We stumbled across this one. What sheer luck!
Where: The Willows is a 1920's building on a quiet, leafy 1920's street near Lincoln Park, on the edge of Boys Town. The neighborhood is young professionals and one of the safest in Chicago. Lots of inexpensive, interesting eats, boutiques, plus Borders, Panera, etc. Lincoln Park zoo is maybe six blocks away. Public transportation is a block away. As we were checking out, many were checking in to attend the Gay Pride parade. The parade ends one block from the hotel so awesome location for that.
How much? Last week, we paid $125/night plus $20/night garage parking. That was for four adults in one room.
So what's the hotel like if it's so cheap? If I worked for AAA, I'd give the hotel 3 stars. It's a 1920's hotel, nicely decorated and maintained, nice French country lobby, modern bathrooms, nice desk people and housekeepers, funky elevator, average Continental breakfast, Bally's gym privileges a block away. I walked by an open door and saw a very small room so that's a risk. Our room was plenty large enough for the four of us for five nights. The views are over rooftops and an alley.
Bonus Chicago tip learned the hard way: If you're driving to Oak Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright houses, don't go through Austin. Turns out, it's straight-up OMFG ghetto. Take the expressway and you'll be fine.