We're taking a family trip to Chicago...museum of Science and Industry. I believe it's in the Hyde Park area, South Lake Shore Drive. Would that be a safe area for a family to stay at a hotel? Specifically the Ramada Lake Shore? Thanks.
2007-03-20 01:44:27 · 5 answers · asked by animal_mother 4 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Chicago
Personally, I would try to stay further north. The Hyde Park area is not one that you would take a walk after dark.
If you stay right on Lake Shore Drive, you are probably OK. But anything west or south of Hyde Park area is not great.
I am trying to be somewhat diplomatic here. Ramada Lake Shore is is just north of Hyde Park, and very close to public housing areas. OK during the day, but not at night.
Hope this helps.
2007-03-20 02:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by ump2please 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It's relatively safe, and the Ramada Lake Shore is pleasant enough, but the Hyde Park area is really off the beaten trail for the rest of Chicago, and although around the University of Chicago still gets a little dicey at night at times. It's fine during the day when the museum and parks are open.
I'd recommend staying further north - maybe in or around the Loop, like the Grant Park Best Western or something like that if you want to be further south, and take a bus down to the Museum of Science and Industry (go to transitchicago.com for the schedules.)
2007-03-20 07:12:50 · answer #2 · answered by Marc W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The area is relatively save. It's a mixed, diverse communithy with University of Chicago types mixed with regular community folks. There's crime, sure... it's Chicago, it's a big city. And the Ramada Lake Shore doesn't get a whole lot of high marks (http://local.yahoo.com/details;_ylt=AoKa7f_t2t.ZfFZcLdPfzC2HNcIF?id=17392658&state=IL&city=Chicago&stx=ramada+lake+shore&csz=Chicago%2C+IL&fr=dd-local-more&ed=7Jl.Na131DyXj6DhZ5L_9ln_ooFRRFWtuT_VtFKpF46zMoECTKtE6cTX&lcscb=2xBT3dcMPwe). But it is near the lake, which I guess is something. And like I said, it's a diverse area near the University of Chicago. It can get a little dicey further south and west of this area, but you probably won't be traveling that far anyway. But the only problem is that most of the city attractions are further north in the city. Once you check out the Museum of Science and Industry, thats' it. I suppose you could check out the beach right there; it's pretty nice. And there's a golf course in Jackson Park. But if you don't golf, not sure what else you'd do. I'd try to find somewhere that's a little closer to downtown and all of those touristy attractions like Navy Pier, the Field museum, Adler Planetarium, etc. The Ramade Lake Shore does have a free shuttle to take you to Michigan Ave., though. But the Hyde Park area is not a bad area, despite what people may tell you. People of all nationalities live there.
2007-03-20 04:28:55 · answer #3 · answered by bodinibold 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You'll probabely enjoy being more north. There is a little bit of fun for a family in Hyde Park, the areas around the Univeristy of Chicago are mostly safe. The Museaum is awesome. But you'll miss out on the downtown, and if you wnat to go downtown, it will be difficult to always have to get there. If you are looking to save money, you can stay in the Mc Cormick place area, you'll see down town, and be much closer, but still be a reasonable distacne fromj the museam.
2007-03-20 03:14:00 · answer #4 · answered by max's mamma 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being from Chicago, I would not stay in the immediate area. Try Holiday Inn off Michigan Avenue.
2007-03-20 04:58:53 · answer #5 · answered by Contented 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋