What's the best neighborhood in Chicago for a first time visitor?

Lincoln Park

I would suggest you to stay in Downtown Chicago, since public transportation is very convenient. Google map will show train/Bus routes.You can go both airports from downtown by taking train and all attractions are accessible.Try Hotel.com or kayak,you will find them for $100 range.If you can rent a car,them there are many options of staying in suburbs like Arlington Heights (Illinois) and commute to downtown.

Most of the hotels are concentrated in one or two areas, you won't find a lot of options out in the neighborhoods.  I too would recommend looking in River North and would try to stay closer to Michigan Avenue so you have more options for transportation if you want to visit other areas of the city.  There are a ton of restaurants and bars in River North, good access to the main shopping areas of the Mag Mile and State Street, an easy walk to most of the theaters

For a good central area for a first time visitor I would stick with River North - there is so much to do and see within walking distance and you have easy access to everywhere else. There are so many fantastic hotels but I would probably recommend The Langham, Chicago (high-end luxury), Thompson Chicago (new and trendy with great staff), Acme Hotel Company Chicago (fantastic location, very hip), or The James Chicago Hotel (boutique hotel right in the hear of River North) . 

If you want classic, then you should head to Drake Hotel which is right near Lake Shore Drive in River North.  Most of the nightlife, shopping, and beaches can be found in River North.

If you want to be close to the museum campus and the classic Chicago downtown, you'll want to stay at either Virgin Hotels Chicago or new The Chicago Athletic Hotel (http://chicago.curbed.com/tags/chicago-athletic-association).  The Chicago Athletic Hotel recently just opened and they used to be the most exclusive gym in Chicago.  The history of it is amazing.

Years ago I would have said River North. Now I'd add South Loop (Chicago).

Old Town Chicago

Valerie that all depends on what scene you're into. Every neighborhood has different demographics and scenes. If echo park is your thing in LA then Wicker Park would be very similar( hipsters). If your into hanging out around college age suburbanites go to Lincoln Park, or Wrigleyville right outside Wrigley Field. Catch my drift? Seriously though you'll have fun in most neighborhoods, there just different. Do a little exploring. Go to one and if you find it lame, catch a cab and head somewhere else 😀