Chicago Anyone? About This Page:

[RobinKay6573]

I am looking for suggestions for hotels downtown. A co-worker suggested the Omni. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] Ummm…I don’t think we need THAT fancy. We are going to take the train to the city and stay for 2 nights in July.

Any suggestions for activities would be great as well. We are going to try to visit Wrigley (doubt we will be able to get tickets to a game) and go see where Oprah is taped. Dad wants to see where they tape Jerry Springer but I think we will skip that [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] I have been to the Brookfield Zoo so I thought maybe we could go to the Lincoln Park Zoo. I do want to see the Millennium Park as well. Any place else you can suggest? I love art museums but I know my folks would be totally bored with that. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[SHEANA1226]

I don't know about hotels but I suggest going to the Navy Pier it is beautiful!

[statelady01]

When DH and I went to Oprah many years back (he was on a Father's Day tribute show) we spent a few extra days in Chicago. We stayed at the Omni then- and to be honest, I am not sure if I returned, I would pay what they ask for- it was nice but nothing spectacular.

I highly recommend a visit to the Shedd Aquarium- we really enjoyed it. Michigan Avenue is fun to stroll down and check out the shops- if memory serves correctly, there was a great Disney Store there.

Hope this helps!

[PoohBearFreak32]

WEll it all depends on what you're into. YOu'll do a lot of walking! We're going in August for my birthday and we'll probably stay in a hotel near the museum complex. Hubby wants to see the Egyptian exhibit.

[DawnDenise]

I definitely recommend the Shedd Aquarium. I went for the first time a couple of years back and it's awesome. I also vote for the Navy Pier.

[mattnkatsmum]

We went to Chicago last year. My concierge booked tickets to Wrigley Field the day before without any difficulty. We stayed at the Palmer House Hilton which I thought was terrific.

How about going up some big buildings ie the John Hancock and the Sears Tower? (I thought the John Hancock was the better of the two).

I'm sure you'll have a great time whatever you decide. Chicago is one of my favourite US cities.

[LisaJ]

My husband had to go to Chicago a few years back. He got his hotel tickets on Priceline by picking the 4-star option in the area of Grant Park. He picked this because he knew that the Chicago Hilton was there and that it was the only 4-star luxury hotel in the area. He got the Chicago Hilton for about $125 a night and said it was great!

I would try it if you feel like gambling a little. Hey, it couldn't hurt to try and see if they take your offer.

Good Luck (by the way, it's a pet-friendly hotel)

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/i...tyhocn=CHICHHH

[my2girls]

Robin -
I wouldn't stay at the Omni, I cannot afford it. I don't stay downtown ever, so I cannot recommend a hotel for you, but I can say - definitely go to the Shedd Aquarium, the Lincoln Park Zoo is always fun. Navy Pier is awesome this time of year. I also recommend The Peggy Notebaret Nature Museum, or the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Also, keep in mind, depending on when you want to go, the Taste of Chicago runs 6/30 - 7/9. So it can get super crowded and hotels do fill up quickly for it. The Taste is a wonderful event.
Here is a website that can help for the visit -
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/home.do?

[WDWfan]

Robin - Try to be downtown on the weekends if you can. Most of the hotels have lower rates then. As far as hotel recommendations I love the Kimpton Hotels, especially the Hotel Monaco - the restaurant there is great (South Water Kitchen), the beds were the most comfortable I've ever stayed in and it's walking distance to many areas. Here's a path to their web site http://www.kimptonhotels.com/hotels.aspx If you register for their loyalty program they sometimes send you discounts.

The museums are fantastic. I love the Field Museum and Shed Aquarium (don't miss the oceanarium). Navy Pier is a great place as well - fun restaurants with outdoor seating and the ferris wheel is really special at night. You also can't beat shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Enjoy - Chicago is a great town!

[RogerRabbit]

We stayed at the Westin on Dearborn street. It overlooks the river, and was right across the street form House of Blues.

I highly recommend the Field Museum! They having everything from Natural things to Mummies. The Shedd Aquamium is also very cool.

Michael

[Shoes99]

I'm going to a wedding in Chicago the first weekend in May. The bride & groom are holding a block of rooms at the Talbott Hotel on East Delaware Place. I'll be flying into Midway and hope to take the train. I think I have to take two different lines.

[minemoz1]

We stay downtown quite often. You can get great rates on Hotwire. My brother recently got the Drake (a 4+star hotel) for $69 a night. You are gambling, but if its 4 stars or higher in the Magnificent Mile area, you should be ok. We stayed at the Swissotel off of Hotwire for $120 a night (had awesome views of Navy Pier and the lake) and also the Hyatt on East Wacker for $90 (great views). Another site for discounted rates is 877chicago.com . You can pick your hotel and see the rates beforehand.

Other nice hotels are the Hilton Garden on Grand Ave. This was built about 4 years ago. The Courtyard by Marriott on Ontario St. is also nice and was just recently built. These hotels are all in the North Michigan Avenue area.

I would recommend the Museum of Science and Industry (It's my favorite), the Shedd aquarium and the Field museum. I would drag your folks to the Art Institute. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] They have so many classic/famous paintings there. Millennium Park is very cool and the Bean is finally reovated. My brother has eaten at the Park Grill there and RAVED about it. He said it was a very good value for the area. The Hancock building has better views of the lake and city and you can also see them for the cost of a drink. The Signature Room's lounge is on the 95 floor and offers the same views as the observation floor. Navy Pier has boat rides, the Ferris Wheel and a beautiful stained glass exhibit. They have fireworks twice a week on Wed and Sat. You can also rent bikes and follow the lakefront bike path if your ambitious.

As far as restaurants go, these are my favs. For Chicago style hot dogs and beef sandwiches, Portillos Hot Dogs is your place. They are located on Ontario and Clark. For a more upscale (but not too pricey) lunch, Banderas on Michigan Ave (across from Nordstroms, above the Bank, take the escalators up the the 2nd floor). Ask for a window view and you can watch all the shoppers on the Mag Mile. There is a Disney store on Michigan Ave 2 blocks north of Ontario Street. If you are hungry for a snack, Garrett's Popcorn on Michigan Ave between Erie and Huron is awesome. The line is worth the wait (Get the cheese and caramel mix.)

Oh, and if you need to use the CTA to get around, their website,
Transit Chicago offers a trip planner that will show you which bus/"L" line you need to take.

Have fun planning. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[RobinKay6573]

Wow great info guys! Passporters are the BEST [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

Some of you might be getting IM when we get closer to "go" time. I am going to talk to my dad and see what HE wants to do. Mom is easy to please...but dad. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] he can be alittle crabby.

[DrDolphin]

Have a great trip Robin!

[maggieworkman]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow great info guys! Passporters are the BEST [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

Some of you might be getting IM when we get closer to "go" time. I am going to talk to my dad and see what HE wants to do. Mom is easy to please...but dad. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] he can be alittle crabby.

[/ QUOTE ]

Robin,
If you have time maybe we can have a chicago "meet". I work in the city and have a pretty flexible schedule.

Things I would recommend if you do not have a car:
Field Museum
Aquarium
Millenium Park
Navy Pier
shopping on Magnificence Mile

The Museum of Science and Industry is farther away and requires a bus ride
The Botanic Gardens is nice, but farther north and would require the train ride (not really sure how close the train gets to botanic gardens, might require a little walk from station)

I also recommend Hotwire for hotels.
I have gotten great deals on hotels using that. We usually stay at the Westin Chicago River North when we stay downtown. It is right across the street from Harry Caray's restaurant. Its also by House of blues.

If you want Chicago Deep Dish Pizza,I recommend Giordanos.
There is a Rainforest Cafe [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]. I also like Cheesecake Factory. This is at the base of the John Hancock Building.
If you want a good view of the city at night, I recommend going to the lounge at the Hancock building. It is a free view with a 1 drink maximum. Also check out the view from the women's bathroom!!

Maggie