Chicago is the biggest city in the American Midwest, blending together the best in modern culture and metropolitan living with traditional Midwestern charm. Chicago is a vibrant yet delightfully green city, boasting a rich cultural heritage and staking a claim as the home of blues and the birth place of modern stand-up comedy. Starting life as an unimposing trading post on the Chicago River, the city has now blossomed into a thriving hub of both culture and commerce. It's location next to the huge Lake Michigan adds to it's uniqueness.

Choosing a Chicago hotel

Chicago, like all major US cities, has a plethora of accommodation on offer. All the major international chains have hotel accommodation in the city. Choose from basic motels on the outskirts to downtown luxury 5 star hotels, the choice is wide. If history is your thing then a stay in Chicago's Loop is a must, while boutique cheap Chicago hotels near the Magnificent Mile will appeal to style-conscious travellers. For a taste of typical Midwestern hospitality there are plenty of charming B&B options, whilst Downtown Chicago also offers a wealth of accommodation possibilities. For those on a budget, there are plenty of cheerful yet cheap Chicago hotels to choose from. When visiting Chicago flights are popular, so if you choose to come in by air a hotel in Chicago near Midway or O'Hare airport could be a good option.

When to visit Chicago

With so much to see and do there is never a bad time for cheap holidays in Chicago, but it is worth taking the weather into consideration. Winters tend to be cold, so if you plan to explore some of the city's beaches, parks and other outdoor attractions, it's best to visit during the summer months. Food fanatics should visit during the Taste of Chicago festival every July, whilst music enthusiasts might like to plan a trip that coincides with one of the city's four major music festivals.

If you are into sport, then Chicago is also the town for you. In the winter you have American Football with the Chicago Bears and basketball with the legendary Chicago Bulls. In the summer, baseball takes over and you can visit one of the most iconic baseball parks in the whole of the US - Wrigley Field - home of the Chicago Cubs. Check schedules to see if there is a game on whilst you are in town.