Need help planning first trip to Chicago
 

Hello everyone!
DH, fourteen year old son, and I are thinking about Chicago in April. Right now we are thinking of just three days in Chicago then going to South Bend to see our other son before flying home. So - my questions are: Does it matter which Chicago airport we fly into? We would like to stay at a Starwood property so we can use our points. Which one would be better situated for first time visitors? We don't need luxury but we do need clean and good locale. We are hoping to visit the Science museum and/or Field museum. Once I figure out specific dates, air and hotel, I'm sure I will have more questions. Thanks for your input - Happy New Year to all fodorites! :)

It really does not matter which airport. However, Midway is easier to get in and out of (IMO). Any downtown Starwood property should serve your purpuse. Taxi's are plentiful and all the places you mention are a very short cab ride. Enjoy!

Hopefully, you can visit both the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. But, if you have to choose one over the other, I'd recommend the Museum of Science and Industry. There's lots more there to interest the average teenage boy and while my 14-year-old son liked both museums, he preferred the Museum of Science and Industry.

Second longhorn's comment.

See the aquarium, for sure -- not just fishies and slithery eels, but also aquatic mammals (sea otters, beluga whales) and two great views -- one of the lake, one back toward the Chicago Skyline. Sadly, the Planetarium is not one of the country's best, but sunset from the grounds is one of the best skyline views you'll ever see.

Take a boat tour of the Chicago river -- the architectural boat tour is more interesting than you'd think; the other one is more a party without comment, but fun for many. Don't do it on a cold day, however, unless you really bundle up.

Actually, I'm pretty sure my info on the Adler Planetarium is way out of date, now that I think of it -- with the new addition, it may have updated and refurbished everything else. Please go and report back -- Chicagoans, more info?

Where will you be flying FROM? That might be a factor in which airport you will be flying into. ORD will have more options with United and AA, where Midway has alot of Southwest flights.

Whenever I stay in Chicago I always go to priceline and get a hotel. Stick with the highest star rating in the area that you want to stay. If you are not familiar with priceline, go to biddingfortravel.com first.

Thanks everyone for the responses. cfntmpn: We will be flying from Providence,RI on Northwest because we have travel vouchers to use.
The reason I asked about which Starwood property (besides using points) is because we like to use public transportation and/or walk. We are trying to keep expenses on this trip down. Any opinions on the Westin versus Sheraton in that city?

Public transportation from the airport is cheap and easy.

Some museums have free days or nights.

I don't know how the Starwood points work, but the Sheraton Chicago on North Water St is lovely and right on the river. It is close to Navy Pier and a short walk to the "Bean" in Millennium Park just off Michigan Ave. The W Lakeshore overlooks the lake and is just across LSD from Navy Pier. You and DH could head down to the stylish bar with son in room and have some alone time. Westin on Michigan Ave is a great location right near the John Hancock Center and Water Tower. (just make sure you draw the curtains...my sister used to work for Playboy and she would often look up from her desk to see something that wouldn't even be printed in the magazine! The building she worked in is now luxury condos but the the two buildings are very close together.)

These are the prime locations for Starwood. If they charge more points for these locations or are unavailable, the Four Points Mag Mile is a great location as is the Westin River North. W City Center would be 6th choice. Don't stay near either airport or in any of the suburban locations.

You said in your initial post that you don't need luxury, well, Starwood is pretty highend, the Four Points being the "budget" hotel of the chain.

Oh, one more thing about transportation, The Westin has ton of bus stops right across the street...the#146 goes right to the Field Museum and the #147 with a transfer to the #6 at Balboa and Michigan will take you to the MSI. See www.transitchicago.com/maps/tripplaner.html

You'll love the Sheration Hotel and Towers. Great location.