Chicago is a very walkable city. Downtown hotels are close to stores, theaters, restaurants and attractions. For places that are further away, cabs are easily accessible and hotel doormen will even flag them for you. If you would rather save money and take public transportation, your hotel's concierge can answer questions you have about the nearest stops for the CTA and how to transfer from one line to another. Web site for more information.
Airport hotels cater to business travelers and vacationers who want to be near the suburbs.
If you are traveling to Chicago and plan to do a heavy amount of sightseeing, you'll probably prefer to stay in a downtown hotel. Chicago's sights are further away from the airport hotels. Going back and forth to the hotel from visits downtown will take away precious time from your visit. Find appropriate accommodations downtown and take public transportation or a cab to get to the hotel when you arrive at the airport. Click here to search for a hotel.