Downtown Chicago crew rate hotels
 

Do these exist?

Idk about crew rates but I've found some great deals on like hotels.com. I stayed in the Westin on Michigan the Friday after thanksgiving for 59.00. Just gota get lucky I guess.

Stay around Lincoln Park, Lakeview, or Wriggley neighborhoods instead of Chi downtown. Cheaper than downtown and you can always take train downtown. If you are younger (20-30's) these are the neighborhoods to go at night.

The only crew rates I know of are out by the airports. I've had really good luck with priceline in Chicago though. I've gotten a few 4 star hotels in River North or other nice areas under $100/night. If you can't find anything better you can try that.

Check out Groupon, they got some deals right now!