Summer trip to Chicago

[Momma2Mia]

Hey guys. You all helped me so much with tips for our spring break trip to Pigeon Forge, I was hoping I might ask for some more assistance!

This summer my children will be performing on Navy Pier with their dance group. We plan on going up for at least 3 days. Would like to stay somewhere that we can walk around to do most things. Anyone have any special hotel recommendations or tips?

Thanks!
Kristie

 

[tazdeb]

Navy pier is at the end of Ohio street at the lake. About 5 blocks west is Michigan ave. Stay in that area. There are many nice hotels, most chains including a very nice Embassy suites. There is alot to do from that location that is just a short walk ....including millenium park, art institute, oak street beach etc....Just be prepared to walk or take public transportation as parking downtown will cost over $50 a day with no in or out privledges.......Have fun.

 

[Lucille1963]

When family comes to stay, they usually use hotwire. They have scored fantastic deals on downtown hotels. When using their site, limit your search to The Magnificent Mile, The Loop and North Michigan Avenue. You should be able to walk to almost everything from there.

 

[Took]

Yes, ITA. Don't bring (or rent) a car if you can help it. Just walk and use the CTA (the "El" train) and buses. Here's a link to buy passes ahead of time or you can just buy them at the kiosks at any station:
http://faremedia.chicago-card.com/store/main.aspx?DepartmentId=34

Be aware that even with a CTA pass, you may still walk a bit unless you also utilize the buses. We usually just bring really comfortable walking shoes (and lots of socks and a few blister band-aids). Chicago is a big city, even if you stick to downtown.

Since you're going to be in the Navy Pier area, you'll have lots of hotel choices. If you feel like splurging, stay at the lovely Palmer House Hotel (owned now by Hilton). Opt for the Executive Level if it's in your budget as it's just lovely. Downer: only king rooms or rooms with two double beds -- no double queen bed rooms.

Consider NOT going to a museum on a "free day" (you can find out when these are on the various museums' websites). WAY too crowded. Unless it's important to watch your pennies, you'll enjoy the Field more if you don't go when it's free. As with Disney, try to be at the museum at opening time in the summer. You'll have a bit of a breather for the first hour or two. However, the Field Museum is "busy" to "very busy" during the summer although it's well worth a visit. Be aware, of course, that it IS a museum, so it will appeal to the intellectually curious. If your kids prefer "thrills" more (nothing wrong with that--just different), then they might be a little bored with too much museum time.

Do go to the Michigan Avenue stores. We love to walk and window shop in the summer, particularly if it's not a really hot day. Navy Pier is pretty fun (the ferris wheel is neat) even if it's fairly hot since, by the lake, there is generally always a breeze. Do some walking along the bike/walking paths in the various parks and along the lake. Really nice for a picnic!

For really awesome deep (really deep) dish pizza, you might try Giordano's (there's one about a block off of Michigan Avenue, a couple of blocks north of the Art Instititute and another on W. Jackson near Union Station). Be prepared to WAIT if you show up on a weekend night near dinner time. Of course, there are many other good restaurants in Chicago, but Giordano's has always been a big hit with folks I've taken there.

Have fun!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

We stayed at Four Points last year and were very happy with it. Right off Michigan Ave (by the Water Tower- we walked to Navy Pier {a bit of a hike, but totally doable with my then 9 year old}). They have packages available- we got free breakfast (in form of gift card for the bakery/cafe next door) and free parking plus an "American Girl" bed (which you may/may not want, lol).
There is a Trader Joes in the same building + we had a microwave and fridge. We totally could have done some quick meals there if we were in town longer.

If you happen to (or want to consider) have a membership at your own local science museum, ours was reciprocally good at Children Museum (and several of the other biggies in town). The Children's Museum is right at Navy Pier.

 

[Lucille1963]

If you happen to (or want to consider) have a membership at your own local science museum, ours was reciprocally good at Children Museum (and several of the other biggies in town). The Children's Museum is right at Navy Pier.

This is a fabulous idea! It will cost you $48 for the 4 of you to get into the Children's Museum, but you can have a membership for a family of 4 for $90. (p.s. we are members of this museum, we'll be there later today!) Definitely check into the museum in your area.

I totally agree with the poster above so suggested AVOIDING free days. They aren't worth it. They get so crowded you can't see anything. Same goes for the free trolley. I see people wait and wait to not be able to get onto the bus because it is too crowded. Also for quick trips (like at the end of the day) consider a cab, with the price of a fare for 4 of you, it might only be a couple more bucks than a bus.

If you decide to go to the Museum of Science and Industry, take the bus. There is an express from Michigan Avenue.

In addition to El stations, there is a CTA card machine at Navy Pier.

 

[adventure_woman]

I always book our Chicago hotels on deals I find on travelzoo. Lots of times, I find one that includes free parking (we have to drive in).

 

[Jana49]

We like to stay at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown, on Hubbard. It's right off the Magnificent Mile, and very close to the Loop area.

Giordano's is one of our favorite places to ea!t They deliver, too, and it's nice to eat poolside at the hotel, after a day out.

 

[cdrn1]

If you are anywhere near 4th of July, it's phenomenol! We spent last year's with DD in her apt on the 36th floor and there were fireworks ALL NIGHT. We could see the city and the burbs and it was soooo cool. Even at 4 a.m. we could see sky rockets in the distance.

 

[Lucille1963]

If I were doing such a short trip, I wouldn't want to stay in the 'burbs, even for free parking. Traffic can be terrible! Rush "hour" starts early and ends late. Throw in a random accident and things get really crazy. Just last weekend I was working an antiques show near downtown, another vendor had booked their hotel room in the burbs (Arlington Heights) which is usually a 40 minute drive. For whatever reason, the traffic that afternoon was so amazingly messed up the radio was reporting nearly 3 hour drive times! A whole bunch of no-fun!!

Besides travel times from the burb's (even at the hotels by the airport) consider that you'll have to pay to park. Navy piers parking ranges from $20-$24 depending on the day of the week. Field Museum is about $19.

As the previous poster, Took, stated the Palmer House is quite nice. My sister in laws and MIL have stayed there a couple of times using Hotwire and have paid under $100/night. A deal for such a historic, beautiful hotel in a desirable area!

 

[adventure_woman]

I always book our Chicago hotels on deals I find on travelzoo. Lots of times, I find one that includes free parking (we have to drive in).

I just realized how this sounds ... we drive from MI, then stay downtown and park our car. Once we park our car, we don't move it...we'd take a taxi if needed. Definitely stay w/in walking distance of everything.

 

[meway]

Hey guys. You all helped me so much with tips for our spring break trip to Pigeon Forge, I was hoping I might ask for some more assistance!

This summer my children will be performing on Navy Pier with their dance group. We plan on going up for at least 3 days. Would like to stay somewhere that we can walk around to do most things. Anyone have any special hotel recommendations or tips?

Thanks!
Kristie

I agree! I don't even THINK about planning a trip without checking out these boards. lol

Momma2Mia, you and I think alike! We did Pigeon Forge last summer and will visit Chicago this summer.

Do any of you recommend City Pass? Seems like a good deal, but I think we'd have to do multiple things in a day's time.

On another board, several people recommended taking an architectural boat tour. Any thoughts on this?

I am thinking about planning our trip on the 4th of July just to experience the holiday in a big city. Would this be a mistake crowd-wise?

These are great tips. Thanks!

 

[SaraJayne]

For us, City Pass is only worth it if you're staying four + full days. Otherwise, it's much too rushed to try and fit everything in.

 

[Mrs D]

You might check availability on these two rates.

Carlson Friends & Family.

Hilton MVP.

Credit goes to FlyerTalk.com for the codes.

 

[lpandorf]

We just got back from DD's cheer competition at Navy Pier. Her team stayed at the Allerton. It was on Michigan Avenue and a couple blocks to the AGD store/Water Tower. Also very close to the Lego Store which was important to my son. There was a deep dish pizza place down the block. The hotel manager gave us a card to bypass the long line and we were seated within 15 minutes while others were waiting 1 hour. The rooms were small, however, I think this is common at big city hotels like Chicago and New York. I booked through travel zoo and got an even cheaper rate than our team's group rate. I paid $109/night plus tax. Parking is not cheap! $50/night. I hated the hassle of having to ask for my car when I wanted to put some luggage back in the car ahead of time. I think it would have been a bit of a hike to Navy Pier - we drove there after checking out as her competition was the last day we were there. Have fun!