We're kind of on a budget. 

 We really don't want to spend more than $150 on lodging including parking.  Doesn't it cost a lot to take the cab too? I'm going to talk around some more about cheaper but not fleabag lodgding. 
Two more questions.
Ok, Navy Pier - is that open year round? How is parking there?
Where are the ecclectic neighborhoods, like the equivalent to the U City Loop?