Chicago

So with some time off in September (shame the a330 to JFk doesn't start sooner, would of been a good excuse to go there during my time off next month), I am considering a week in Chicago.

But I have never been before, and was looking for some ideas.

Should we stay in the city? Further out? Somewhere remote? We are up for driving quite a distance, or getting a train etc.

Also looking for hotel Ideas due to the lack of a MO v( .

And suggestions of things to do are warmly welcome.

Thanks all for your help


Oops, posted in wrong forum, could a Mod kindly move this? Thanks.

We spent a week in Chicago last Sept, loved it. Now my favourite US city
I would stay central then you can easily walk or water taxi to sightsee. We stayed at the Homewood Suites (travelling with a 4 year old) as we wanted kitchenette.

Must dos
River cruise
Hancock tower for brunch on Sunday
Sears tower sky deck ... The ledge
Eat pizza
Ride the El round the loop
Shop on the magnificent mile
Navy Pier

I could go on but these are the first that come to mind.

Hope you enjoy it
L2H

Navy Pier / Gino's East / Hancock Tower / Lincoln Park & Zoo / RJ Grunts / Bandera / The Bean / Chicago Greeter / Adobo / Second City / Untouchables Tour / Lou Mitchells / Billy
Goat Tavern / Federal Reserve Museum...

When we went both our offspring came with us and subsequently visited again when doing US road trips.

Other recommendations will undoubtedly be along shortly...

I stayed at the Allegro last year - very nice (more traditional than modern) and very central (a Kimpton Hotel)

Car parking in the Loop is very expensive so I'd stick to public transport on the 'L'

Things to do

Field Museum / Shedd Aquarium / Addler Planitarium on 'museum campus'. the Field is by far and away the best of those

Art Institute of Chicago

Oak Park for lots of early Frank Lloyd Wright homes (and his own home and studio)

Hancock and Sears (now Willis) Towers

Navy Pier

Lake cruise / river cruise

Chicago Architecture Fondation does some excellent walking tours

Millenium Park for the 'Bean' and the Pritzker auditorium

Have a look of the Go Chicago Pass for 'free' admission and other ideas

[honey lamb]

Oops, posted in wrong forum, could a Mod kindly move this? Thanks.

'Tis done

The 330 starts in 21st apr to JFK on vs003 xc

The 330 starts in 21st apr to JFK on vs003 xc

Yes, you posted that in another thread; don't quite see its relevance here.

Besides, that information is freely available to anyone who can operate the VS booking engine.

The 330 starts in 21st apr to JFK on vs003 xc[/quote
Yes, you posted that in another thread; don't quite see its relevance here.

Besides, that information is freely available to anyone who can operate the VS booking engine.

I did think it was relevant wsa because as I read the initial post it seemed to say that it's a shame that the a330 wouldn't be on the JFK route and they had a week off in September to book. So I thought it was relevant to mention JFK starts next month on 330

It's a terrific city. I second most of the things-to-do suggested above, particularly the zoo (an unexpected delight). We did an Architecture Foundation boat tour which was brilliant.

Stayed at the Sofitel Water Tower, which was very good.

The 330 starts in 21st apr to JFK on vs003 xc[/quote
Yes, you posted that in another thread; don't quite see its relevance here.

Besides, that information is freely available to anyone who can operate the VS booking engine.

I did think it was relevant wsa because as I read the initial post it seemed to say that it's a shame that the a330 wouldn't be on the JFK route and they had a week off in September to book. So I thought it was relevant to mention JFK starts next month on 330

Was trying to say that as I only have first 2 weeks of April off it will be too early to be disappointed by the UCDS. So I will wait to September as going MIA/SFO in June. Unless I take another few weeks off inbetween.

We went last May stayed at the Avenue Hotel, it was lovely.

I was really surprised by Chicago, wasn't a city I had particularly wanted to visit but I fell in love with it whilst we were there.

Ditto on all the things everyone above has said.

Also if you can (and want to of course) hire bikes and cycle the lake front its a great way to see things.

me & mrs Jodash are off to the windy city,1st time there,looking for advise on hotels

[preiffer]

I've stayed in the Merchandise Mart HI before - it's a handy location, but nothing special.
The Hilton Chicago is a nice hotel (and handy for the conference centre) but you're at the bottom end of town.

I've also stayed at both W's there - the one Downtown is fantastic : https://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/ ... tyID=97509

And the lakeshore one, while at the top end of town, has some great rooms with nice views: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/ ... rtyID=2005

me & mrs Jodash are off to the windy city,1st time there,looking for advise on hotels

I stayed at the Allegro Hotel last year. Very central. It is part of the Kimpton Group. More traditonal than modern in decor but had wifi etc

Have also stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel too - again central. Rock/pop themed rooms but no rock stars to be seen !

Going to ORD in 50 days time and still have no accommodation booked so all advice above greatfully received y) Must be a convention or school holidays as hotels and suites are very busy with little availability Back to the drawing board