Low hotel rates, dynamic cultural and special events make Chicago a cool city retreat this winter

The famous Chicago Water Tower
Renowned museums and crowd-pleasing performances set the scene for a winter getaway

Editor's note: I can personally vouch for enjoying Chicago in the winter. My family and I spent a weekend getaway there a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed our stay ... except for one small detail. Our hotel, the Red Roof Inn in Downtown Chicago, was horrible. The room was smelly, dirty and - had we not used a free voucher we won at a school fundraiser raffle - we would have gone to another hotel. Other than that, great time in a great city.

Starting with today, I'll post several items from a rather lengthy press release.

With its dynamic arts and culture calendar, winter provides the perfect opportunity to discover Chicago’s world class institutions and vibrant creative communities. Experience a city abuzz with creative energy – from singers to chefs, artists to actors – on an exhilarating escape to Chicago this January or February 2012.

Book your trip to Chicago this winter and save; with hotel rates as low as $79/night and fewer crowds, Chicago is more affordable and more accessible at this time of year. Cozy up indoors with accommodations that suit every taste and budget, from the iconic Drake Hotel to the new Radisson Blu Aqua and PUBLIC Chicago hotels. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy free, family-friendly activities that keep cabin fever at bay.

Whether indoors or out, the list of things to do and see in Chicago this winter is endless! For additional event and attraction details, visit the city’s official tourism website www.ExploreChicago.org.