chicago????

Question

where are the most expensive parts of chicago? my boyfriend wants to go there and spend a christmas because being in california, not much of the four seasons....so he wants to go where its really cold for a change and lots of snow. where can we look into? he has the idea of the kind of houses or area like that in home alone movies? are there rental cabins or such?

we're not looking to get a hotel, we wanna find something else. any ideas?

Answer 1

any rental cabins would be so far from what you're looking for that it wouldn't be worth it.....as i i see it you have 2 options good....stay downtown at the hotel (which all of our holiday activities will be woth your trip because we have soooooo much going on during that time! nothing like the holidays in chicago, the world renowned WIDOWS of marshall fields, the navy pier activities, the parade that kicks the season off, all in the middle of some of the best shopping in the country! u wont see anything like it ,unless u go to NYC MAYBE), then, rent a car and go driving in the north/northwest suburbs for the house tours. that's where you will find the largest houses with the decor you're looking for! that way he can get the best of both worlds!
OR you can stay @ a hotel in the north/northwest suburbs, and come downtown to suck in the activities.....here are some links to help you find a hotel in either area, and give you some ideas of the activites we have during that time.....(all schedules aren't avail YET, check back to these sites usually in SEP when the calendar will be full, or call 1-877-chicago and ask about holiday events)
Daley Plaza Santa's House Nov. 23-Dec. 24
93rd Annual
Tree Lighting Ceremony November 24
Mayor Daley's 7th Annual
Holiday Sports Festival December 28-30
New Year's Eve Fireworks
at Buckingham Fountain December 31

http://www.877chicago.com/
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/home.do
http://www.navypier.com/SubLink.cfm?Main_ID=1&Sub_ID=25

Answer 2

Well since I'm originally from Illinois just an hour south of Chicago, you can't go by what you saw in the Home Alone movie. They might have had to make snow when that movie was made. There is not always snow in Chicago at Christmas time. Chicago is a beautiful city. State St. and Michigan Avenue are usually all decked out for Christmas.
http://www.chicago.com/

You can also try New York at Christmas. Rockefeller Center has the big Christmas tree and ice skating and I'm sure there are other decent sites. That's where another Home Alone movie was made.

If you live in California, have you ever been up to Lake Tahoe? Can't always guarantee snow at Christmas but usually in January or February. It's cold but not freezing cold like in Illinois. but beautiful with all of the pine trees and mountains.

Answer 3

There are some really nice bed & breakfasts up around the Galena area. It's kind of pricy, but the accomodations are wonderful. There are some cutesy antique stores and that sort of thing in Galena as well. It will put you about a hour away from Chicago, which is kind of a downside, particularly if the weather gets nasty. I agree with the other posters-if money isn't an object, check in at one of the many beautiful Loop hotels and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights along Michigan Avenue, the decorated store windows and such. There's also "Skate on State", weather permitting, and of course, "The Bean" in Millenium Park-a definite must see for anyone visiting Chicago.

Have fun!

Answer 4

If you want big houses like home alone you need to go to the North burbs like Glencoe, Kenilworth Wilmette. For big secluded houses you would like to see west burbs like Inverness or South Barrington. Besides, there really is nothing to do out there in any of the burbs all the action is in the city...as far as snow we are lucky to get any for Christmas anymore. It is really hit or miss. If you want to staying a house and in the city try this site to look for a place...http://www.chicago-bed-breakfast.com/

As far as "expensive" the Gold Coast, as the name implies, is the richest part. It is also the one closest to the most activities. Do not stay in the Loop unless you want a downtown city feeling. The Gold Coast is nice because the side streets are quite, old and beautiful but you are steps from everything. The site above has some really nice B&B in all parts of the city including the Gold Coast.

Oh and that lady above who mentioned Galena - She is right Galena is pretty. However, it is NOT 1 hour away - at 164 miles outside the city try three hours away on a good day and maybe even five if is snowing.

Answer 5

Chicago is not the place to go if you are looking for rental cabins...might choose to check out Wisconsin which is also cold and has snow. Wisconsin beats out Chicago for cold weather every time but you can't beat Chicago holiday decorations. If you are looking for houses like that in the Home Alone movie you might look into Chicago surrounding surburbs (Oak Park, Naperville and such) but afraid not homes for rent......best bet is to rent a hotel room close to such homes.

Answer 6

The first Home Alone movie was filmed in Winnetka, an old-money suburb north of Chicago. There are lots of expensive areas of Chicago, and that is a good example, being along the lake. There are probably no rental cabins.

Answer 7

Rental cabins? In Chicago? have you read a newspaper in the last 100 years? Chicago's not a horse town anymore. The nearest cabin to Chicago is probably at Starved Rock state park.

There are a few bed and breakfast places in the city that I guess is sort of "rustic" living. But no cabins, sorry...

Answer 8

Chicago has some of the best hotels IN THE WORLD. Magnificent. If you go to a nice hotel they will assist you in finding the entertainment you seek. Have a great time!