Joe Tro's Chicago trip report
Jan 16th, 2012, 09:53 PM
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Joe Tro's Chicago trip report
Hi, all.
Here's my recent quick trip report for an interview in Chicago.
Arrived Saturday evening at O'Hare. Got my luggage and took the El to the Red Chicago stop (requiring a transfer). Compared to Atlanta, I was definitely a bit frustrated with the El, as it was rather dirty and smelly and not as convenient for someone with a big bag from the airport. Nonetheless, I arrived over an hour later at my stop, went into the Hilton Garden Inn to ask for directions, and walked over to the Fairfield Inn on Ontario. Decor was not as nice as Courtyard, but it was just fine for my needs (except for very slow internet in the room). I did not use their breakfast, unfortunately. Ate dinner at a nearby TGI Fridays which really hit the spot!
Had brunch at West Egg Sunday morning with friends and I enjoyed that, despite getting lost (we originally settled on Yolk but found it too crowded). Nonetheless, my getting lost meant that I got to inadvertently explore Streeterville, which I enjoyed. I took the El to the Art Institute of Chicago, stopping in the Palmer House to ask for directions (OMG the lobby was unreal. I didn't want to leave!). I loved the Art Institute and really marveled in the architecture and impressionism. Stayed maybe 2.5 hours there. I then took the El again to two more places, the Wicker Park area (Division) and Boystown (Belmont) taking time to explore both neighborhoods and walking around quite a bit. The Lakeview area was definitely much more appealing to me than the Wicker Park area - I'm more of a fan of larger apartment buildings and condos, and I appreciated the commercial options more in Lakeview than Wicker Parker. FWIW, an intern told me that he has a studio in Lincoln Park, so it's good to know that small but nice housing options are possible even on our low salary. Had a drink at Minibar, which I appreciated because it was elegant inside and not very crowded. Good "me time." High-tailed it back to Michigan Avenue for a bit of shopping before an early dinner and football watching at Grand Lux - again something that hit the spot.
Today was all interview until taking a cab to O'Hare. I definitely appreciated my hotel only being two blocks from the interview site. I didn't even get lost!
Here's my recent quick trip report for an interview in Chicago.
Arrived Saturday evening at O'Hare. Got my luggage and took the El to the Red Chicago stop (requiring a transfer). Compared to Atlanta, I was definitely a bit frustrated with the El, as it was rather dirty and smelly and not as convenient for someone with a big bag from the airport. Nonetheless, I arrived over an hour later at my stop, went into the Hilton Garden Inn to ask for directions, and walked over to the Fairfield Inn on Ontario. Decor was not as nice as Courtyard, but it was just fine for my needs (except for very slow internet in the room). I did not use their breakfast, unfortunately. Ate dinner at a nearby TGI Fridays which really hit the spot!
Had brunch at West Egg Sunday morning with friends and I enjoyed that, despite getting lost (we originally settled on Yolk but found it too crowded). Nonetheless, my getting lost meant that I got to inadvertently explore Streeterville, which I enjoyed. I took the El to the Art Institute of Chicago, stopping in the Palmer House to ask for directions (OMG the lobby was unreal. I didn't want to leave!). I loved the Art Institute and really marveled in the architecture and impressionism. Stayed maybe 2.5 hours there. I then took the El again to two more places, the Wicker Park area (Division) and Boystown (Belmont) taking time to explore both neighborhoods and walking around quite a bit. The Lakeview area was definitely much more appealing to me than the Wicker Park area - I'm more of a fan of larger apartment buildings and condos, and I appreciated the commercial options more in Lakeview than Wicker Parker. FWIW, an intern told me that he has a studio in Lincoln Park, so it's good to know that small but nice housing options are possible even on our low salary. Had a drink at Minibar, which I appreciated because it was elegant inside and not very crowded. Good "me time." High-tailed it back to Michigan Avenue for a bit of shopping before an early dinner and football watching at Grand Lux - again something that hit the spot.
Today was all interview until taking a cab to O'Hare. I definitely appreciated my hotel only being two blocks from the interview site. I didn't even get lost!
Jan 17th, 2012, 01:18 PM
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Oh my Joe, you are making the rounds of the big cities. When I traveled to DC and Chicago, I purchased a map from Map Easy. They are really easy to read and have landmarks right on the map so things are easier to find. They are available for most bigger cities. Might be helpful on your next trip.
The Palmer House is spectacular.
The Palmer House is spectacular.
Jan 17th, 2012, 06:05 PM
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I was really blown away by the interior and lobby ... thanks for the map tips. I think my biggest problem in both Chicago and Atlanta was difficulty re-finding the subway. I missed the bright red DC Metro signs!
Jan 18th, 2012, 08:11 AM
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I agree about the Metro signs. The maps I am referring to have the Metro or "L" stations marked.They also have restaurants, hotels and shopping along with the price rage indicated by a legend. Almost like a tour book in a flat version that you can fold up and put in your pocket.
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