Krystyna

HI

We will be travelling with our 2 kids for a stay of 4-5 days in Chicago. They are 11 and 14. We are looking at the Trump and the Four Seasons. Can anyone provide any insight on either of these. Thanks.

ChgoGal

Haven't stayed in either, but for location, the Four Seasons would be a nicer location for the kids. North Michigan Avenue has more on offer for the kids (Water Tower mall, American Girl Place, lego store, the lower level of John Hancock with the fountain near L'Appetito deli and the Cheesecake Factory). Also, you're an easy walk to the Oak Street Beach underpass, which the children would like. Even if you can't spend much time on the beach, would be a nice 15-20 minute look-see to see Lake Michigan.

I walk by the Trump nearly every day. The people going in and out just look smarmy, and while you're on the river, there's something cold and unpleasant about the entry and the lobby and position of the hotel. The blocks surrounding the hotel are just a little gritty, until you get to comfortable, pleasant sidewalks.

But really, I'm sure either is fine.

HappyTrvlr

Four Seasons, no contest.

Krystyna

Thanks very much for your input. It sounds like we will be staying at the Four Seasons.

ChgoGal

Hope you and the family have a great time. L'Appetito is a great, little Italian deli for a casual lunch (pizza slices, pasta, Italian subs, pasta salads, gelato, huge cookie selection), and there's outdoor seating at the base of John Hancock if the weather's nice.
http://www.lappetito.com/

Also, since I just realized that your children are a little older, they might like the gourmet donuts at Glazed and Infused, which has a small location at the nearby Raffaelo Hotel, east on Michigan Ave.
http://www.goglazed.com/

Hope you have a great time!

Suki

"The blocks surrounding the hotel are just a little gritty,"

Really? I just got back from a weekend at The Langham which is just across the street from Trump and I didn't find anything gritty about it at all. I liked the more central location right next to the river and the views are really nice too.

ChgoGal

The Langham in the IBM building has a nicer entry & court than the Trump, IMO.

And yes, you're right, looking south, right in the IBM court or from the Trump's river-side walkway (facing south), you have the river and river walk, and lovely views - which is not gritty.

But moving north, east and west, you have dull, dirty views and, in areas, encounter narrow, buckling sidewalks, until you get to Michigan Ave. (east) or Grand (north) or Lasalle/Clark (west). I just find that block completely cheerless (with that abandoned health club sporting the security bars all over it and the parking garage over that tired dunkin donuts) each and every time I walk by. You know how it is in a city, some blocks have a good vibe and others don't. I'm sure the rooms at the Trump are very comfortable, but the Four Seasons would be a better choice for family-tourists, and is arguably just as "central" depending on what the travelers' needs and interests are.