Questions about trip to American Girl in Chicago

[ski_mom]

I tried searching, but didn't come up with anything, so I had to start a new thread - Anyway, we are planning a trip up to Chicago - it will be my sister, her DD3, my mom, my sister's SIL and her DD3, her sister, DD4, her mom, and my DD9, DD10 and me!

We are taking a train into Chicago on December 27th, staying overnight two nights and then coming home the evening of the 29th. I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation on hotels. I know they really won't be "budget" because we want them to be close to the American Girl store, which if I understand correctly, is within walking distance to Navy Pier?? Someone that my sister works with recommended the Intercontinental and I looked it up, but it got pretty iffy reviews on the pool, which will probably be important to my girls since we may get to swim more while the younger girls nap and probably go to bed earlier. She recommended it because she said it is within walking distance of American Girl, the Navy Pier and a very good children's museum. I figured there had to be others too and I'd love to check them out before booking something.

Anyway, if anyone has any recommendations or stories of their trips, I'd love to hear them!

 

[Traveliz]

I stayed at the Residence Inn near Water Tower (which is near American Girl) one year and they had a very nice indoor pool as well as breakfast etc.

Also any of the Marriotts would be good choices although not as close by.

I wouldn't really consider Navy Pier to be walking distance from AG in December but the trolley stops right by AG and it will take you there.

Chicago is a great city in December!

Liz

 

[ballle_98]

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriot. It is about 2 blocks from the Magnificent Mile. Then you walk about 3-4 blocks to The American Girl Place. It wasn't too far. They also have a "Magnificent Girl" Package…
http://www.courtyardchicago.com/packages.cfm
They will put a doll bed in the room, too.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

It is usually VERY windy in downtown Chicago--and chances are in December it will be VERY cold. We never bring enough layers, gloves, hats, scarves... We always pay more to stay close-in to our attractions in the winter months. Unless you luck out with weather, I'd suggest paying more to stay close.

Park Hyatt and Peninsula are VERY (less than 1 block) close to AG but quite expensive, unless you'll be sharing a room.

Wyndham is (maybe 2-3 blocks) close and usually a budget choice for downtown. They also have a AG pkg deal.

Radisson is a budget choice that is pretty close as well. Maybe 2-3 blocks.

Conrad is very nice, but a couple blocks away, maybe 3-4 blocks.

Homewood Suites rooms are large and is nice but 5 blocks or so away.

 

[mom2grace]

The store is usually PACKED.......I would be there at "rope drop" or just before closing.

Since you have such a range in ages, I would have a meeting time and place in the store for when everyone is finished, maybe an hour the first time? It's a couple of floors.

I have not done the restaurant or the show, so can't help there!

I 2nd the way too cold/windy to walk to anywhere, much less Navy Pier! The lakeshore feels MUCH colder than the suburbs due to the wind coming off of the icy lake.

 

[maggiew]

Its not easily walkable from American Girl Store to Navy Pier with kids, even on a nice summers day. But it is a very short cab ride. Or the kids might like to ride the bus! I don't think the trolley runs in December? I think its only Memorial Day to Labor Day.

There is a Rainforest Cafe nearby (probably cab ride) or the Cheesecake factory which is walkable and in the basement of the Hancock Building. I like to eat at Giorodanos Pizza which is just around the corner from American Girl. American Girl Store has a cafe, but we have found the food to not be good and we don't eat there anymore. Although if this is your first (and only??) time there, its definitely worth it for the experience. Make reservations early.

It will be busy there. Everyone will want to spend some of their Christmas money!!

And if you think mom2grace is kidding about "rope drop", she is not. I stood in the queue to GET INTO THE store longer than I have stood in many Disney lines!!!!!

Maggie

 

[asmit4]

Someone stated above that it would take an hour to shop there- and while I do agree that 1 solid hour would do it, I do think that if you are going to take your kids there, you should look into the famous lunches, show and tea party pkgs they have to really "experience" the day. It doesn't come cheap but just like DW, the memories last a lifetime

Also, while not required, most girls bring their doll with them if they have one and most girls dress up- I'm talking Christmas style dresses for the event. (In the summer girls wear spring/Easter type outfits (ya know- pattenleather white shoes with little white socks and frilly dresses). I've seen a fair share in more basic dresses too, but it's rare that a mom and daughter go to the store for an "event" and are wearing jeans and t-shirts. It's a very "girly" place.

I know this b/c I went to Loyola University Chicago and worked for Northwestern Univ. upon graduation- I passed the American Girl store EVERY day for about 6 years It's truly a wonderful experience to share with your girls! So much fun- especially around the holidays!

 

[momx2]

We went last summer and stayed at Homewood Suites. It was less than 10 minute walk. Probably 2 blocks down, turn and 2 blocks over, very easy walk. It has a good, hot breakfast, a great indoor pool with a beautiful view. The original Unos is right behind it and P.F. Changs is across the street. There is a L stop a block away also. We loved it there and would stay there again if we go back.
Navy Pier is not within walking distance in my opinion. We took the bus there and the trolly back.

 

[ski_mom]

Thanks for all the replies so far - we are planning on doing the lunch on the 28th. Do you think we should still get there for the rope drop? Or since we'll have reservations to eat just shop before/after that? Also, thanks for mentioning about dressing up, I really wouldn't have thought about that I don't think.

I"m looking into the different hotels that have been posted. Since it's only a couple of nights it won't be too bad and we'll probably just be getting 3 rooms and then share among us!

 

[imsayin]

Intercontinental and I looked it up, but it got pretty iffy reviews on the pool,

You probably won't find a spectacular pool in a hotel downtown Chicago. We have stayed at the Embassy Suites, Marriott Courtyard, and a few others. Most of the pools are the same - standard, small indoor pool. No bells & whistles. My kids always go swimming for an hour or two and have anyway.

 

[ceecee]

The Hyatt is really nice and close. We did Priceline and got a Radison for a pretty reasonable rate but then we went to January. We spent 4 or 5 hours at the AG place. We had luch and I thought the food was pretty good.
Navy Pier is not walking distance especially with a 3 year old. It was VERY cold there and we didn't walk any more than we had to.

 

[maggiew]

Many girls dress up to go to American Girl store, but not all do. When we visit, we just wear regular clothes. But then we live close and its not a once in a lifetime trip. So, I don't want you to feel like you HAVE to dress up. Lots of girls also wear AG clothes that match their doll.

If they have a doll, bring her. Especially if doing the lunch in the cafe because they have special chairs and cups/saucers for the dolls.

Maggie

 

[ahilly]

As PP's all state to walk from AG to Navy Pier is a looonnnggg walk. DH and I did it while I was 4 months pregnant, during the summer of 04. It was very early in the day when we left the hotel for NP and we walked back up the lake becuz it was during the weekend of the air show. I would not recommend it to those traveling w/little ones or to try it in Dec like others have stated the weather can be iffy. We were in Chicago the same time last year and it was very mild for being december.
I would definately check out the Children's Museum
http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.html
my kids had a blast there last year and it looks like curious George is going to be there this year. Have a great trip.

 

[PiRSquared]

We went when DD was 10 (she's almost 17 now). Can't remember where we stayed, but we walked everywhere--but it was July. We were there at rope drop and did everything. We were there ALL day except lunch at cheesecake factory. We ate dinner there, we did pictures, we did the play, we had the dolls hair done, the girls bought clothes, the dolls got clothes, beds, etc. It was something I'll never forget. Don't rush anyone--it's probably their only time there. I am so glad we did it all. We ate at the Rainforest the night before.

 

[daughtersrus]

I just wanted to add, while you're in the city, you must try Garrett's Popcorn. They have several stores in the city. The one on Michigan Ave is probably the busiest. They do not allow cameras or cell phones to be used in the store. They are very strict about this and I've seen them escort people from the store that insisted on talking on the phone.

Here's a link. http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/about/

 

[imsayin]

I just wanted to add, while you're in the city, you must try Garrett's Popcorn

Yum. I love the caramel & cheese mixed together.

 

[DisneyDaisy]

We stayed at the Wyndham because they had an American Girl package. My dd got a cute little Wyndham robe for her AG doll. It was within walking distance of AG place,but we took a cab to make sure we were there at "rope drop". We spent most of the day there, had breakfast, did the theater & magazine photo session, etc... and of course, shopping! They have a trolley that makes lots of stops to places also. We went to Navy Pier, the children's museum & Build-a-Bear, and also to Shedd Aquarium. It was a fun trip, but even in Oct. it was VERY windy there. (We also took a train there, that was a fun experience, too)

Have fun!

 

[Disneylush]

The trolley ran that time of the year when we were there but it took FOREVER between the Mile and NP. I would just like to add do not skip the Disney store! They have things you can only get at that Disney store.

I would also like to add that the hotels will be very full because the Christmas mart is going on...http://www.christkindlmarket.com/ .. you might want to check it out.

 

[sk8jdgca]

The chicago transit system is great! So you can pretty much stay anywhere. You can get good deals on Hotwire but you won't know where you are going until you pay. My kids who were 3 and 7 loved, loved the field museum. We spent a whole day between the disney store and AG. The lunch or tea is quite nice!

 

[kctwinmommy]

Have you tried checking for any hotels that offer an AG package? I swore I've seen them before... I'll see if I can find that again!

ETA: OK, here are some hotels I found that offer packages with AG...

http://www.wyndham.com/specialoffers/special_offers/details/2americangirl.wnt

http://www.fourpointschicago.com/american_girl_package.asp

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/specials/mesoffer.mi?marrOfferId=134756&marshaCode=CHIDT

http://www.fairfieldsuiteschicago.com/girls.html

http://chicago.peninsula.com/pch/packages.html

http://www.icchicagohotel.com/special_offers/special_offers.cfm

http://amalfihotelchicago.com/american-girl-place.cfm

Maybe some of these will help!