OT: Chicago Trip Planning Help!

[auroralark]

I know there are a lot of DISers from the Chicago area, so I'm hoping some of you will be kind enough to help me.

Soooo...my DH and I are heading to Chicago May 28th till June 4th. The airplane tickets have already been booked, and that's all I've done so far.

I think I've found a hotel I want to book HOWEVER - the rates for the last 2 nights are really high for some reason! So I'm thinking of heading to another hotel for those last two nights. (Which my DH will hate, but oh well.) The hotel I'm looking to book is Hotel 71 - seems to be centrally located, has good reviews, rooms look nice, and I don't really want to stay at a chain hotel. I'm open to other suggestions. I really can't spend more than $250 a night. (I'd love to stay more around $220.) If we DO decide to move somewhere, I guess we'd just head to a different section of the city - we did want to catch a White Sox game. Is that stadium in a good area? Any nice hotels down there?

While I'm at it, what are some "must do's"? There are some tours we definitely want to do. I want to go to the Art Institute and we're definitely going to Wrigley Field (that's one of my main reasons of going!). Is the Field Museum worth is to someone who lives in NY and has been to the Museum of Natural History many times? What about going up the Sears Tower? (My DH is afraid of heights, but I love a good city view!)

One last thing...I noticed Milwaukee, WI and Indiana aren't far drives... Was thinking about going to a Brewer's game. Is it worth the drive? Is it a nice stadium? And if we were to venture into IN, I think we'd probably wind up in Gary, which seems to be near the border. Anything worth doing there? Worth the drive? (Except so I can say I've been to Indiana?) I'm assuming it costs a LOT to park a car in Chicago, so we'd probably do a rental for only like 2 days.

Sorry for all the questions... I appreciate any help anyone can offer! I'm a bit overwhelmed!

 

[mulderxcoltrane]

No - US Cellular Field is not in the best of neighborhoods (at least compared to Wrigley).

 

[jcb]

You'll find several suggestions on things to do at this thread.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2132030&highlight=chicago

I'm sure folks will offer other suggestions but I thought I would mention this as well.

 

[simonkodousek]

I go down to Chicago four-six times per year and have stayed at many, many hotels in the city, but my favorite is the Marriott on the Miracle Mile. It's not the Four Seasons, but is more than adaquate and is VERY centrally located within walking distance to various landmarks and shops on Michigan Ave.

Another favorite of mine is the Fairmont. I think the rooms far surpass the Marriott, but the location isn't as central to Michigan Ave. They do have a complimentary chauffered Bentley that will drop you off and pick you up at nearby locations. That's a nice perk, and really fun if you haven't been driven around in a $300,000 car before. Just a word of caution though; don't eat breakfast in the hotel restaurant unless you want to pay $80 for two people. It's a simple continental buffet, and isn't worth close to $40/person. The restaurant turns in to an ultra-lounge/nightclub in the late evening, and seems to have a nice atmosphere.

I'd also recommend the Hyatt Regency. It's right between the Marriott and the Fairmont, and is in easy walking distance to landmarks north and south of the river. The rooms aren't too bad, and rates hover around $300 Friday and Saturday nights. My only concern with the Hyatt is that it is VERY convention driven, which isn't the best thing for someone wanting to see the city and relax. The Marriott is convention driven, but NOTHING like the Hyatt.

Just my two cents!

EDIT: IMHO, the view is far superior from the Hancock Center than the Sears Tower. See it once at night and once during the day. The night time view is absolutely incredible! I think it's $15/person to go up and spend as much time enjoying the view as you'd like. Absolutely worth it in my opinion!

 

[simonkodousek]

Oh! I didn't even see the part of your post about Milwaukee! I live about 30 minutes west of the city, and drive in three or four times per month for various events. We are season ticket holders to the Brewers with seats right above the dugout. I love going to games, but I'm not sure I would drive in from Chicago just for that, although it is a beautiful stadium in my opinion.

I enjoy going to the Third Ward and seeing a show at the Skylight Opera Theater (we're season ticket holders there also) with a late dinner and cabaret afterwards, or spending a Saturday morning at the Milwaukee Public Market (which is kind of like an open air market with different vendors selling food items, except it's completely indoors so it can run in the winter; it reminds me of the Bahamas without the crazy begging and hair braiding.)

I also like going to the malls on the weekends; Brookfield Square and Mayfair are the two "big" ones west of the city, but Bayshore is my absolute favorite. It's a 20-30 minute drive north of the city, and is completely outdoors. If you've ever been to Atlanta, it's very similar to Atlantic Station. The shops are more upscale than what you would find at Brookfield Square and Mayfair, but nothing compared to Chicago, NY, and Atlanta.

In my honest opinion, I couldn't see anyone coming to Milwaukee, JUST to see Milwaukee; it's nothing special and there isn't enough to do to keep you occupied for more than a night.

Simon

 

[auroralark]

Thanks for the input so far, everyone!

 

[tlcoke]

One last thing...I noticed Milwaukee, WI and Indiana aren't far drives... Was thinking about going to a Brewer's game. Is it worth the drive? Is it a nice stadium? And if we were to venture into IN, I think we'd probably wind up in Gary, which seems to be near the border. Anything worth doing there? Worth the drive? (Except so I can say I've been to Indiana?) I'm assuming it costs a LOT to park a car in Chicago, so we'd probably do a rental for only like 2 days.

Sorry for all the questions... I appreciate any help anyone can offer! I'm a bit overwhelmed!

If you go to Indiana - Stay in Merrillville - it is a 1 hour drive via the toll road to downtown Chicago or you can catch a train into the city from Michigan City. The Dunes National Park on the shores of Lake Michigan is something to see in the Michigan City area of Indiana.

 

[sayhello]

I agree with the Hancock Center for the city view rather than the Sears tower. Fabulous, fabulous view. I'm a bit afraid of heights, and I did fine up there. WELL worth going up there!

I've only actually stayed in the City once, in a hotel someone else chose, and which I would never recommend. So I can't help with that, sorry.

Sayhello

 

[sonnyeclipso]

Delurking to post -

I live about 6 blocks from The Cell, and it's not at all a bad neighborhood. It is not a tourist neighborhood though, and there are no hotels in the area. It bothers me when people act as if it is a bad neighborhood. Try O'Malleys at 35th and Union for probably one of the best Chicago style hot dogs around! At 35th and Wallace is a really amazing sports store called Grandstand that has more fun sport items then anywhere else in the city!

I don't know much about the hotels in the area, because I said, I live here, but anything in the downtown area would be good. The train runs around the loop and you'll be able to get to where you want to go easily. I recommend the Field for muesums because you can see Sue! I was disappointed at Animal Kingdom by the Dinosaur attraction because it's replicas of what they have at the Field!

I think a must do during your time here would be to take a river boat ride. At Navy Pier, they have many companies you can just walk on to, but my favorite company for the boat rides is Wendella. You can catch the boat right off of Michigan Ave at the river by the Wrigley building and they have the best prices. It's the best way to see the city, imo. Try to do a river and lake tour if you have the time!

As for Wisconsin- Milwaukee is ALWAYS a fun time! Indiana - I lived out in the Northwestern part of the state for a while, and there is nothing too special there besides the Star Plaza theatre, the Dunes, and Michigan city outlets as mentioned before, but there is also a fun water park on route 30 called Deep River water park.

Also, a tip to save money - Go to the Signature room on the 95th floor of the Hancock and get a cocktail. Fabulous view, fabulous cocktail, and you are spending the money on booze and not just the price of admission for the view!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Mr. Disney 652]

I'm from the WI/IL boarder. I would do the Brewers game and Cubs at Wrigley if you can. So much difference between the two parks, Cubs=history, Brewers=clean and nice plus tailgating!

I would try to stay at the Palmer House...it is Hilton, but nice and central. The Field is a good stop, or the Science and Industry, just take the bus to the museum campus and have at it...have fun!

Check out bus/EL service: http://www.rtachicago.com/
Chicago site: http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html

 

[alexb]

I'll 2nd sonnyeclipso's post about the neighborhood around Comisky Park (aka The Cell ), the neighborhood is not a bad neighborhood, it's primarily residential. Maybe 20-30 years ago it was so-so but a lot has changed. Also, Grandstand has sports "stuff" for every pro team in Chicago but is predominately Sox oriented.

The Art Institute is great, there are so many incredible pieces there so if you enjoy art you're on the right track by visiting.

One thing new at the Sears Tower is the Sky Walk. You can step out into a glass bock a couple of feet from the skydeck and look down. This is probably not something for you husband though.

There are a bunch of great places for pizza if you're looking for a Chicago staple. I personally love Lou Malnati's, there are other pizza places like Giordano's, Uno or Gino's East that you can consider.

 

[Sweettears]

No - US Cellular Field is not in the best of neighborhoods (at least compared to Wrigley).

Disregard. Obviously a Cub fan. There is a red line el stop just outside the park. Plenty of parking and very well policed.

 

[Sweettears]

I know there are a lot of DISers from the Chicago area, so I'm hoping some of you will be kind enough to help me.

Soooo...my DH and I are heading to Chicago May 28th till June 4th. The airplane tickets have already been booked, and that's all I've done so far.

I think I've found a hotel I want to book HOWEVER - the rates for the last 2 nights are really high for some reason! So I'm thinking of heading to another hotel for those last two nights. (Which my DH will hate, but oh well.) The hotel I'm looking to book is Hotel 71 - seems to be centrally located, has good reviews, rooms look nice, and I don't really want to stay at a chain hotel. I'm open to other suggestions. I really can't spend more than $250 a night. (I'd love to stay more around $220.) If we DO decide to move somewhere, I guess we'd just head to a different section of the city - we did want to catch a White Sox game. Is that stadium in a good area? Any nice hotels down there?

While I'm at it, what are some "must do's"? There are some tours we definitely want to do. I want to go to the Art Institute and we're definitely going to Wrigley Field (that's one of my main reasons of going!). Is the Field Museum worth is to someone who lives in NY and has been to the Museum of Natural History many times? What about going up the Sears Tower? (My DH is afraid of heights, but I love a good city view!)

One last thing...I noticed Milwaukee, WI and Indiana aren't far drives... Was thinking about going to a Brewer's game. Is it worth the drive? Is it a nice stadium? And if we were to venture into IN, I think we'd probably wind up in Gary, which seems to be near the border. Anything worth doing there? Worth the drive? (Except so I can say I've been to Indiana?) I'm assuming it costs a LOT to park a car in Chicago, so we'd probably do a rental for only like 2 days.

Sorry for all the questions... I appreciate any help anyone can offer! I'm a bit overwhelmed!

Check out the Ambassador East. Its a smaller boutique type hotel and often offers discounts. Its a bit older but has charactor. Its also a little further north but close to the red line. This would be a good location to visit both Wrigley and US Cellular. Its also close to a lot of nice restaurants.

Miller PArk is awesome. I go at least once each year. However, with so much to do in Chicago it might make sense to leave that for another trip.

One note to consider. The Cubs and Sox rarely play at home at the same time so it might be tough to schedule both in one trip.

 

[bear_mom]

We take frequent trips to Chicago, although lately this has revolved around going to the American Girl store with our dds. We have stayed at the Four Points Sheraton and Courtyard by Marriott, both are which close to the Miracle Mile. Both were nice places to stay and were around $120/night (I know that you said you didn't want chain hotels though).

My biggest suggestion is this: get a visitors pass for using the buses and El. If you go to the Chicago Transit Authority website you can order them or they can be bought at lots of places there. The are like $5/24 hours, $9/36 hours..... You get unlimited bus/EL usage with them. It is pretty easy to learn how to get around on them and driving in downtown is busy and parking can get $$$$$.

I like the Field Museum, but have never been to MNH, so I can't compare. The Art Museum is great. Dh and I enjoy just walking around and seeing things. We found a museum of the history of medicine the last time we went without kids, it was inexpensive to see, was very quiet and pretty interesting.

We are going for a quick one night trip in a few weeks to see Wicked (thanks mom for the tickets!) and I can't wait.

Emily