My friend and will go to Chicago this year or perhaps the next. We have already tried to go in April, but several hotels we called were all booked (I am thinking about the cheaper ones). Why is it s1o hard to get hotels in April in Chicago? Or were we just unlucky? Anyway, several of our friends from college live there and we want to surprise them, Just to find some place with normal prices for a stay.
To be honest I am not so sure why you werent able to find free hotels in that period. Perhaps it is because of the weather, which could be very pleasant for many tourists. Anyway, if you want some cheap, but not a dodgy place, you should stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Downtowns Chicago. It is three stars rated hotel but is excellent. Believe me, I have spent several beautiful days there.