GeriD

Hi,
I just got a good deal on the Chicago Hilton located by "The Loop-Grant Park" through Priceline. It was almost too good a deal. Now I'm wondering if this is an out-of-the way area or not easily accessible to mass transit. I just found out that the hotel doesn't have a shuttle service. They said I could take a cab for about $30. Do you think I'll need to rent a car in order to get around? I wanted to visit the piers and Magnificent Mile and take a day trip to Oak Park.
Thanks for your help,
Geri

patg

From the airport, take the blue line train (costs $1.50) to Jackson Street. From there you can take a cab or walk the 5-6 short blocks to the Hilton. Go east (follow the traffic)to Michigan Avenue and turn right.

The Chicago Hilton doesn't have an airport shuttle, but it does have a local shuttle you can take for shopping on the Mag Mile. There is also a free tourist trolley (www.choosechicago.com/TROLLEY_FRAME.HTM) that goes to the museums and Navy Pier. Renting a car is only for masochists - it's $30 a day to park in the hotel, and you'll pay $10 an hour to park in the North Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier areas.

Oak Park can also be easily reached by train or el. See transitchicago.com for maps.

Shopgirl

When are you going? This hotel is located in the south portion of the loop. Not a lot of nightlife, but not far from it. Transportation is not a problem - do not rent a car - unless you're going to the 'Burbs. You'll spend a small fortune in parking. You're not far from the El (runs down State Street), can walk down the Mag Mile if you like walking (or take the El to Chicago Ave, or any State St/Michigan Ave buses). $30 will get you from the airport to downtown, or you can take the el.

If you are going in the summer, you should check out the City of Chicago website for Special Events/festivals. Usually a bunch of stuff right at Grant Park. You can also check out www.transitchicago.com for information on the El/Buses.

Hope you have a great trip!!

GeriD

Thanks so much for your responses. I definitely won't be renting a car. Sounds like you saved me a lot of money and aggravation. I'll be going in the middle of May - only for a few days - a quick getaway.

alex

Although Oak Park is very easy to see on your own, if you want to take a tour, I recommend the Chicago Architecture Foundation's (architecture.org) tour. When my sister and her boyfriend (both big FLW fans) came to visit, I took them and they loved it.

patg

Just to clarify the situation, two groups give guided tours of FLW's Oak park buildings. The Chicago Architecture Foundation tours are usually on Sundays. The FLW Preservation Trust (www.wrightplus.org) has daily tours of either the home/studio or neighborhood. You can also buy combo tickets.