Questions about visiting Chicago [Archive] - CookingLight.com Community

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aggie94

01-04-2008, 03:08 PM

Legolas

01-04-2008, 03:11 PM

3) Okay, let's assume that we have no choice but to stay out by the airport. What are my best options for getting to and from the things I want to see and do? At first glance, that might include the Botanical Gardens, Sears Tower, and great shopping, of course. :)

And Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/) for your DH, IIRC. :)

aggie94

01-04-2008, 03:14 PM

Sorry, I should have mentioned, it's an aquarium-related conference. So it already includes a private, behind-the-scenes tour and visit to Shedd. So we've got that covered. :)

And I'm sure if that's ALL we managed to see in the weekend, he would be fine with that. Me, I would like to do more than look at fish and talk about fish in four days. ;)

Pony

01-04-2008, 03:30 PM

There is a conference (non-work related) in Chicago that DH wants to attend the last weekend of May/first weekend of June. We have never been to Chicago and it has been high on our list of places to visit for a long time, so we'd love to make this happen if possible. But there are a couple of questions that I'm running into:

1) The conference itself will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near O'Hare, which is not where I would choose to stay on a visit to Chicago. Ideally, I would like to be right in the heart of the city (although that may not even be an option since it appears this is a popular weekend and a lot of hotels downtown are already booked for these dates). If we stay downtown, will it be difficult to get to and from this location on a daily basis without a car? I'm assuming there is easy public transportation to the airport itself, but what about to a hotel near the airport?

2) Any pros/cons to flying in and out of Midway versus O'Hare? Obviously if we are staying a stone's throw from O'Hare, it makes sense to fly in and out of that airport, but what if we're staying elsewhere?

3) Okay, let's assume that we have no choice but to stay out by the airport. What are my best options for getting to and from the things I want to see and do? At first glance, that might include the Botanical Gardens, Sears Tower, and great shopping, of course. :)

I'm so glad you get a chance to go visit Chicago! I miss it soooo!

According to the hotels website, the el is 2 blocks away. However, the map I'm looking at is not an el map, but a street map. If the el is 2 walking blocks away, then you should be able to easily stay downtown and take the el to the closest stop. It won't be a quick ride, but should be under 45min. If I remember correctly, the ride from downtown to O'Hare was ~45 min. I would call the hotel and confirm the distance from the closest el stop to the hotel and ask if it is easily walkable.

The only bad thing that ever happened to us when flying into Midway was our late flight. The el did not run 24 hours and we ended up having to get a cab to our house, which was $$$! I'm not sure if the orange line is 24 hours now, but the blue line (the one that runs to/from O'Hare) is 24 hours. I really liked flying in to Midway, b/c it was smaller. We were closer to O'Hare and it was easier, b/c we didn't have to switch trains, but if the tickets were cheaper we flew out of Midway.

If you stay at the hotel near O'Hare, you should easily be able to hop on the blue line and get downtown if it is 2 blocks away. You can also change el's and go to some fun neighborhoods.

Hope that helps!

buffygirl

01-04-2008, 03:30 PM

Eva, I go to Chicago every June for a work conference and use the El to get around. My DH and I joked last year that the city lost money on our transit passes as much as we used them. I love cities with great mass transit.

Truly, we used the train tons and it goes to almost all of the places you would want to go. I'm sure they have a website with a map. It definitely goes to both airports. I prefer flying into Midway myself since it is smaller and does not seem to have the delays that O'Hare does.

If you have time, you could take the train out to Oak Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright houses. DH and I spent an afternoon out there which was lovely.

If you have other specific questions let me know.

Kim

Pony

01-04-2008, 03:38 PM

schuh

01-04-2008, 03:54 PM

The only advantage of flying in and out of Midway is that you can get cheap flights with carriers like Southwest. Otherwise it's a bugger getting in and out of Midway and it's not in the greatest section of town.

When I was in Chicago in October, the el line that goes from the Loop (which is what they call the downtown area) to O'Hare wasn't running. I think there was construction. I don't know whether that was a weekend thing or a long-term project.

Why don't you just call and ask the Crowne Plaza what your transportation options are? There have to be loads of people that stay there and go into the Loop.

For what it's worth, a cab from O'Hare to the Loop runs $35-$40 each way.

I think/hope you will love Chicago. The Shedd Aquarium is very cool. I'm jealous. Have fun.

scout1222

01-04-2008, 04:46 PM

I'm assuming this would be the el stop address for the Crowne Plaza. This is one stop away from the O'Hare el stop.
Rosemont Station:
5801 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

This is the Crowne Plaza's address:
5440 North River Road - Rosemont, Illinois 60018

The only thing is these addresses are near highways, so I am not sure about walking to the stop?????? Hopefully, someone will chime in or you can ask the hotel.

The last time I was in Chicago, I stayed at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont (also on N. River Road, and I recall seeing the Crowne Plaza fairly nearby). We walked to the Rosemont station every single day to do all of our sightseeing. If you're not afraid of walking say 5 minutes, you will have no issue with this. In fact, the time BEFORE when I was in Chicago, it was January (like 2 years ago) and I did that walk when it was effing freezing and when it was snowing.

The trip from Rosemont into the heart of the city isn't the quickest, but since I'd gotten a huge deal on the hotel room, I didn't really care. Also, we flew into O'Hare, so it was convenient to that. The hotel had a shuttle to and from the airport, though we also could have taken the blue line.

scout1222

01-04-2008, 04:50 PM

When I was in Chicago in October, the el line that goes from the Loop (which is what they call the downtown area) to O'Hare wasn't running. I think there was construction. I don't know whether that was a weekend thing or a long-term project.

There's a "Customer Alert" section of the Chicago Transit website (linked elsewhere in this thread) and it looks like there were temporary closures to the Blue Line, and it looks like that ran through December. Recent alerts on the Blue Line seem to be pretty minor - boarding trains from the opposite platform, etc. But a quick check indicates it's open.

http://www.transitchicago.com/news/whatsnewA.wu?action=displaynewspostingdetail&articleid=118551

Man, this makes me want to go back! (But not in January!)

aggie94

01-04-2008, 05:53 PM

Okay, I've decided I really really REALLY do not want to stay out by the airport. God only knows when I will make it back to Chicago, as it's taken us this long to get there in the first place, and I really want to stay in the heart of the city, near shops I want to shop in and restaurants I want to eat in.

That said, the hotel rates for that weekend downtown are OUTRAGEOUS. I managed to find myself a room at the Marriott on the Magnificent Mile for four night, but there is no way I am willing to pay the jacked-up rates. I reserved the room anyway, figuring I can always cancel it. Or we can suck it up and use our much-coveted and hoarded points to cover the room. :rolleyes:

MaryH

01-04-2008, 07:33 PM

Having stayed out by the airport a couple years ago, I say take the el. If you've done BART in SF it's very similar. Although it may take a "bit more time" I think it is a much more "local" experience. Definitely beats driving. There are LOTS of cabs in the city so if you find that the el won't get you exactly where you need to be, you can always take a cab for part of the trip. I think that you'll end up paying so much more to stay in a downtown hotel, that it may not be worth it in the end. Use the money you save to "explore" more.

chazkp

01-04-2008, 08:22 PM

I used to work in Rosemont and took the blue line to work everyday and walked to my office. It is a 35 min ride from the Rosemont stop to downtown and the trains fun roughly every 9-10 minutes. It is very easy to walk from the crown plaza to the el and it is much cheaper to stay out there.

If you really want to stay downtown, I would suggest trying to find a hotel away from Michigan Ave as the prices there might be more expensive than ones a few blocks away. PM if you want some suggestions or if you have any questions.

lindrusso

01-04-2008, 08:38 PM

Eva - What about using Hotwire or Pricepoint to get a room? We've used Hotwire twice in Chicago with great results.

We stayed at the Westin up on North Michigan Avenue for around $70/night. Nice room and they have the BEST beds.

We've also stayed at the Palmer House Hilton for about $68 - ended up with a large room with 2 bathrooms. But PHH is pretty far south of all the Michigan Avenue stuff........

Andrea_2

01-04-2008, 10:04 PM

I would try Hotwire too. We got a GREAT price on a very nice hotel right in the middle of downtown Toronto over the summer. If you can't get a good price on a hotel though, staying out by O'Hare really isn't that bad. I personally wouldn't pay way more money to stay downtown versus taking the blue line. You could take the el in once in the morning, and then just stay downtown doing stuff all day. I used to ride it frequently, and I don't think the ride is bad, and it really isn't that far away. I wouldn't stay out by Midway though. I can't stand that airport, and I doubt you could find a decent hotel out there. The ones by O'Hare are much nicer.

aggie94

01-04-2008, 10:37 PM

If you can't get a good price on a hotel though, staying out by O'Hare really isn't that bad. I personally wouldn't pay way more money to stay downtown versus taking the blue line. You could take the el in once in the morning, and then just stay downtown doing stuff all day.

Looks like we might just end up having to stay out by O'Hare. The prices downtown for that weekend are ridiculous. I'm considering using Priceline or Hotwire to try to get a good deal, but I am really loathe to pay for a hotel and not get rewards points. :o

In any event, the problem with staying out at O'Hare is that we can't take the el in the morning and stay downtown for the day. DH will be doing conference stuff during the day, so it's much more likely that we'll be taking the el out in the late afternoon or early evening and doing stuff until late, THEN heading back to the hotel late at night.

We'll see. I am still exploring options and trying to decide what we want to do. Thanks for all the info. :)

Laura B

01-05-2008, 03:53 AM

Eva,

The first time we went to Chicago, we stayed by the airport because we were there for a job fair that was being held in a hotel by the airport. I hated doing it that way. HATED. It is a pain to get downtown. For us, it required a shuttle bus to the El and then a long train ride. And THEN you are stuck downtown all day until you're ready to go back to your hotel as it isn't a trip you want to just keep doing back and forth. The second time we went to Chicago we stayed at the Westin (I think) smack in the middle of downtown on Michicgan Ave and it was fantastic. We could come and go from the hotel to our activities and dinner reservations. It was great. I sincerely suggest that you try priceline or use some of your points.

Pony

01-05-2008, 07:30 AM

I completely understand the difficulty in the decision! :) Since you would not be able to get down to the city until late afternoon, then I would do what others have said. Look for prices on Hotwire or use those reward points! You will be able to experience the city more and can do your own thing while the conference is going on.

Jessica

01-05-2008, 09:39 AM

I wouldn't stay near O'Hare unless you really cannot avoid it, esp. if you want to spend evenings downtown. That Marriott on the Mag Mile is expensive but we've gotten good deals, and it also is worth it to use points. We've stayed at the Westin mentioned above and also found good deals.

It might be that you hit a bad weekend in terms of conventions and that is why prices are so high.

I heart Midway, but then I grew up in the south suburbs. It is in a not-so-great area of town but much easier to navigate than O'Hare. You can take the Orange Line (I think) from Midway to downtown.

Chefzhat

01-05-2008, 09:49 AM

Eva, we just did the hotel by the airport/train to downtown for entertainment. We didn't stay into the late evening and had the boys with us. For us, it worked out great. However, would I do it if it were just Don and I? Um, no. Look for some deals in either River North or Lincoln Park - or try priceline.

I LOVE Chicago - maybe I'll come hang with you during one of the days that you're there!!! It's an easy day trip for me.

aggie94

01-05-2008, 10:04 AM

Woooooohooooooooo, Chicago KLATCH!!! :D :D :D

Chefzhat

01-05-2008, 10:19 AM

Yay! Seriously, let me know exact dates and such and I'll get it onto my calendar. I can keep you busy during the day and then you and Che can experience Chicago at night alone (or with a third wheel, whichever!)

boisewinesnob

01-05-2008, 11:22 AM

That said, the hotel rates for that weekend downtown are OUTRAGEOUS. I managed to find myself a room at the Marriott on the Magnificent Mile for four night, but there is no way I am willing to pay the jacked-up rates. I reserved the room anyway, figuring I can always cancel it. Or we can suck it up and use our much-coveted and hoarded points to cover the room. :rolleyes:

What if you only stayed at the $$$$$ place for one or two nights, and the place by the airport the other nights?

Andrea_2

01-05-2008, 07:54 PM

In any event, the problem with staying out at O'Hare is that we can't take the el in the morning and stay downtown for the day. DH will be doing conference stuff during the day, so it's much more likely that we'll be taking the el out in the late afternoon or early evening and doing stuff until late, THEN heading back to the hotel late at night.

In this case, maybe it would be better to stay downtown. I don't think traveling from O'Hare is that bad (assuming you are close to an el stop...), but I have to say I'd be hesitant to do it late at night. Some strange characters hang out on those trains at night, and I do remember stories of robberies etc. when I lived in the city. I myself had my wallet and keys stolen on the el once.

I still don't think I'd spend big $$$$ to stay downtown though. See if you can find a good price, but if not, O'Hare is doable. You could take a taxi back to the hotel, or meet up with some of us Chicago BB'ers and one of us could give you a ride back! :)

hollysmom

01-05-2008, 09:14 PM

The Museum of Science and Industry is a must-do.

SSM

ChristyMarie

01-06-2008, 11:29 AM

I would definitely check out hotwire/priceline/etc. Whenever we have to stay downtown that's what we do. Two hotels that are usually a little cheaper than many others are the Hotel Allegro and the Hilton Garden. Both fairly nice, good service, etc.

sillybeans

01-07-2008, 10:51 AM

The clinical oncology meeting is in Chicago that weekend, with more than 30,000 attendees. According to their Web site, their room block phases out on May 12, so you may want to see if anything gets freed up at that time.

Otherwise, I'd check out VBRO for the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. I know there's at least 1 B&B over there (House of Urns I think it's called). Wicker Park is just northwest of the Loop (like 10 minutes on the El) and is located on the Blue Line, which goes to O'Hare (for easy access to the conference). Or you could try VBRO for the downtown area--I'd do the Loop as opposed to N. Michigan Avenue to cut down on communting time.

Or check out the Crowne Plaza in Greektown, which is also Blue line accessable (although farther, as you go through the Loop before heading to O'Hare).

HTH,
Tracy

amcleod

01-07-2008, 02:30 PM

You are pretty likely to regret staying at O'Hare but you'll never regret staying downtown. And, isn't this exactly the scenario rewards points are for? :)

If you are staying downtown, fly into Midway for sure. Much smaller airport and closer to downtown.

aggie94

01-14-2008, 08:37 PM

Grrrrrrr, I'm striking out all over. Hotwire couldn't get me a price below $350/night, and Priceline hasn't accepted any of my offers yet.

Looks like we might be sucking it up and using points. Yeah, I know that's what points are for, but it's a LOT of points. As in, almost three times as many points as we are using for a week at the JW Marriott in Hong Kong later this year. And it's only for four nights. :eek:

Haven't cancelled the reservation yet but I will keep trying Hotwire and Priceline as it gets closer.

Thanks, everyone - I am really hoping to get this chance to see Chicago!

Grace

01-14-2008, 11:07 PM

Eva, have you tried these hotels? I think the rates might not be too bad....

Chicago City Centre
Fairfield Inn and Suites
Best Western River North
The Talbott
Residence Inn
Courtyard by Marriott

Although, if you're not having luck with Priceline, I have to wonder if there is something going on on those dates.... :confused:

I hope you have some luck finding something!

aggie94

01-14-2008, 11:20 PM

Grace,

I haven't checked out all of those yet, but I did check out the Marriott properties (Fairfield, Courtyard, and Residence), and we are still talking rates in the $400+ range. For a FAIRFIELD. Yes, it's outrageous. In addition to the medical convention that a PP mentioned, I have to think there are other big conferences going on that weekend that have everything in town booked. And the prices jacked up sky high. :(

Thanks for the recs - I will check out the others too, on the off chance I can find something affordable.

Chefzhat

01-15-2008, 03:46 AM

Are you able to get a room near the airport? It's really not THAT bad staying out there. We've done it several times and have used the train to get back and forth downtown. A bit more hassle, but once the ride is over, you're DOWNTOWN! And ready for some fun!

aggie94

01-15-2008, 10:00 AM

Yeah, I can get a room at any of the Marriott properties by the airport for practically no points at all, and the conference rate at the conference hotel is reasonable too ($119/night). I just didn't want to. :o

I know, I'm such a snob. :rolleyes:

aggie94

01-15-2008, 03:29 PM

Okay, thanks to a very generous BBer who PMd me (you know who you are, and thank you again!!), I now have a great room in a great location at a great price. :D

Sooooo, looks like we are coming to Chicago!! Stay tuned for klatch info. :eek: :p

Grace

01-15-2008, 03:50 PM

Great news, Eva! Was it someone who works at a hotel? I'm curious how they got you a good rate.... ;)

Anyhow, while I live out by O'Hare (five minutes away, actually), I always drive into the city and don't take the train. Right now there's a ton of construction on the blue line and apparently it takes an especially long time to get downtown. Plus I wouldn't want to go back out on the train late at night (I have, with DH, but I don't like it). Driving for me (assuming no traffic) only takes 12 minutes, so it's no big deal. But paying for parking's a you-know-what. I paid $30 last Friday for just a couple of hours.

So overall I think staying downtown is the best idea. Have fun. And maybe if some of you decide to meet up one day I'll join you....

tyroleancutie

01-15-2008, 04:12 PM

So overall I think staying downtown is the best idea. Have fun. And maybe if some of you decide to meet up one day I'll join you....

Count me in :D