North Chicago Area - 6 - 12 mos project (Waukegan, Wheeling: rental car, apartment complexes)

[1.CityDweller]

Hello,

My firm is taking on a project in North Chicago. I am considering a couple of lodging options, one being hotel stays, the second being corporate apartment. It looks like I will have a lodging budget in the neighborhood of $1000 per week give or take. I would prefer to remain in a more affluent area, with town center type shopping, dining, living, etc.. Low crime, generally a nice area, and something that keeps me out of nasty traffic heading to North Chicago. I have thought about Lake Forest, maybe Wheeling (there is a Westin there), but frankly I just do not know the region enough to make a sound decision. I would rather arm myself with some good knowledge from you folks here on this board, instead of arriving week 1 and still have no idea where to go. I have a few leads, but most of my colleagues that do business in the area are always downtown, which is not much help to me right now.

Thank you in advance.

Mark

[reppin_the_847]

Lake Forest might be a bit boring and overpriced, but the commute to North Chicago would be quite simple. Wheeling may be a bit further from North Chicago than necessary, but the commute is do-able. I'd also look into Lake Bluff (including the unincorporated Knollwood section of town along Waukegan Road with all of its apartment complexes & condominiums), and also Libertyville. Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Grayslake & Gurnee may be worth checking out as well, but the commute times will be a bit longer for some of these towns (Gurnee wouldn't be bad).

If you want to easily be able to get into the city (Chicago) on weekends and stuff and don't mind a bit higher rent, I'd also consider Highland Park. You may as well consider Highland Park if you were already looking at Lake Forest. There should be some apartments and condo's in the downtown area.

Originally Posted by 1.CityDweller

Hello,

My firm is taking on a project in North Chicago. I am considering a couple of lodging options, one being hotel stays, the second being corporate apartment. It looks like I will have a lodging budget in the neighborhood of $1000 per week give or take. I would prefer to remain in a more affluent area, with town center type shopping, dining, living, etc.. Low crime, generally a nice area, and something that keeps me out of nasty traffic heading to North Chicago. I have thought about Lake Forest, maybe Wheeling (there is a Westin there), but frankly I just do not know the region enough to make a sound decision. I would rather arm myself with some good knowledge from you folks here on this board, instead of arriving week 1 and still have no idea where to go. I have a few leads, but most of my colleagues that do business in the area are always downtown, which is not much help to me right now.

Thank you in advance.

Mark

[chet everett]

The Westin in Wheeling is a nice newer hotel, I don't think I would want to stay there for a year though...

I am sure you'll have a rental car and it will be easy to explore the other areas with Wheeling as your "home base".

You might want to consider a Residence Inn or other motel with a kitchenette but I would not recommend trying to find a rental for 6 mos unless it is specifically a corporate furnished rental situation...

I know there is a Residence Inn in Mettawa, which borders Lake Forest, that might be the easier option -- http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel...orest-mettawa/


If your firm has a relationship with an "executive housing firm" there are corporate apartments available in Lake Bluff -- http://premierluxury.com/forest-pointe.asp

[AbbyJaneway]

I second the suggestion of the Residence Inn in Mettawa. It's right off I-94, so your commute would be easy. I've stayed at other Residence Inns and they are very nice and definitely set up for a long-term stay.