Hello:

We will be coming to Chicago in late June for a few days, and will be bringing 2 kids, ages 9 and 11 (2 adults/2 kids total). Have a question about getting from Midway to Homewood Suites on Grand Ave.

I know that I would ordinarily take the Orange Line and transfer to the Red Line on State/Lake, which would take me right on Grand within half of block of Homewood. But I expect we will have quite a bit of luggage, and with 2 kids, maneuvering through the transfer may get tricky.

Is there a stop that would be easier to transfer with our luggage and 2 kids? Or should I just ride the Orange Line to the first Red Line stop, exit there, and catch a cab to the hotel?

We didn't really want to take a cab all the way from MDW, especially now with gas prices booming, but I'm thinking the first Red Line stop would only be about 2-3 miles cab ride to motel.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've searched the threads and got some good ideas which were similar to what I am looking for, but just wanted to get some clarification.

Thanks!

The State and Lake stop will be about 6 blocks/half mile to the hotel. If your group is good walkers, and it's a nice day, and your luggage is on wheels, it can be a lovely stroll. Otherwise, a cab would be pretty inexpensive from the el to the hotel, and there are plenty in that area.

I agree - transferring with luggage can be a pain, particularly if people have more than one bag. Also, you have to transfer from the el to the subway, which means some walking and possibly stairs.

I'd take the Orange Line to State and Lake, and then walk or hop in a cab to the hotel.

Have fun on your trip!

It would be much easier to transfer from the Orange Line to the Red Line at Roosevelt as it has elevators and escalators.

Although, remember that Grand Avenue has only stairs into the station.

If you're going to catch a cab, then exit the Orange Line at Clark/Lake, one stop before State. That station also has elevators and escalators.

and you are right....taking a cab all the way from Midway is awful! Train is great

southerngal, before you go making any plans on which station to use, you really need to read the CTA's website to determine if that station will be available when you are arriving and departing.

There are a number of different factors occurring right now in the Loop which will not only affect the stations which are available (i.e., construction around Block 37 and on the Red Line itself) but also any cabs and busses going through the area.

Thanks everyone for the info. I think I will take Citylights' suggestion and ride the orange to Clark and take a cab. We thought about doing the easy transfer to Red at Roosevelt, but we would still have to haul all our luggage up the stairs when we stop at Grand. So we think the Clark stop is our easiest bet.

Thanks again and look forward to seeing beautiful Chi-town again!