I've looked at both hotels for the reunion and wonder which is better and why. Any suggestions?

It's a matter of preference.  Hilton for the Hampton and Doubletree or Marriot for the Residence Inn.  Sort of depends on one's past experience with either franchise on which to choose.  Stopped by both on June 5th...Hampton has a larger exercise room and general lobby area.  Easier to walk/drive to Old Orchard shopping area, if interested.  Hampton has connected to it the "Sweet Basil" Cafe.  A bit easier to find vice the Residence Inn.  Again, your preference.

60th Reunion Hotels Update--As of a couple of weeks ago, about half of the rooms we've blocked off at the Hampton Inn & Suites have been reserved for our reunion weekend, but almost all of the rooms at the Residence Inn still are available. Please keep in mind that both of these room blocks will be released in less than four weeks, one month before our reunion weekend. So, the clock is ticking, especially if you'd like to stay at the Hampton. For more information, please click the "Hotels" tab after clicking "60th Reunion" in the menu on the left. Hope to see many of you in September!

P.S. Ted Lavine of our Committee has learned that room prices in Evanston over our weekend in September (13th & 14th) have risen to over $300 per night, so if you plan to attend our reunion, you ought to jump on our negotiated reduced rates ASAP.

Fellow members of ETHS's Class of 1964, with just over a week remaining until the first of our blocks of rooms will be released, nealy three-fourths of the rooms at the Hampton Inn (Release Date: 08/23) already have been reserved, while several rooms are still available at the Residence Inn (Release Date: 08/15). Therefore, if you haven't alrady done so, now's the time to take advantage of the lower rates we've arranged at both hotels, espcially at the Hampton, or to book any room at all before rates jump up to market level due to the many other events taking place over the same weekend as our reunion, September 13-15. (See my previous post above.) So, hop to it, folks!