Chicago Travel Forum

Hi there,

I will be arriving into O'Hare at around midday in just under 2 weeks time and then later that day meeting up with a friend and staying at their place. However, it is north of the city in Lincolnwood and I think they are probably going to be at work for most of the day that I arrive.

Now, as much as I would be quite happy to go exploring the city by myself, I don't really want to do it with a suitcase !! Also, I'm guessing that its not particularly convenient to leave it at luggage storage at the airport to then have to go back there for it.

So, can anyone recommend any place to store luggage in the city centre for a few hours ... for example, one of the train stations maybe ?? Any other ideas will be very much appreciated !!

Thanks in advance,
Darren

I don't think Chicago is particularly luggage friendly, I've seen this question many times on various travel boards and I've never seen a good answer. I'm pretty sure there isn't any luggage storage at O'Hare or Midway or Union Station unless you are actually using flying or using Amtrak. Some places, like the Art Institute, have places to leave small bags like backpacks but I don't know that they'd store suitcases. Hotels will usually keep your bags if you are staying there and have to check out before you're ready to leave the city but I don't know what their policy is for non guests.

I agree with the post above. Ever since 9/11, airports, train stations, etc. have been leery of providing storage for luggages. Instead of a hotel, you may want to rent a bed for a night in a hostel. You don't have to necessarily stay in the hostel for the night, but I'm sure they will store your luggage if you're a guest. See hostelworld.com for choices. HI hostel has a good location - in the outer-end of the Loop.

Excellent ... thanks for that everyone !!