Chicago Trip Report - Just back
Aug 11th, 2004, 01:52 PM
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Chicago Trip Report - Just back
I got some good info from this board, so thought I'd share some back on our 3 day weekend to Chicago.
We visited husbands aging mom in South Bend first and got a cheap United ticket from DC to Chicago to South Bend. We rented a car from Avis (their prices w/ an AARP discount seem to be lowest for us usually) in South Bend and drove in to Chicago. Traffic was slowish, but not awful on Saturday early pm.
We stayed at the Hotel Monaco since I'd stayed with friends last Fall and really liked it. Was disappointed to arrive on Saturday with my husband and find that my quikbook. com reservation didn't show on Monaco's system, despite my having confirmation from quikbook/Monaco.. And all rooms were sold for that eve. BUT Monaco staff immediately took responsibility for the mistake and did the following: called around and got us a nice room for Sat. eve at Swissotel and paid for it, gave us cab fare to go the 4 blocks over there, and paid the $33 for our valet parking that eve! So of course when they asked us if we wanted to come back the following eve (as we had originally planned) since they HAD rooms for Sunday, we said sure. When we returned for Sunday eve they gave us a wonderful 9th floor corner suite with jacuzzi tub for our $139 quikbook rate. And couldn't have been nicer to us. I call that a great recovery! We'll definitely remain loyal to the Kimpton Group hotels. We love the Monaco and the Burnham as well.
Checked in at the Swissotel (nice room/ nice views /fine service ). Though there are waits for the elevators when the hotel is busy. Bought some picnic food from the Park Grill Cafe at Millenium Park. Had hoped to get the fancier picnic dinner, but it must be reserved in advance. The park was JUMPING. We thought it was fabulous. We got there early (5:30) and so had a close up lawn spot for the symphony concert that eve. Lovely. Quiet, respectful crowd. Wondered whether the overhead speakers were in use. Initially heard some, but there seemed to be some feedback and then coudn't distinguish whether they were in use. (Perhaps they're just that good?) But in any case sound was terrific.
Next am we had breakfast at the Corner Bakery on our way to the Gold Coast Art Fair. We did it all.
Lots of fun. I bought three great pairs of earrings. Quality of the work seemed to vary wildly, but that didn't trouble me. Weather was great for this outdoor event. We meant to get to the Field to see the Chinese exhibit . .. but we just never made it. Went back to the Monaco and checked in. Walked over to check out the rest of Millenium Park. Enjoyed watching all the kids at the water wall and enjoyed the Bean. Loved the plantings.
Back to the Monaco for their 5 - 6 complimentary wine hour in the lobby. A nice touch. Made some new friends.
Had a wonderful meal at Salpicon that night. Sat outside and continued to enjoy the nice weather. Had great service too. We liked this place alot.
Walked back to the hotel down Michigan. Enjoyed Monaco's jacuzzi tub and crashed.
Next am we made the rounds of remaining favorite Chicago spots: the architecture store, the arts & artisans store, and Marshall Fields. Then checked out of Monaco and drove to South Bend. This time traffic was AWFUL. An accident on the Expressway before the skyway exit added about an hour onto our travel time. Then a storm later that eve delayed our South Bend- Chicago flight by long enough for us to miss our connection back to DC. Oh well, it was off to the Ramada O'Hare for a night on United. Got out ok early the next am.
We think Chicago looks better ever time we go -- such a great city -- nice people too!
We visited husbands aging mom in South Bend first and got a cheap United ticket from DC to Chicago to South Bend. We rented a car from Avis (their prices w/ an AARP discount seem to be lowest for us usually) in South Bend and drove in to Chicago. Traffic was slowish, but not awful on Saturday early pm.
We stayed at the Hotel Monaco since I'd stayed with friends last Fall and really liked it. Was disappointed to arrive on Saturday with my husband and find that my quikbook. com reservation didn't show on Monaco's system, despite my having confirmation from quikbook/Monaco.. And all rooms were sold for that eve. BUT Monaco staff immediately took responsibility for the mistake and did the following: called around and got us a nice room for Sat. eve at Swissotel and paid for it, gave us cab fare to go the 4 blocks over there, and paid the $33 for our valet parking that eve! So of course when they asked us if we wanted to come back the following eve (as we had originally planned) since they HAD rooms for Sunday, we said sure. When we returned for Sunday eve they gave us a wonderful 9th floor corner suite with jacuzzi tub for our $139 quikbook rate. And couldn't have been nicer to us. I call that a great recovery! We'll definitely remain loyal to the Kimpton Group hotels. We love the Monaco and the Burnham as well.
Checked in at the Swissotel (nice room/ nice views /fine service ). Though there are waits for the elevators when the hotel is busy. Bought some picnic food from the Park Grill Cafe at Millenium Park. Had hoped to get the fancier picnic dinner, but it must be reserved in advance. The park was JUMPING. We thought it was fabulous. We got there early (5:30) and so had a close up lawn spot for the symphony concert that eve. Lovely. Quiet, respectful crowd. Wondered whether the overhead speakers were in use. Initially heard some, but there seemed to be some feedback and then coudn't distinguish whether they were in use. (Perhaps they're just that good?) But in any case sound was terrific.
Next am we had breakfast at the Corner Bakery on our way to the Gold Coast Art Fair. We did it all.
Lots of fun. I bought three great pairs of earrings. Quality of the work seemed to vary wildly, but that didn't trouble me. Weather was great for this outdoor event. We meant to get to the Field to see the Chinese exhibit . .. but we just never made it. Went back to the Monaco and checked in. Walked over to check out the rest of Millenium Park. Enjoyed watching all the kids at the water wall and enjoyed the Bean. Loved the plantings.
Back to the Monaco for their 5 - 6 complimentary wine hour in the lobby. A nice touch. Made some new friends.
Had a wonderful meal at Salpicon that night. Sat outside and continued to enjoy the nice weather. Had great service too. We liked this place alot.
Walked back to the hotel down Michigan. Enjoyed Monaco's jacuzzi tub and crashed.
Next am we made the rounds of remaining favorite Chicago spots: the architecture store, the arts & artisans store, and Marshall Fields. Then checked out of Monaco and drove to South Bend. This time traffic was AWFUL. An accident on the Expressway before the skyway exit added about an hour onto our travel time. Then a storm later that eve delayed our South Bend- Chicago flight by long enough for us to miss our connection back to DC. Oh well, it was off to the Ramada O'Hare for a night on United. Got out ok early the next am.
We think Chicago looks better ever time we go -- such a great city -- nice people too!
Aug 11th, 2004, 02:05 PM
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I enjoyed your report - our countdown to Chicago has begun and we are very excited. We too are planning to pick up a picnic from Park Grill and listen to the Symphonic Serenade at the park. How far in advance do you need to place an order for picnic food? Thanks.
Aug 13th, 2004, 12:37 PM
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ttt
Glover, when you were at the concert, enjoying your picnic, did you happen to notice if people were drinking wine/beer? Just wanted to know if it is permitted in the park. Thanks so much! STW
Glover, when you were at the concert, enjoying your picnic, did you happen to notice if people were drinking wine/beer? Just wanted to know if it is permitted in the park. Thanks so much! STW
Aug 13th, 2004, 12:57 PM
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glover, I really enjoyed your trip report about Chicago. Great to hear the Monaco honored your reservation despite the glitch. Did you contact quikbook about the problem?
We did a similar trip a couple of years ago. I loved the Gold Coast Art Fair!
We did a similar trip a couple of years ago. I loved the Gold Coast Art Fair!
Aug 13th, 2004, 01:38 PM
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Re: booze at the park concert. There's a sign that says no alcohol beyond this point. But oddly it seemed turned away from the lawn seating. . ?
We didn't take wine with us but were sorry we hadn't when we saw many people with elegant picnics that included wine. Unlike here in DC, it wasn't an armed camp, full of blockades and hurdles and security guards checking all your belongings (sigh).
We didn't take wine with us but were sorry we hadn't when we saw many people with elegant picnics that included wine. Unlike here in DC, it wasn't an armed camp, full of blockades and hurdles and security guards checking all your belongings (sigh).
Aug 13th, 2004, 01:42 PM
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That's a bummer about the concert at Millenium Park. I was there opening weekend and the sound system for the concerts was amazing. Even if you're not into classical (I'm not) make sure to check out the aphitheatre at Millenium Park.
I'm also a fan of the Hotel Monaco. Great hotel and wonderful location.
I'm also a fan of the Hotel Monaco. Great hotel and wonderful location.
Aug 13th, 2004, 01:49 PM
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Well, I just spoke with a delightful women who when asked about bringing wine along with our picnic to MP, replied, "Sure you can!". So, Kal, guess I'll see you at the park - I'll be the one sipping chardonnay from the bottle (only kidding - I'll use a cup).
We are all getting VERY excited now - thanks for the help!
We are all getting VERY excited now - thanks for the help!
Aug 13th, 2004, 06:27 PM
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Good for you for having visited Millenium Park. In town for a baptism, I checked it out on its opening Friday night. It was a sight to behold; a wonderful crowd of visitors and residents and workers. It's such an interactive museum, with those amazing Crown fountains (did you see the water spout from their lips?), the giant reflective pinto bean...er "Cloud Gate", the ribbon-linke band shell, and those trellises on the lawn. Yes, the speakers are wired to time the sound so those at the back enjoy the sounds as if they were up front.
Thanks for report and info!!!
Thanks for report and info!!!
