Trip report-Tremont Hotel, Ditka's, Gibson's, Architectural Tour and John Hancock Building +using the El and taxis
Aug 4th, 2003, 09:19 AM
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Trip report-Tremont Hotel, Ditka's, Gibson's, Architectural Tour and John Hancock Building +using the El and taxis
Arrived on Tuesday am at Ohare on American Airlines. Walked a good distance to get to the El Station. The CTA had several very helpful people at the El stop to help with directions, using the ticket machines, etc. Even one of the janitorial staff helped us with our train!
I had previously contacted the CTA website (http://www.transitchicago.com/) for directions. The directions given by the CTA staff at Ohare was much more efficient. The fare for two from Ohare to the Magnificent Mile was $3.00 total. We transferred to the Red Line and got off about 2 1/2 blocks from our hotel on E. Chestnut. Very slick.
We chose the Tremont from a list of three hotels provided by the mortgage company when we recently refinanced. The three nights at these hotels would be free to us. The other choices were The Raphael (a Sister to the Tremont) and the Hyatt Regency. We prefer a smaller boutique hotel to the standard cookie cutter types.
After doing our research here and on the internet, we chose the Tremont. Location, location, location!! The John Hancock Building is just around the corner. Rush Street is 1/2 block away, etc.
Since the room was free, we upgraded to a Jr. Suite. Very nice. The living room had a complete separate bathroom +couch, two chairs, large tv and refrigerator. The bedroom also had a large tv and refrigerator. Both rooms had writing desks.
Frankly, the rooms were a little tired, but the bed was great. If you were to get a price under $100.00/night for a room here, I think it would be a good value.
I had previously contacted the CTA website (http://www.transitchicago.com/) for directions. The directions given by the CTA staff at Ohare was much more efficient. The fare for two from Ohare to the Magnificent Mile was $3.00 total. We transferred to the Red Line and got off about 2 1/2 blocks from our hotel on E. Chestnut. Very slick.
We chose the Tremont from a list of three hotels provided by the mortgage company when we recently refinanced. The three nights at these hotels would be free to us. The other choices were The Raphael (a Sister to the Tremont) and the Hyatt Regency. We prefer a smaller boutique hotel to the standard cookie cutter types.
After doing our research here and on the internet, we chose the Tremont. Location, location, location!! The John Hancock Building is just around the corner. Rush Street is 1/2 block away, etc.
Since the room was free, we upgraded to a Jr. Suite. Very nice. The living room had a complete separate bathroom +couch, two chairs, large tv and refrigerator. The bedroom also had a large tv and refrigerator. Both rooms had writing desks.
Frankly, the rooms were a little tired, but the bed was great. If you were to get a price under $100.00/night for a room here, I think it would be a good value.
Aug 4th, 2003, 09:46 AM
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I screwed up by not putting Chicago in the Header. I tried to go back and fix it, but the header apparently cannot be edited or corrected. I hope there is enough information in the header so you knew it was Chicago.
Eating: The first night we at Iron Mike Ditka's which is adjacent to the Tremont. My wife had the Pork Chop which she liked very much. I had the Fridge Burger which was OK. Ditka's is a very busy restaurant and bar.
The second night we walked around the corner and up a couple of blocks to Gibson's. I had made reservations about two weeks prior. Good idea. The place was packed! We had no wait to be seated. We both had the Porterhouse ($33.00 each). EXCELLENT!! Worth every penney. You must have reservations!
The final night we ate leftovers in our room. We had been to the Giants/Cubs game at Wrigley and eaten good hot dogs, etc., so we weren' very hungry.
Sightseeing: On Tuesday, after settling in to the hotel, we walked around the corner to the Hancock Building. The Architectural Society has a retail shop on the lower level where we purchased our river cruise tickets for the first tour on Wednesday.
After that we found the elevators to the restaurant and bar on the 95th/96th floor. SPECTACULAR is the only way to describe it. What a view! We had drinks and went back down. One thing I found interesting, the elevator is a direct elevator. No stops or switching to another elevator. The Hancock apparently is the third tallest building in Chicago.
On Wednesday, we took a cab from the hotel to the boat dock. They recommend purchasing your tickets in advance and it's a good idea. The 10:00 am cruise was full. The boat has a full service bar if you get thirsty.
The Docent from the Architectural Society was super. A very informative and interesting tour. Well worth the price of $23.00/ticket. I highly recommend this tour. It is 90 minutes long and you see so much. I never realized Chicago had so many bridges.
Eating: The first night we at Iron Mike Ditka's which is adjacent to the Tremont. My wife had the Pork Chop which she liked very much. I had the Fridge Burger which was OK. Ditka's is a very busy restaurant and bar.
The second night we walked around the corner and up a couple of blocks to Gibson's. I had made reservations about two weeks prior. Good idea. The place was packed! We had no wait to be seated. We both had the Porterhouse ($33.00 each). EXCELLENT!! Worth every penney. You must have reservations!
The final night we ate leftovers in our room. We had been to the Giants/Cubs game at Wrigley and eaten good hot dogs, etc., so we weren' very hungry.
Sightseeing: On Tuesday, after settling in to the hotel, we walked around the corner to the Hancock Building. The Architectural Society has a retail shop on the lower level where we purchased our river cruise tickets for the first tour on Wednesday.
After that we found the elevators to the restaurant and bar on the 95th/96th floor. SPECTACULAR is the only way to describe it. What a view! We had drinks and went back down. One thing I found interesting, the elevator is a direct elevator. No stops or switching to another elevator. The Hancock apparently is the third tallest building in Chicago.
On Wednesday, we took a cab from the hotel to the boat dock. They recommend purchasing your tickets in advance and it's a good idea. The 10:00 am cruise was full. The boat has a full service bar if you get thirsty.
The Docent from the Architectural Society was super. A very informative and interesting tour. Well worth the price of $23.00/ticket. I highly recommend this tour. It is 90 minutes long and you see so much. I never realized Chicago had so many bridges.
Aug 4th, 2003, 10:06 AM
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Miscellaneous thoughts: On Friday morning we took the El back to Ohare. The way to go if you don't have a lot of luggage. Some stops you have to climb up or down stairs, so if you don't know how to pack efficiently, you might be in trouble.
Our transportation costs in Chicago totaled $15.00 for three cabs, $12.00 for the El including our roundtrip to Wrigley and from and to Ohare. A cab from Ohare to our hotel would have cost around $40.00 alone!!!!!! Plus the El is fun and so much a part of Chicago.
On Wednesday afternoon, we were in the bar at Ditka's. The bartender was very nice and very helpful. He asked if we had seen Mike Ditka. We said no. He suggested that on Thursday, we come to the upstairs bar after 5:00pm and he would be on duty. Apparently Ditka comes in four or five times a week. The bartender suggested we bring our camera.
After the game Thursday, up we go. After a while, the bartender points out that Mrs. Ditka had arrived. Soon after, here comes Mike. Pretty soon my wife goes over to him and says "Mike, I bought one of your very expensive Ditka shirts for my husband. Will you come over and take a picture with us?" Here he comes....I'm laughing..He is a HUGE guy and my wife is 4'11" on a tall day. What a contrast. They come over and Mike shakes my hand. We then have somebody use our camera and take a picture.
Later, as we were leaving, I went by him and kiddingly said I would send him a copy of the picture. He said "Please do. I would like that." Very nice guy and very personable.
Chicago is a great city. We always enjoy our trips there. It's a beautiful city as well.
Our transportation costs in Chicago totaled $15.00 for three cabs, $12.00 for the El including our roundtrip to Wrigley and from and to Ohare. A cab from Ohare to our hotel would have cost around $40.00 alone!!!!!! Plus the El is fun and so much a part of Chicago.
On Wednesday afternoon, we were in the bar at Ditka's. The bartender was very nice and very helpful. He asked if we had seen Mike Ditka. We said no. He suggested that on Thursday, we come to the upstairs bar after 5:00pm and he would be on duty. Apparently Ditka comes in four or five times a week. The bartender suggested we bring our camera.
After the game Thursday, up we go. After a while, the bartender points out that Mrs. Ditka had arrived. Soon after, here comes Mike. Pretty soon my wife goes over to him and says "Mike, I bought one of your very expensive Ditka shirts for my husband. Will you come over and take a picture with us?" Here he comes....I'm laughing..He is a HUGE guy and my wife is 4'11" on a tall day. What a contrast. They come over and Mike shakes my hand. We then have somebody use our camera and take a picture.
Later, as we were leaving, I went by him and kiddingly said I would send him a copy of the picture. He said "Please do. I would like that." Very nice guy and very personable.
Chicago is a great city. We always enjoy our trips there. It's a beautiful city as well.
Aug 4th, 2003, 06:30 PM
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Thanks for the detailed trip report! I'm going to be in Chicago for the first time in late October for a business trip. I'm heading back a few days early so I can enjoy the city. It's nice to see that the El is a good method of getting to my hotel from O'Hare. Fortunately I'll be there just in time, since the boat tour will be closing down for the winter just after my visit.
Aug 4th, 2003, 06:59 PM
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Isn't the 96th Lounge GREAT?!
Every time I'm enjoying the magnificent view with a cocktail in my hand, I think about the 'suckers' upstairs paying $10 just for the view. They are only a floor or 2 above.
Anyway, glad to hear you had a great time. Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world.
It's good to hear that Gibsons is still making steak lovers happy. Did they do the presentation with different cuts? and is the potato still abnormaly HUGE?
I will be back soon to catch at least one Bears game at the new stadium this season, so I'll make sure Gibsons is part of the itinerary.
Every time I'm enjoying the magnificent view with a cocktail in my hand, I think about the 'suckers' upstairs paying $10 just for the view. They are only a floor or 2 above.
Anyway, glad to hear you had a great time. Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world.
It's good to hear that Gibsons is still making steak lovers happy. Did they do the presentation with different cuts? and is the potato still abnormaly HUGE?
I will be back soon to catch at least one Bears game at the new stadium this season, so I'll make sure Gibsons is part of the itinerary.
Aug 4th, 2003, 07:30 PM
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I used to do the El from the Airport. Never again. Pulling luggage up and down over turnstiles, FORGET IT. Walk out of baggage claim, through the door, into a waiting van into the downtown area, tell them your hotel!
It's a 9 passenger van, $20? SOOOO worth it. They take you to the door of your hotel. No dragging luggage up and down, you won't be sorry! Then on your return, call the company in advance, and schedule a return pick-up to the airport. Pick up, drop off in front of your airline area. So easy.
Cleaner, air-conditioning, no stops all over on the way. I will never ride the El again from the airport.
Review: Walk out of Baggage Claim, find the vans in front, buy a ticket, get in, relax, get off at your hotel.
Sweet. $20. (+tip) Worth every buck.
It's a 9 passenger van, $20? SOOOO worth it. They take you to the door of your hotel. No dragging luggage up and down, you won't be sorry! Then on your return, call the company in advance, and schedule a return pick-up to the airport. Pick up, drop off in front of your airline area. So easy.
Cleaner, air-conditioning, no stops all over on the way. I will never ride the El again from the airport.
Review: Walk out of Baggage Claim, find the vans in front, buy a ticket, get in, relax, get off at your hotel.
Sweet. $20. (+tip) Worth every buck.
Aug 5th, 2003, 06:49 AM
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AAFrequentFlyer,
Yes, they still do a presentation of the various cuts of steak. They also show a lobster.
We didn't order the baked potatoe and I don't remember seeing one. We had a side of sauteed mushrooms that were killer.
Love Chicago.
Beachkomer,
To each their own.
Curious
Yes, they still do a presentation of the various cuts of steak. They also show a lobster.
We didn't order the baked potatoe and I don't remember seeing one. We had a side of sauteed mushrooms that were killer.
Love Chicago.
Beachkomer,
To each their own.
Curious
Aug 5th, 2003, 07:16 AM
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I'm a big fan of shuttle vans in some cities. When there is no mass transit alternative, and I'm travelin' light, I go for it.
Chicago is a unique case. I almost always get there on a weekday afternoon. When I've done the shuttle thing, I've frittered away the afternoon sitting in my shuttle. Stuck in traffic. With 10-12 other people, all getting more and more pissed off as we sit. Stuck in traffic.
Then I discovered the Blue Line (the "El") into downtown. OK, it's a bit of a jaunt over to the station (I usually fly American). And horrors! I have to lift my bag(s) over a turnstile. Hey, if you want the conveniences of a really big city, you take the sour with the sweet. And how sweet it is to just get a train into town and avoid all that traffic mess. A cheap cab ride, and I'm in my hotel room, a full hour before when I would have arrived on a shuttle van. THAT'S convenience.
Chicago is a unique case. I almost always get there on a weekday afternoon. When I've done the shuttle thing, I've frittered away the afternoon sitting in my shuttle. Stuck in traffic. With 10-12 other people, all getting more and more pissed off as we sit. Stuck in traffic.
Then I discovered the Blue Line (the "El") into downtown. OK, it's a bit of a jaunt over to the station (I usually fly American). And horrors! I have to lift my bag(s) over a turnstile. Hey, if you want the conveniences of a really big city, you take the sour with the sweet. And how sweet it is to just get a train into town and avoid all that traffic mess. A cheap cab ride, and I'm in my hotel room, a full hour before when I would have arrived on a shuttle van. THAT'S convenience.
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