sarge56

I cannot believe I'm asking this, as Chicago is my hometown. But I haven't been to downtown Chicago in about 30 years.

I am taking my adult daughter and three granddaughters on this trip. Possibilities on the table are Navy Pier, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and probably the planetarium, too. And probably some place to look out over the city. (Is that place still the John Hancock tower?) Girls are 12/12/10. (While they are smart and gifted in math/science, they also like girly girl stuff, especially American Girl dolls. So, if there are any shopping suggestions around this.. please let me know.)

We will be arriving midday to early afternoon on a Wednesday. And checking out on a Saturday morning, picking up a car to head out to the 'burbs for a wedding.

Looking for someplace off Michigan, I'm guessing. This is where I need the most help. I think I prefer a hotel since this is only for 3 nights. But if you really know of a great condo/apartment close to that area, I'd consider it. We don't need a lot of amenities. I'm trying to reign in the budget on this one, so I don't need a pool or restaurant or even room service. Just enough space for 5 people. Ideally, a suite with 2 rooms would be best, but I'll consider anything with room. Must have A/C. Would it be better to actually stay close to the area of Navy Pier, or would it be better to stay closer to Millenium Park?

Also interested in suggestions on where to eat for picky kids and where best to pick up a car on Saturday morning. Oh, and info on best way to travel from O'Hare or Midway to hotel. Since there will be five of us, with at least five carry-on bags, I'm thinking train. But if cost of car service is not prohibitive, I'll take those suggestions, too, please!

Any/all input, info, suggestions more than welcome~ This will be at end of June 2016.

Thanks, all!~

Citylghts

There is a greater concentration of hotels north of the river than in The Loop. There are 2 Homewood Suites, 2 Residence Inns, Spring Hill Suites, 2 Embassy Suites and the Omni. Many of those hotels include breakfast and also have kitchenettes so you can stock snacks in your room and save on meals. There is a Jewel supermarket, Trader Joe's, Target and 2 Walmart Markets in various parts of downtown where you can purchase things. Whatever hotel you choose can tell you which is closest.

You may need two rooms with 5 people because fire codes may not allow that many in one.

Also be aware that the city is still a big convention destination and hotel rates respond to supply and demand. There is a medium-size food retailers' show June 20-23 with around 14,000 people expected, but you should still be able to find deals if that's your weekend.

You'll probably need two cabs for 5 people or you can pre-arrange a ride through a limo company. Check either airport website for companies licensed to pick-up there. A cab would be about $30-35 from MDW and about $40-45 from ORD. The train would be $2.25 per person from MDW and $5 each from ORD, but you'd have to deal with bags on the stairs, etc. Uber is not allowed to pick-up from the airports.

The Hancock Observatory is still there and is right across the street from the American Girl Store. Check www.themagnificentmile.com for a listing of other stores along Michigan Avenue. Don't forget to stop at Field's/Macy's on State.

All the major rental agencies have downtown offices, so you'll have no problem finding a car.

For info on CTA trains and buses, check www.transitchicago.com. It has info on purchasing farecards, trip planners, maps and how to track trains and buses with a smart phone.

For restaurants and events, check www.chicagoreader.com or www.chicagomag.com. You can search either for restaurants by price, neighborhood or cuisine. For theatre and discount tickets, check www.chicagoplays.com.

SusanM

When my sister visits us she uses the nearby Residence Inn (in the 'burbs) because they have 1 room that is 2 BRs and a living/kitchen area. Perfect for her 6-person family. You should check if the RI downtown has a similar room. From her experiences, it books up fast.

gardendiva

Try The River Hotel on Wacker. They have a 2 bedroom suite but it says it is limited to 4 guests. That may be the limit Citylights was referring to. However, they may be able to come up with something that meets your needs. I have stayed there twice and found it to be very centrally located.

Don't miss the Tiffany ceiling at the Cultural Center.

Citylghts

Both Residence Inns in River North have 2-BR suites, but as the earlier poster noted, they book quickly. Also, many suites may still have only one bath. What may serve you better are connecting rooms which have a door between.

Also be advised that there is a great deal of construction on Navy Pier right now for its 2016 centennial. The work was supposed to be completed this summer, but is apparently behind. So, you may find yourself dodging barricades in some areas.

fmpden

We have always had good luck with hotel.com and hoteltonight.com for Chicago. Once in Chicago for a convention and hotel.com got us into the convention hotel for $50 less than the "convention rate."

sarge56

Thanks, everyone for your replies.

I'm thinking of changing my plans up. One of my granddaughters gets homesick after just a few days, so I'm thinking I'll take her on a local weekend trip in lieu of this one. That will bring us down to four, which should make it easier to find someplace.

Alternatively, I'm thinking of staying out in Naperville, near where the weekend wedding will be. And taking the train into downtown from there. The girls would love the train and it would make it more of an adventure.

Gardendiva, thanks for the info on the Cultural Center. It reminded me that my daughter and I would also both love to take the architectural tour down the Chicago River. Can anyone let me know if they've done that with kids. (They are very well-behaved, but I don't want them to get bored.) How long is the tour and can anyone recommend a company?

Thanks again!

ChgoGal

Hi, sarge56.
If you're planning on staying in Naperville from Wed-Sat, that sounds as if you may be traveling into the city 2 days (Thur-Fri). (If you arrive on Wednesday, I doubt you'll want to check into hotel and scramble to the city on that hour-long metro ride, probably better to stay at hotel and relax, or do something in Naperville.)

A suburban stay will feel different than staying in the center of the city, but it will save you a great deal of money. Just be mindful that the metra is crowded on weekday mornings/evenings if you're catching it during rush times, so traveling earlier/later than the rush will be much more comfortable for all of you.

The best experience would be to train into the city from Midway/Ohare, check into a River North hotel (like Homewood Suites@ 40 E Grand, Embassy Suites @ 600 N State, AC Hotel Downtown), if the rates aren't through the roof--which they may be in June--and then train to whichever airport you're flying in/out of, to pick up a rental car to your wedding.

But traveling from suburbs should be really fine, too. The walk east from Union Station to the sights can be nice, if you're all able-bodied. It's about a mile, but there's so much to look at, it won't feel long. And there are lots of buses (the 151 Sheridan) that will take you to State Street and Michigan Avenue.

I think your girls will like American Girl Place, the Disney stores (Michigan Ave. or State Street), the Hancock or the Willis Tower have observation decks, the water taxi from Union Station to Michigan Avenue may be enough for all of you, rather than the more expensive architecture tour. My nephew really enjoyed seeing the buildings from the river.

Have a great time in Chicago!

sarge56

Thanks much, Chgogal! I really appreciate the input and information.