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Post by ScrappyJac on Aug 15, 2015 17:46:40 GMT
DH & I are planning a long weekend trip to Chicago in early October. I am trying to figure out which area/neighborhood to stay in. I am not sure yet whether we will go the hotel or airbnb route. We want to be centrally located, so that we aren't spending most of our time commuting in/out. We plan to see most of the big touristy sights, but also love exploring a bit off the beaten path. We will also be researching local restaurants. Any suggestions on which area to stay?
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Aug 15, 2015 18:31:39 GMT
We rented an air bnb for Christmas in Downtown Chicago. It was a blast we could walk or take the EL everywhere.
im trying to remember what part of the city we were in.
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Post by allison1954 on Aug 15, 2015 22:06:20 GMT
October 11 is the Chicago Marathon. You may want to plan around that.
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kimberlyrei
Shy Member
Posts: 26 
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Post by kimberlyrei on Aug 15, 2015 22:27:45 GMT
We were just in Chicago a couple weeks ago and stayed at Hotel Monaco. It was fantastic. We had a nice view of the Chicago river and were within quick walking distance of the L. We were also able to walk up to Navy Pier from there (the walk was nice but I wouldn't really recommend Navy Pier as a top place to visit). Parks and museums were easily accessible. One of the cool things we did while there was a walking food tour of Old Town and the Gold Coast neighborhood. It was awesome... I think it was a food planet tour. The guide took us around to 7 different restaurant/food shops and we ate something at each place. During the walk she told us about the history of various buildings in the neighborhood.
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likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
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Post by likescarrots on Aug 15, 2015 22:34:46 GMT
Are you going to be driving? If so I'd look for hotels that have a park and stay package. We stayed at the Kinzie Hotel (formerly Amalfi) which had a park and stay package. I also like Hard Rock Hotel which I think is in a great location and close to public transportation, but I haven't parked there.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 15, 2015 23:20:41 GMT
No advice about a hotel, but I can't say enough about the train system. It's so easy! Google CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). It's clean and efficient.
We take the train from Midway to UI-C for DH's clinical trial.
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Post by ScrappyJac on Aug 15, 2015 23:35:40 GMT
October 11 is the Chicago Marathon. You may want to plan around that. We had no idea. Thanks for the heads up! |
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Post by ScrappyJac on Aug 15, 2015 23:37:03 GMT
Are you going to be driving? If so I'd look for hotels that have a park and stay package. We stayed at the Kinzie Hotel (formerly Amalfi) which had a park and stay package. I also like Hard Rock Hotel which I think is in a great location and close to public transportation, but I haven't parked there. Thanks! We will be flying in. |
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Post by ScrappyJac on Aug 15, 2015 23:38:01 GMT
We were just in Chicago a couple weeks ago and stayed at Hotel Monaco. It was fantastic. We had a nice view of the Chicago river and were within quick walking distance of the L. We were also able to walk up to Navy Pier from there (the walk was nice but I wouldn't really recommend Navy Pier as a top place to visit). Parks and museums were easily accessible. One of the cool things we did while there was a walking food tour of Old Town and the Gold Coast neighborhood. It was awesome... I think it was a food planet tour. The guide took us around to 7 different restaurant/food shops and we ate something at each place. During the walk she told us about the history of various buildings in the neighborhood. I will definitely have to look into the food tour. Thanks! |
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Post by ScrappyJac on Aug 15, 2015 23:40:21 GMT
No advice about a hotel, but I can't say enough about the train system. It's so easy! Google CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). It's clean and efficient. We take the train from Midway to UI-C for DH's clinical trial. Great to hear, since we plan to use public transportation for most of the trip. |
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Post by ahiller on Aug 16, 2015 1:15:13 GMT
We loved Hotel Palomar in the River North neighborhood. Tons of restaurants and bars and within a good walking distance of many touristy spots.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Aug 16, 2015 1:42:49 GMT
I love the Burnham at Washington & State. There's a great restaurant downstairs, too.
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Post by bc2ca on Aug 16, 2015 1:46:31 GMT
We were just in Chicago a couple weeks ago and stayed at Hotel Monaco. It was fantastic. We had a nice view of the Chicago river and were within quick walking distance of the L. We were also able to walk up to Navy Pier from there (the walk was nice but I wouldn't really recommend Navy Pier as a top place to visit). Parks and museums were easily accessible. One of the cool things we did while there was a walking food tour of Old Town and the Gold Coast neighborhood. It was awesome... I think it was a food planet tour. The guide took us around to 7 different restaurant/food shops and we ate something at each place. During the walk she told us about the history of various buildings in the neighborhood. I love Kimpton Hotels! Definitely check out what events & conventions are in town. A couple of years ago we ended with a HomeAway apartment in the North River area because we couldn't get a room with the ASCO convention holding every hotel room. Turned out to be a fabulous choice (Parc Huron) for us. We also did this walking tour along with the Bucktown & Wicker Park food tour and recommend both of them. I'd also recommend seeing a Second City show. |
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Aug 16, 2015 2:12:07 GMT
Definitely do the architecture tour on the river.
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Post by ScrappyJac on Aug 16, 2015 16:10:37 GMT
Thanks for all the recommendations so far!
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,254
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Aug 16, 2015 18:08:35 GMT
Definitely do the architecture tour on the river. I've read this recommendation many times on here, and when my husband and I spent a few days in Chicago in July we did the tour. I highly recommend Chicago's First Lady/The Architecture Foundation for the boat tour. There are several companies that do them but this one is the one most people in the know suggest. We did the twilight tour. It started at 7:30 pm and ended at 9, but it might just be a summer offering at that time. It was so cool. We would do it again in a heartbeat. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 16, 2015 18:18:26 GMT
I love Chicago! Of course, I haven't been there since the early 80's when I went twice on business trips. I stayed at The Drake both times ~ grand old hotel right on Lake Michigan. So much fun ~ have a great time!
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Aug 16, 2015 18:54:41 GMT
I'm always baffled that the threads here about Chicago are either about its tragic and imminent demise or about how fun it is to visit here. LOL. I've read this recommendation many times on here, and when my husband and I spent a few days in Chicago in July we did the tour. I highly recommend Chicago's First Lady/The Architecture Foundation for the boat tour. Yes, definitely do the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) river tour., which is not-for-profit. Of the two people I know who volunteer as docents (cruise guides), one is an architect and one taught my son's "History of Chicago" class in high school. CAF has lots of other good tours. [Truth in Advertising: Don't be confused by Wendella's claim that its river cruise is the "original" architecture tour. Historically, they did (and still do) nice cruises on the river-but-mostly-the- lake to see the skyline - and since it's Chicago, architecture was discussed - but CAF did the architecture-themed-only-on-the-river cruises before Wendella added them.] OP, stay in the Loop or an area north of the Loop near-ish the lakefront. Make sure the neighborhood has easy access to a CTA el line (blue "M"s on google maps). There are neighborhoods, like the West Loop, that are el-bereft and buses are a pain. I never know what hotels to recommend, but if you have questions about a neighborhood or attraction, just ask. |
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Aug 16, 2015 19:56:30 GMT
We have been in Chicago for almost 2 weeks. We are at the JW Marriott in the loop. Very nice hotel. People work here in this area so many restaurants close a bit early. Like at 8! But we have been taking uber cars wherever we want to dine.
The city is full of good restaurants. I liked the Parthenon in Greek town - great people there and the food was yummy . Loved the Greek Salad!
We meant to eat at Shaws crab House but I think we won't this time.
My DH went to the Bean yesterday. It's a huge weekend for events, like the Blue Angels.
The main Library is amazing! Even if you just see it from the outside its fantastic.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Aug 16, 2015 20:02:05 GMT
I'm always baffled that the threads here about Chicago are either about its tragic and imminent demise or about how fun it is to visit here. LOL. I've read this recommendation many times on here, and when my husband and I spent a few days in Chicago in July we did the tour. I highly recommend Chicago's First Lady/The Architecture Foundation for the boat tour. Yes, definitely do the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) river tour., which is not-for-profit. Of the two people I know who volunteer as docents (cruise guides), one is an architect and one taught my son's "History of Chicago" class in high school. CAF has lots of other good tours. [Truth in Advertising: Don't be confused by Wendella's claim that its river cruise is the "original" architecture tour. Historically, they did (and still do) nice cruises on the river-but-mostly-the- lake to see the skyline - and since it's Chicago, architecture was discussed - but CAF did the architecture-themed-only-on-the-river cruises before Wendella added them.] OP, stay in the Loop or an area north of the Loop near-ish the lakefront. Make sure the neighborhood has easy access to a CTA el line (blue "M"s on google maps). There are neighborhoods, like the West Loop, that are el-bereft and buses are a pain. I never know what hotels to recommend, but if you have questions about a neighborhood or attraction, just ask. Tragic ane imminent demise?? What's going to happen to it.. fall in the lake? I love Chicago.. my sister and my nephew live there and we go usually once or twice a year. I hope the rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated. The only reason I don't live there is WINTER! |
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Aug 16, 2015 20:07:56 GMT
Maybe the thunder and lightening storms will just never end, causing all sorts of power outages etc!
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smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
Posts: 2,606
Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
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Post by smginaz Suzy on Aug 16, 2015 20:13:46 GMT
My favorite place to stay in downtown is Palmer House and it is very convenient to the El.
I've also stayed at Club Quarters on Wacker a few times-we always try for the top 2 floors because then you get the whole floor (in the tower). One visit, we were able to watch parts of The Dark Knight being filmed on the streets and plaza below up, and we were treated to helicopters flying right by our windows as they were filming. I have some great photos from that trip!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 16, 2015 20:16:38 GMT
If you like ribs, Carson's is wonderful ~ at least it was 30+ years ago! They tie a big bib on you and serve the most amazing ribs. If you don't have BBQ sauce dripping from your forearms, you aren't enjoying yourself.  |
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 16, 2015 20:35:24 GMT
Another vote for the Palamar. We stayed at The Palamar this weekend for the first time and really enjoyed it. We took the train from the airport to the hotel. The Palamar has an incredible rooftop terrace. You can take a drink up there and enjoy an amazing view of the city.
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Aug 16, 2015 21:23:55 GMT
Tragic and imminent demise?? What's going to happen to it.. fall in the lake? I love Chicago.. I hope the rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated. The only reason I don't live there is WINTER! Well, ironically, there's a Chicago neighborhood, aptly called "Edgewater," that has a stretch of high rise apartment buildings that have been teetering on the lake for a while now... But seriously: there have been recent predictions in political threads that all is lost in Chicago and we will go the way of Detroit - and soonly. The themes are gun violence statistics and our stricter-than-most gun control laws. There have even been a couple of threads specifically devoted to the topic this summer. (I have learned that after a brief period of celebration and good press, sending "one of your own" to the White House can only hurt your city's image.) But look, now I've politicized a travel thread! Sorry!!! Just an explanation to why I get whiplash contributing to such different Chicago threads. On with the hotel/boat tips/sketch comedy show recommendations! And yes, winter is abominable here. |
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Post by SockMonkey on Aug 16, 2015 21:39:46 GMT
If you have a chance, take the blue line to the Damen stop and go to Big Star Taco in Wicker Park. bigstarchicago.com |
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