Chicago hotel recs?

Ned&Nora

DH and I are thinking of taking a little getaway without the kids.  He's never been to Chicago, and I think he'd like exploring the city.  I'm thinking of booking of a surprise trip in May for his birthday for 4 nights.

Anyone have any recommendations for a nice, but reasonably priced, hotel and/or fun things to do for a childless couple in the city?

 TIA!

GinandTonic

I met a friend there last year (not this past October, but the one before) and we stayed at the Tremont - on Chestnut St.  It's a little out of the way - yet only a block or so from Michigan Ave.  It was cheaper, by far, than many of the other downtown hotels.

It's a 'boutique" hotel and from the other people in the lobby, really caters to Europeans.  The reviews are somewhat mixed - the rooms are outdated and small, but we basically only used it to sleep (we stayed 2 nights), so I'm glad we took the chance.  And, hey, it's across from a Starbucks and quite close to an L station.

We were from Friday morning to Sunday early afternoon.  We ate a lot   And walked a lot.  It drizzled most of the first day and the second, so we were a little limited.  We walked a lot when we got there and did a lot of window shopping on the Magnificent Mile.  We did go to Navy Pier - it was freaking freezing.  And we took an architectural boat tour, which is a neat way to see the city.  We had deep dish pizza that night.  The next morning, after more food, we went to the Art Institute.  Then, since I had never been there before, we waited in the line for the Sears Tower.  You kind of have to do it, right?  We had dinner that night at a fancy tapas bar sort of near there.  We were going to go to a club that night, but were exhausted (yes, we felt old).  The next morning, we did some more shopping and then walked up Lake Shore Drive and through Lincoln Park (it was actually nice out that morning).  There's a zoo there we did not go to.

It was sort of whirlwind.  There's TONS more to do.  I'd love to go back.

knmommy

I actually live in the suburbs, my mom and I do some massive Christmas shopping every year.  One year we actually decided to stay at the Tremont.  I have no complaints about it, It is right across from the John Hancock. 

Go to the Willis Tower (used to be Sears tower) there is Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millenium Park, Art Institue, Field Musuem, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planatarium, Museum of Science and Industry.  Lot and lots to do in the city.  This is probably worth getting, it is good for 5 attractions and you can use it over like 7 days.  https://www.citypass.com/chicago  Have fun!