Has anyone told you about the Neighborhood Inns in Chicago? They're not down in the city -- but a short taxi ride away -- so they might not be as likely to be booked for conventions, and they're more reasonably priced than other hotels. I have not stayed in them, so I don't know if one is nicer than the other.... it's a group of 3 hotels. The one that appeals to me most is The Majestic Hotel.... the following is from the website:

The Majestic Hotel is like a quaint English Inn, located in a quiet residential neighborhood, across from the lakefront. The hotel is only minutes from downtown via Lake Shore Drive. Step into another time with Dickensian touches like poster beds and tapestry furnishings accenting each guestroom. All suites feature butler pantries with refrigerator, microwave and wet bar. The hotel serves an elegant complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea in the hotel lobby and a complimentary newspaper delivered to your guestroom door each morning.

The rate is $99 to $200... I don't know what that's based on. Hopefully, you could find a smaller room at the lower rates:

http://www.cityinns.com/a/majestic.html

Good luck! :-)

Sandy Illinois