Debbie mentioned the City Inns small chain of 3 hotels, found at http://www.cityinns.com/

About a month ago I wrote about these three hotels in response to another query about lodging in Chicago neighborhoods. If you cannot find the message in the archives, write me back and I will dig it up. Essentially all three are in the Lakeview neighborhood, and within very easy walking distance of good public transportation to the Loop, and especially to the Sheraton hotel. Their website shows prices ranging from $139 to $179, and they tend to be more full on the weekends than during the week.

Another possibility is the Best Western Hawthorne Terrace, also in Lakeview. It is a block away from an express bus to Michigan Avenue. Their rates are around $150/ night. Again, for finding availability, weekends are more difficult. Check the Best Western website, but you might get a better rate by calling the hotel directly, 773-244-3434 .

Fall is a difficult time to find a room in Chicago, since all the conventions want to be here during the period of best weather.

Joel