"It really s winter is off-season in Chicago. People who live here know that. You can find really great hotel rates, even over the holidays, if you're looking between Christmas and New Year's," said Jeanenne Tornatore, Orbitz. "New Year's Eve will be a different story. People stay downtown and it will be more expensive. But over Christmas, and the week after Christmas, fantastic deals on the luxury hotels."
The Peninsula Chicago
- get 3rd night free
- standard rate $395/night
- with promotion $263/night
"You don't think of the Peninsula running promotions, but they have a couple of great promotions right now," Tornatore said. "The first one is the third night free promotion. If you're thinking of staying two nights, you can get the third night free and it worked out to $263 a night for the week after Christmas."
The Peninsula's typical rates are around $500 to $600 a night.
Four Seasons
- book 2 nights, get 3rd free
- 25% off 2+ nights
"They also have a third-night-free promotion. They're looking at about $300 starting price for the Four Seasons per night, with the third night free," said Tornatore.
Swissotel Chicago
- stay 2 nights, save 20%
- special kid-friendly rooms
- museum package from $139/night
- shopping package from $159/night
"This is a four-star hotel but has luxuries you will find at the five-star hotels," Tornatore said. "Very great pool, great fitness center, and they have kid-friendly rooms. If you book an adjoining room, you get 50% off and you can let them know what age your child is, and now that's the room with games and toys that are age appropriate for the child. It is great for families who want to stay downtown. They also have a couple of great packages for the museum. For around $139 a night, you get your standard room, plus two V.I.P. passes to the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum and a buffet breakfast. It is a really good deal."
The Drake
- $118/night over the holidays
- American Girl package from $224
- shop 'til you drop package from $229
"The drake has had fantastic rates," said Tornatore. "I love this hotel over the holidays. It is decked out. They do a lot of fun things to celebrate the holidays. You're right on Michigan Avenue. They have an American Girl package. They also have a shopping package where, as part of your package, you get a $75 gift card to Bloomingdale's, which is right across the street."
Trump Towers
"The trump is no exception. You stay two nights, you get 20% right off. Three or more nights, you get 30% off that, works out to $273 a night if you stay three or more nights," said Tornatore.
