Metro Chicago and southern Wisconsin offers everything from luxury hotels to youth hostels, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) to chain hotels. Whether you want to visit in high-class style or are on a budget, the Windy City and southern Wisconsin has much to offer in accommodation.
Chicago-area Hotels and Hostels
Downtown Chicago, the Magnificent Mile, and the Loop offer the greatest choices in luxury hotels, but even normally budget hotels can be expensive because of their proximity to all the greatest attractions. Keep in mind that the Loop itself closes down to a large extent after around 8:00 p.m., so it isn't a bad idea to sleep outside of the Loop and come in for daytime activities.
North Michigan Avenue and the surrounding area are a great place to find the grand hotels, some of which take you back to Chicago's Jazz Age with their décor. You wouldn't expect anything less from Chicago's best, many of which, such as The Peninsula Chicago and the Ritz-Carlton, receive four AAA stars, the highest ranking possible.
Just because you chose to stay in Chicago doesn't mean it has to cost an arm and a leg. There are quite a few options for clean rooms at affordable prices. Your best bet at finding the highest-quality moderately-priced rooms are in Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Ukrainian Village - all in western Chicago.
For the light traveler, hostels are quite popular in Chicago. They can be found within the Loop, in Lincoln Park, and Rogers Park.
Southern Wisconsin
Southern Wisconsin has much to offer in terms of accommodations, often with an emphasis on Old World charm. Similar to Chicago, the downtown areas of Milwaukee and Madison tend to be expensive. Downtown Milwaukee has the best to offer in terms of diversity in accommodations. The core downtown area contains the more luxurious hotels with grand Art Deco design or Victorian elegance.
Both north and south of downtown Milwaukee are the budget hotels and clean motels. This means along State Road 41 south and northwest of the city, I-43 north of the city, and I-94 in between Milwaukee and Madison, you'll find budget accommodations.
Madison is an assorted mix as far as hotels go. The downtown area doesn't house only luxury hotels; there are also a few youth hostels near the University. The luxury hotels are in close proximity to the centrally-located isthmus and offer amenities like exercise rooms, whirlpools, and heated indoor swimming pools - great for the chilly Madison nights.
Just outside downtown Madison, along U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 14, U.S. Highway 18, and U.S. Highway 151, is where you will find some great mom-and-pop joints to stay at, as well as the chain hotels. Basically linking east and west Madison, they are your best bet for affordable, clean rooms with varying amenities.
Lake Geneva is well known for its unique accommodations and resorts, which routinely earn four AAA stars. The area surrounding the lake itself is where the more expensive accommodations will be, with golf courses, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, and indoor swimming.
New Glarus is the place to go to for all Old World charm! Whether you're staying at one of the Swiss-style chalets or one of the budget motels, you will get a feel for the Swiss lifestyle. Most hotels offer some form of Swiss catering and usually American cuisine.
Wisconsin Dells Resorts and Lodging
Northwest of Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells stakes claim to being the water park capital of the world. With 5 million annual visitors, it is a reasonable statement. Can't make it to Hawaii for January surfing? Wisconsin Dells resort's provide year round water activities. The resorts are destinations in and of themselves. Some are themed (think Polynesia) and most have multiple pools, slides and offer a full range of activities.
The resorts are located within the city, where the excitement is, while the motels are outside, along Wisconsin Dells Parkway. There are more resorts and accommodations around Lake Delton, just minutes from the Dells.
Metro Chicago and Southern Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts
You'll find a great mix of boutique B&Bs in the areas just north of the Loop like Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast, and Wicker Park. B&B's are a favorite for weekenders who want to feel at home in Chicago. Many B&Bs are themed, like Ruby Room, which serves as a spa for its clients. On the more conservative side of the spectrum is Harvey House, a brick and limestone Victorian farther out in Oak Park.
In Milwaukee, you'll find the B&Bs, along with other moderately-priced hotels, just west of downtown Milwaukee: These bear the same grace as the luxury hotels, just at a less-expensive price and without the big name. The B&Bs are located in the historic district, in a sea of other Victorian and Queen Anne edifices.
Madison boasts three B&Bs, one on the isthmus, one to the north, and one to the south. There are around a dozen B&Bs in the vicinity of Lake Geneva, some in old mansions dating to the mid-19th century.
Hotels, Motels and Resorts in Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, Madison
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