chicago trip for my parents
 

Hi all, I have been looking for my parents to take a little vacation. They have been to the doctors too much lately and need a getaway.(everything so far is coming up good, but has been stressful). They were thinking north-canada where it is cooler, but mom hates to fly so changing planes is not an option. One direct short flight is preferred. So, I am thinking Chicago. They have never been. (neither have I)(They are originally New Yorkers). So, what hotel is the nicest and in the middle of that magnificant mile? And what are a couple of great restaurants or sights to see. My parents are in their late 60's. They like nice hotels, good food, theater,shopping and people watching. Thanks!!

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It doesn't seem to go to the top!! So, I will try again. Any info out there???Thanks

If you could provide some specifics, it may be easier to help you. Everyone likes nice hotels, can you give a price range? When are you thinking of coming? For how long? (You don't want to be looking for a room when there are 10,000 contentioneers coming to town.) Are you looking for a room for 2 or perhaps a suite for 3?

You also mention doctors and that they are in their 60s. Do they have any limits on walking? Climbing stairs, etc.?

For restaurants, again, what's your price range? What types food do they like? Metromix.com can help you find them as well as theatre and other events.

Thanks citylights. I realize I wasn't very specific. They are fine to walk around. Their health has been good. Dad has had some cancer scares and may have another one.
They like the luxury hotels. I am looking at the Drake, Meridian, Four Seasons, etc... I would like to get the best price I can for them, but they want a nice room. They would like to go soon. In the next few weeks. Airfares are reasonable in about two weeks.
Dining, they like nice upscale restaurants with good continental food. They are not the Thai food type. They are more traditional. They do love italian and a good steak house. They also like french and german food. So, if you have any suggestions, pass them on!! Thanks.

My favorite hotel in Chicago is the Hotel Monaco. It is just off Wacker and a lovely boutique hotel.

Girlonthego, well, my two suggestions aren't on the Magnificent Mile, and one is a B&B, not a hotel.

I'd recommend Hotel Burnham in the Loop - maybe accompany that with tickets to Wicked at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts-Oriental Theatre(which is only one block north of the hotel) or The Lion King (four blocks to the northwest from the hotel). The buses stop right across the street which goes to N. Michigan Avenue. The hotel is only 3 blocks west of the Art Institute and Millennium Park. And the hotel is right across the street from Marshall Field's flagship store and one block north of Carson, Pirie, Scott.

OR for the B&B experience, Flemish House in the Gold Coast - only 2 blocks north of the Magnificient Mile.

Places to dine: around Hotel Burnham, Atwood Cafe (American), Trattoria No. 10 (Italian), Golden Budha (Chinese Steakhouse with waterfall ambiance) if going to The Lion King. On/near N. Michigan Avenue, Le Colonial (French Vietnamese); RL (American); if your father is a sports fan, Mike Ditka's - Da Coach is very often there greeting customers in the evening and they have a great singer who does Sinatra.

And, absolutely, have them do the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Wonderful.

Hope they have a great time here!

Take exiled princess' advice. She is spot on for all and especially on the location of lodging. Your parents will love this much, much more than the Mag. Mile.

For German/American food try:

Berghoff it's just a block or so from the Art Institute and really good.
http://www.berghoff.com/Berghoff/home.html

Thanks for the advice. I am not sure if they would like the Burnham or not. I am looking into it. It seems that they offer a queen bedded room. How far are they walking distance to the Magnificant mile?
Have any of you stayed at the Drake? Is it really nice or are the rooms really tiny? My parents prefer the old fancy hotels vs the modern type hotels.

I have never stayed at the Drake by Watertower Place (I live two miles away, why would I ;) ... but they have a lovely tea and afternoon lunch, in a very elegant dining room, and if I may be so presumptuous as to judge the rest of the hotel by the dining room, I'd venture to say they'd like it. My mother and I go there every year around Christmas.

If they like old, they will prefer the agenda as detailed by exiled princess a whole lot more than being right on the Michigan Ave. (Mag.mile).

Look at a map of Chicago downtown. You can walk to Mag. Mile.

They might like the Palmer House.

The Drake has a lovely tea, but it is not in the easiest location for LOOP/Millenium/Grant Pk./ Buckingham Ft/Art Institute etc. And the rooms are quite small. Mag. Mile/Watertower is primarily shopping. But you could walk there or take a cab quite easily. Also there is a free trolley during the warm weather months.

The Palmer House is very ornate, old and my daughter and I have had lunch there several times after a theatre experience. I favor it because my father-in-law was one of the plasterers that did the cornices. But it, like several other LOOP location hotels are old, historical, and elegant.

Forgive me because I am totally unfamiliar with Chicago and so....how is the area surrounding the Loop? Is it safe to walk around at night? How far is it to the mag. mile? I do not have a map in front of me. I think I will stop by AAA today. The Palmer house vs. the Burnham hotel? They like luxurious nice hotels and can afford to stay in a good one. My dad has a slew of Amex points. I was hoping to be able to have him convert some into hotel pts. (the flight is short and prices are cheap). He said that he would rather get a nice room in a nice hotel and forget the points.

The loop is immediately south of the river centered around State Street. The Magnificant Mile is the area along Michigan Ave (2 blks E of State) north of the river.

It's about a mile from the center of the loop to the far end of the Mag Mile. Both areas are perfectly safe to walk, just use common sense.

Michigan Ave is rarely empty at any time of the day or night. The stores on State Street close a little earlier but there are still people around late for theatre and restaurants.

The Palmer House is a large convention hotel that was built in the 20s. The Burnham is a smaller, new hotel in a restored historic building. Before I moved to Chi, Palmer House was always my preference.

If this is their first trip to Chicago, I'd say Palmer House and they can upgrade to the Towers section. Part of the musical Show Boat was set in the Palmer House and it was mentioned in The Music Man, so they've likely heard of it.

The other old-time hotel is the Ambassador East. It's a couple miles north of downtown so maybe not a good choice to stay, but if they're creating a weekend of classic elegance, they could go to the Pump Room in the AE for a drink. It used to be Frank Sinatra's hang-out when he was in Chicago. I'm not sure how the food is now, it rested on its laurels for a while and got stale, however I hear it's improved lately.

I think your parents would like something in the North Michigan Avenue area. I know that is what I prefer. You should go to tripadvisor.com and all the nice hotels in Chicago will come up - like the Park Hyatt, the Sofitel Water Tower, the Peninsula, etc. I think if you choose one of these, you can't make a mistake. These hotels are in a great area - walkable to all the great shops and restaurants.

Just my two cents, of course.

They don't want new, modern and shopping. Those, especially Peninsula, are very modern.

Actually, according to the first post, they do want shopping.

While I prefer the Loop and river areas myself to staying on Michigan Ave., I realize that not everyone is like me. :) They seem to really want to be on Michigan Ave., so would probably feel a bit let down at staying elsewhere.

I'm not familiar with the luxury hotels in Chicago, but the advice to read reviews at tripadvisor is a great one.

Have you looked into to Ritz Carlton or the Park Hyatt? Both are on the Mag. Mile, very expensive, but very, very nice and have wonderful restaurants as well.

The Museum of Science and Industry has the most amazing exibit called Body Works.

The original poster did not say her parents want an "old" hotel. She said they want a "luxury" hotel on the Magnificent Mile.

HI It is I the original poster!! Yes, they do want luxury. The idea of a grand older hotel was nice, but I believe that the older ones are not as updated as the newer. (small rooms with thin walls).If that makes any sense. I do think they would like to be on the Magnificant Mile. That is what they have heard about. How are the Hyatts? I see that there is the Hyatt Regency and a Park Hyatt. Both are four star hotels. Hyatts are usually very nice. I think what they don't care for is the ultra modern type hotels. My mom loves shopping. I am sure they would like to see a show. They also like good food. And they can both celebrate as they both had a cancer scare and both are cancer free!! So, this will be a celebration trip! Thanks for all the advice. I am checking on all of these hotels. And I did go to AAA and get a map and book on the hotels to have a reference.

The Omni looks very nice and has some reasonable prices. It is rated 4 stars. Any comments?

I have been reading some trip advisor reviews and it seems the park hyatt is very well liked. I would appreciate any comments on any of the mentioned hotels...Thanks guys and gals.

While it's a nice hotel, the decor of the Park Hyatt is pretty modern. If you're looking for a newer luxury hotel with a traditional look and feel, try the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. I can't comment on the Omni.

I like the Fitzpatrick. The building is modern (no gargoyles or stone lacework), but the rooms are furnished in very traditional style. They are also very large and have a little kitchen-like section, so they can chill wine and keep meds cold, etc. I suppose that it isn't really a full-out luxury hotel, but I like that it is very tasteful without being off-puttingly ostentatious like the Peninsula.

For sheer old-fashioned style in that neighborhood, it's hard to beat the Intercontinental, which even has a huge
indoor swimming pool reminiscent of a 1930's movie set. (There are two towers, one very traditional, the other modern; the place has a split personality.)

The Hyatt Regency is a nice hotel in a great location, but it's primarily a convention/business hotel with a very modern feel. I've only stayed in their basic room, and they probably do have more upscale accomodations, but it's also probably pretty modern feeling all around.

Just don't consider Hyatt McCormick. It is too far away. You would have to take their shuttle downtown but it doesn't pick you up, must take a taxi back.

Hey everyone, I am still checking hotels and I have air tickets on hold for the end of august. They are both excited.
Has anyone liked or hated the Westins? There are two. One is located on the northern end of Michigan Ave and the other on the River. It looks a few blocks over from Michigan ave.
Thanks.

I stayed at the Westin on Michigan Avenue last October. I believe the other Westin is the Westin River North - haven't stayed there.

The Westin on Michigan Avenue is nice. We had a room that appeared to be recently renovated. The bedding, carpeting and bathroom were all new. I would not call it luxurious or special in any way. The location, however, is excellent - next to the Water Tower Place and easy walking to many shops and restaurants.

The Westin on Michigan Avenue would be a safe choice for your parents. If you want something more luxurious, perhaps the Ritz Carlton or the Park Hyatt would be a better choice. We had Sunday brunch several years ago at the Ritz - we still talk about it - fantastic!

I've stayed in both. The main Westin has a great location right on Mag Mile. My room was just ok, not bad, not great, and had a lousy view of the flat roof of the building next door. Ask them to request a view of the streets.
I stayed at the Westin River North when it was the Nikko (I believe it was the Nikko that became the Westin River North). Comfortable, fine.
The location of the "main" Westin is better, IMO. But I don't think either of them come to mind as top hotels in Chicago.
FYI, how is the Intercontinental these days? That used to be highly recommended, haven't heard anything about it lately.
My favorite hotel in Chicago is the Sofitel, but it is very modern, so I don't think your parents would enjoy it.
Re the Palmer House, I don't think the rooms live up to what you'd expect after the elegant lobby. If they go for the PH, make sure they get one of their better rooms.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I have booked the Park Hyatt. It sounds like a great hotel and has many great reviews.
I have gotten two tickets to wicked. Are there any other good shows in town (they are not interested in Lion King).Any off broadway that is good?
ANother question. Any favorite italian, steak, or just a beautiful restaurant with good food? How about reservations prior to their visit. Will they need them? Thanks.

Hi girlonthego, can't offer anything about Chicago as I have never been there but just wanted to say I am so glad that your parents cancer scares turned out alright. I hope they have a beautiful time in Chicago. It is a city I have always wanted to visit. Take care and best wishes to you for arranging this beautiful trip for your parents.

a couple of ideas: for Italian, they can either find some really great places in the loop (Trattoria 10, Spaggia, Italian Village for example) or if they want authentic Italian, take a cab to the 'italian village' near the University of Illinois Chicago campus - maybe 2-3 miles away. there you'll find the (original)Rosebud, Tuscany, etc. bustling and quaint. For steak, Gene and Georgetti, Gibsons, Houstons, Mortons (it may have closed....). For drinks with a view, go to the top of the Hancock building - called the '95th' and its incredible. Another idea might be to take a cab to navy pier, stroll the boardwalk, ride the Ferris Wheel (its very slow and offers another fantastic view of the city) and have dinner at Riva out at the end of the pier. I think the Art Institute, Millenium park (they have free concerts in the evenings), the Shedd Aquarium, adler Planetarium, or field museum might be good. The museum of science and industry is a bit further south in Hyde Park - I've heard the Body exhibit is fascinating but graphic (yes, we plan to go....). they also have the option of a dinner cruise on the lake (the Odyssey is beautiful), see Buckingham Fountain, take a carriage ride...lots of fun stuff. If either of them are baseball fans, have lunch or dinner at Harry Carey's restaurant - good food and lots of atmosphere. There are river cruises with architectural tours as well. Sorry for rambling but the city just has so much to do!

First, Love Italy, thank you for the good wishes!! We are all very happy that both are healthy. Dad has had some issues in the past, but must have some great genes.
Second, CMeyer thanks for all of your suggestions. I will print it out for them. It always helps to have an inside scoop to a good restaurant.(LoveItaly did that for me in SF last March!).

I would suggest Mortons for steak. Great atmosphere and excellent food. I have been there twice and didn't have reservation either time and probably waited about 1 hour for a table. I was there 6 months ago.

For steaks, there are all the chain places that are in several cities like Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Gibson's. Not that they're bad, but when I travel, I like to avoid places I can go at home. For a Chicago-only place, there's Chicago Chop House on Chicago Ave and Clark, just a couple blocks from the Park Hyatt, The Grill Room on Monroe and Dearborn, Harry Carey's 33 W Kinzie specializes in steak and Italian. Spiaggia 980 N Michigan is Italian with nice lake views.

Oops, Chicago Chop is on Ontario, not Chicago Ave. For something different, there are also 3 S American-style steak houses. Brazzaz, Fogo de Chao and Sal y Carvao. The meats are cooked on a spit and carved tableside by waiters dressed as gouchos. They have about 14 different cuts of steaks, chicken, lamb and pork as well as a huge salad bar.

GirlontheGo:

Sounds like you have a nice trip planned for your parents. Glad they got good news!

I hope they have a wonderful trip!

Girlonthego, here are the restaurants I recommend and then a little more:

1. Le Colonial on N. Rush (French Vietnamese). If they like French Vietnamese, there's another contender on the street now: Le Lan.

2. For steak, the Saloon Steakhouse. Quite frankly, this has become my favorite, over Gibsons.

3. In Lincoln Park on the north end of the lagoon, North Pond (American contemporary) - and, for that little extra, you could arrange for a horse-drawn carriage to take them back through Lincoln Park to the Park Hyatt after dinner.

4. Italian: Spiaggia (VERY expensive), Cafe Spiaggia (more reasonably priced - have the same kitchen). Cafe Spiaggia also has a fine brunch.

5. Shows: At the Royal George, they are having Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin (opening at end of August so no review as of yet). Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Second City Romeo and Juliet (at Navy Pier). At the Chicago Theatre (1 night only--8/27/05) is the IO's (fka the ImprovOlympic) 25th anniversary with Mike Myers (and many others). And way up in Rogers Park in the small No Exit Cafe (40-50 tables) is "A Jacques Brel Revue: Songs of Love and War" (dinner/theatre). The performers also handle serving duties between acts. This is a really charming performance. (NOTE: no performances beween 8-19 and 8-26, I think. Check their schedules.)

6. Cannot mention Chicago without recommending music venues: The Green Mill up in Uptown (where Al Capone used to frequent) - fine jazz and the Uptown Poetry Slam on Sundays. Jazz: Jazz Showcase, Andy's, Pops for Champagne or Green Dolphin. International (but could be jazz, especially if at Jazz Fest time): the Hothouse. Piano Bar: the Coq D'or the Redhead Piano Bar.

I've already mentioned Mike Ditka's - the singer is ESPECIALLY fine.

Hope this gives you some interesting choices! Hope they have fun!

P.S. for the finest dining in town, (price is no object), try Tru.

exiled princess,

I too love The Saloon better than Gibson's or Morton's, IMHO.