through here on the way north.