One-day Chicago trip
Jun 25th, 2010, 06:03 AM
#21
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UPDATE:
Yesterday (4-24) was the day for the Chicago trip. We had had a very bad storm the night before, so I was a bit concerned about weather issues, but it turned out to be a beautiful day to see Chicago! Ideal, really.
The Illinois Zephyr was right on time, as it usually is, since it is more of a 'local' train, and not one coming from the west coast... they are almost always at least two hours late! Anyway, we enjoyed our ride, which was slowed down on two occasions because of signal box problems from the storm the night before. We arrived in Chicago Union Station about 30 minutes behind schedule. Not a big problem, really.
Lucky for me, I had not pre-purchased tickets for the river cruise at a specific time, so this allowed flexibility in our schedule for the day.
We started out at the Art Institute, walking there from the train station, since the weather was so nice and my friends from Italy had never been into the city before (only having seen it from the air when landing and changing planes at OHare). My Italian friends loved the AI, although the husband was a bit concerned with the organization of the exhibits, by donor gallery more or less, which does not allow for easy continuity or flow in the study of artistic periods, one after another. But the couple was still very impressed with what is housed at the AI. They will return for a 3-4 day visit and plan to spend the better part of a day in the AI next time.
While my guests were checking out the AI, I walked across the street to the Chicago Architecture Foundation location (easy to find) and purchased the tickets for the 3:00 architecture cruise. This turned out to be just the right time for it!
We ended up spending almost 3 hours looking at the fantastic collections at the Art Institute, and then walked up Michigan Avenue to the river. We were checking out fast food options but found nothing of interest, as we did not have time for a nice sit-down lunch. No one was starving (big breakfast in the morning, thank goodness) so some sweet/salty breakfast bar snacks were enough to keep us going. By the time we got to the river, we had a few minutes to sit down and wait to board the boat.
The architecture cruise was absolutely excellent!! The weather was perfect! I had brought along hats for everyone, plus some sun block and cotton scarves to wrap up in, in case the sun was too intense. I really do enjoy this river cruise. My friends also enjoyed it very much. Well worth taking the time for it!
We had a short amount of time to walk north, across the river, and up Michigan Avenue, into the Magnificent Mile area, to have a look at shops and malls and hotels. I was really surprised to see that Chicago Place (the mall at Sax 5th Ave) is closed!! Sax is open though. Hopefully it is just being remodeled/modernized and not closing for good. I noted construction of a new Ritz Carlton condo building, which was not there last time I was in the city of Chicago.
We walked (again) back to Union Station, this time along a zig zag path that took us on a number of the streets and avenues in the Loop area. Made it just in time to get in line to board our train back home! No need to be there before 5:40 for the 5:55 train departure!
All in all, it was a fantastic day trip. I'm pleased to say that my friends from Italy will return, spending several days in the city, as they really enjoyed it. They even prefer it over New York City, saying it was much cleaner and friendlier. Plus, the beautiful skyline is really hard to beat!!
I have decided that for myself, the next time I am in the city for an overnight stay, I want to try out the new Trump hotel. Looks awesome! My Italian friends would prefer something in the Loop area, but would be interested in suggestions on something luxe and probably along Michigan Avenue. Is there anything 5* in that area?
Yesterday (4-24) was the day for the Chicago trip. We had had a very bad storm the night before, so I was a bit concerned about weather issues, but it turned out to be a beautiful day to see Chicago! Ideal, really.
The Illinois Zephyr was right on time, as it usually is, since it is more of a 'local' train, and not one coming from the west coast... they are almost always at least two hours late! Anyway, we enjoyed our ride, which was slowed down on two occasions because of signal box problems from the storm the night before. We arrived in Chicago Union Station about 30 minutes behind schedule. Not a big problem, really.
Lucky for me, I had not pre-purchased tickets for the river cruise at a specific time, so this allowed flexibility in our schedule for the day.
We started out at the Art Institute, walking there from the train station, since the weather was so nice and my friends from Italy had never been into the city before (only having seen it from the air when landing and changing planes at OHare). My Italian friends loved the AI, although the husband was a bit concerned with the organization of the exhibits, by donor gallery more or less, which does not allow for easy continuity or flow in the study of artistic periods, one after another. But the couple was still very impressed with what is housed at the AI. They will return for a 3-4 day visit and plan to spend the better part of a day in the AI next time.
While my guests were checking out the AI, I walked across the street to the Chicago Architecture Foundation location (easy to find) and purchased the tickets for the 3:00 architecture cruise. This turned out to be just the right time for it!
We ended up spending almost 3 hours looking at the fantastic collections at the Art Institute, and then walked up Michigan Avenue to the river. We were checking out fast food options but found nothing of interest, as we did not have time for a nice sit-down lunch. No one was starving (big breakfast in the morning, thank goodness) so some sweet/salty breakfast bar snacks were enough to keep us going. By the time we got to the river, we had a few minutes to sit down and wait to board the boat.
The architecture cruise was absolutely excellent!! The weather was perfect! I had brought along hats for everyone, plus some sun block and cotton scarves to wrap up in, in case the sun was too intense. I really do enjoy this river cruise. My friends also enjoyed it very much. Well worth taking the time for it!
We had a short amount of time to walk north, across the river, and up Michigan Avenue, into the Magnificent Mile area, to have a look at shops and malls and hotels. I was really surprised to see that Chicago Place (the mall at Sax 5th Ave) is closed!! Sax is open though. Hopefully it is just being remodeled/modernized and not closing for good. I noted construction of a new Ritz Carlton condo building, which was not there last time I was in the city of Chicago.
We walked (again) back to Union Station, this time along a zig zag path that took us on a number of the streets and avenues in the Loop area. Made it just in time to get in line to board our train back home! No need to be there before 5:40 for the 5:55 train departure!
All in all, it was a fantastic day trip. I'm pleased to say that my friends from Italy will return, spending several days in the city, as they really enjoyed it. They even prefer it over New York City, saying it was much cleaner and friendlier. Plus, the beautiful skyline is really hard to beat!!
I have decided that for myself, the next time I am in the city for an overnight stay, I want to try out the new Trump hotel. Looks awesome! My Italian friends would prefer something in the Loop area, but would be interested in suggestions on something luxe and probably along Michigan Avenue. Is there anything 5* in that area?
Jun 25th, 2010, 08:03 AM
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If I was my evil clone, this is where I'd say "I told you so" about Amtrak. But I'm not...Or am I? MUHAHAHA! (Just Kidding!)
Anyway, I just would hate for someone to lose $$ on a timed event because of being too optimistic on scheduling.
You know that you can check the historical on-time performance of any of Amtrak's routes on their website. For example, the #380 was on time 94.7% of the time during the past year, but only 90.3% of the time during May of this year.
I'm so happy that everything worked out and you all enjoyed your day in the sun!
BTW, Amtrak is going to start randomly checking passenger's items (luggage, bags, etc.) due to security reasons. I wouldn't want to be trying to get there at the last minute and have the honor bestowed upon me of being the "chosen one".
Anyway, I just would hate for someone to lose $$ on a timed event because of being too optimistic on scheduling.
You know that you can check the historical on-time performance of any of Amtrak's routes on their website. For example, the #380 was on time 94.7% of the time during the past year, but only 90.3% of the time during May of this year.
I'm so happy that everything worked out and you all enjoyed your day in the sun!
BTW, Amtrak is going to start randomly checking passenger's items (luggage, bags, etc.) due to security reasons. I wouldn't want to be trying to get there at the last minute and have the honor bestowed upon me of being the "chosen one".
Jun 25th, 2010, 08:48 AM
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What a wonderful time. Thank you for posting your report. I'm glad they enjoyed the AI and the boat tour (two of my favorites as well).
I've only been into the Trump hotel for drinks, but hear only excellent feedback. There are lots of great hotels along and off of MI Ave, depending on what they want to spend.
Since I live here, I've only stayed in a few, but really like the Starwood properties - W Lakeshore and Westin MI Ave. There are higher end hotels like the Drake, Intercontinental and more if that are interested.
I've only been into the Trump hotel for drinks, but hear only excellent feedback. There are lots of great hotels along and off of MI Ave, depending on what they want to spend.
Since I live here, I've only stayed in a few, but really like the Starwood properties - W Lakeshore and Westin MI Ave. There are higher end hotels like the Drake, Intercontinental and more if that are interested.
Jun 25th, 2010, 11:18 AM
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Thanks, eveyone, for the feed back (even you, exiled...
. For my Italian friends, a 5* hotel (they just spent one week at the Ritz Carlton Naples FLA, if that helps), somewhere in the loop is preferred. They liked N Mich Ave but I think the loop, with all the different older buildings is more charming, in their opinion. It will be a while before they return to Chicago, so I'm not in need of something right now, but suggestions for the future would be appreciated.
Thanks again.
. For my Italian friends, a 5* hotel (they just spent one week at the Ritz Carlton Naples FLA, if that helps), somewhere in the loop is preferred. They liked N Mich Ave but I think the loop, with all the different older buildings is more charming, in their opinion. It will be a while before they return to Chicago, so I'm not in need of something right now, but suggestions for the future would be appreciated.Thanks again.
Jun 25th, 2010, 02:55 PM
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Hmm....Maybe check into the Ritz and Four Seasons on and off of MI Ave.
I really like the Park Hyatt for drinks b/c of the wonderful veranda (for lack of a better word). It makes for a very nice view. Fingers crossed, September should have beautiful weather, so it's always good to be outside and enjoy it.
I'm sure you'll find an excellent 5 star hotel for them!
I really like the Park Hyatt for drinks b/c of the wonderful veranda (for lack of a better word). It makes for a very nice view. Fingers crossed, September should have beautiful weather, so it's always good to be outside and enjoy it.
I'm sure you'll find an excellent 5 star hotel for them!
Jun 26th, 2010, 12:33 AM
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In addition to the Trump, there are only a handful of 5 star properties in Chicago. They are the Ritz Carlton, the Four Seasons, the Peninsula and the Park Hyatt. All of these are on N. Michigan Avenue. In fact, they are clustered together.
The Sofitel, also on N. Michigan Ave., is 4.5 stars.
Perhaps the Elysian? It's all about uber-luxury there - but, again, it's Magnificent Mile territory.
Now, if you were interested in a 4-star hotel in the Loop, you could consider either the Hotel Burnham or the Blackstone Hotel. Of the two, the Hotel Burnham would have the preferred location, being at the heart of the Loop Theatre District; however, the Blackstone has the much better restaurant (Mercat a la Planxa). Both are historic landmarks. The issue with the Blackstone is that it is a little further south than they may like.
The Sofitel, also on N. Michigan Ave., is 4.5 stars.
Perhaps the Elysian? It's all about uber-luxury there - but, again, it's Magnificent Mile territory.
Now, if you were interested in a 4-star hotel in the Loop, you could consider either the Hotel Burnham or the Blackstone Hotel. Of the two, the Hotel Burnham would have the preferred location, being at the heart of the Loop Theatre District; however, the Blackstone has the much better restaurant (Mercat a la Planxa). Both are historic landmarks. The issue with the Blackstone is that it is a little further south than they may like.
Jun 26th, 2010, 04:41 AM
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exiled, thanks for all of that information. Looks like they will stay along the mag mile after all. I think the Pen will probably be their choice. Why did I think there was a 5* in the loop??? I had pictured an old elegant and stately hotel which would have accomodated the up-scale travellers long before the mag mile was even on the drawing board. But... maybe not, huh? Or maybe such a hotel has now slipped to a 3* for lack of upkeep. Oh well, the mag mile is still a good location for them.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jun 26th, 2010, 07:01 AM
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Well, at one time, the Palmer House (on State Street) was considered very elegant accommodation. The richest folks in town (the Potter Palmers) lived in their own suite there, until they moved to the Gold Coast. It was where presidents and other people of fame, money and distinction stayed when they were in Chicago.
Travelers wants and desires were different then. There was less emphasis on the actual sleeping area (which was much smaller then) and much more on the common areas. That's why the rooms are much smaller in those older hotels. (Your friends could pop into the lobby at the Palmer House when they stay in Chicago.)
The "Magnificent Mile" has been around for a long time - since the 1940's, in fact.
You know they could get a room at the Trump with a view of the Loop across the Chicago River. That way they could stay in modern luxury and still enjoy the architecture.
Travelers wants and desires were different then. There was less emphasis on the actual sleeping area (which was much smaller then) and much more on the common areas. That's why the rooms are much smaller in those older hotels. (Your friends could pop into the lobby at the Palmer House when they stay in Chicago.)
The "Magnificent Mile" has been around for a long time - since the 1940's, in fact.
You know they could get a room at the Trump with a view of the Loop across the Chicago River. That way they could stay in modern luxury and still enjoy the architecture.
Jun 26th, 2010, 07:10 AM
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Palmer House is what I was thinking about! You were reading my mind, exiled. I just couldn't come up with that name!
I like the idea of the Trump, but they did not seem all that impressed when I mentioned that I'd like to stay there myself on my next overnight trip into the city. Maybe too modern? Who knows! Anyway, thanks for the Palmer House information.
I like the idea of the Trump, but they did not seem all that impressed when I mentioned that I'd like to stay there myself on my next overnight trip into the city. Maybe too modern? Who knows! Anyway, thanks for the Palmer House information.
Jun 27th, 2010, 01:54 PM
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I have stayed at the Palmer House a couple of times and it is beautiful! Yes, our rooms were small, but didn't bother us at all. Just don't trip over anything when you are in the lobby looking up at everything! LOL
Jun 27th, 2010, 02:00 PM
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Oh and I have done numerous day trips to Chicago via Metra from Kenosha WI and of course you never have enough time. The last one we went to the Field Museum, lunch then American Girl on Michigan then the walk back to the train. Whew luckily there is a Garretts Popcorn in the train station! Perfect snack for the train ride home!
Jun 27th, 2010, 04:39 PM
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Oh, my Italian friend (the wife) was interested in the American Girls store since she has purchased dolls for her sister's daughter back in Rome.
Didn't have time for the popcorn! But we had a cold beer and some chips on the train home, and then a lovely dinner at our 'best'restaurant back home, so all was not lost.
OK... next trip, NYC for a day... but by UA (I'm earning triple EQMs so this is a mileage run)
Didn't have time for the popcorn! But we had a cold beer and some chips on the train home, and then a lovely dinner at our 'best'restaurant back home, so all was not lost.
OK... next trip, NYC for a day... but by UA (I'm earning triple EQMs so this is a mileage run)
Jun 28th, 2010, 07:23 AM
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Ooh, If they do stay at the Pen, check out the chocolate buffet which I think is on Friday nights.
It is pure gluttony, but perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. My friends and I went and had an extremely light dinner (ie. salad) and then enjoyed the buffet.
It is a great "one time" thing and is unique.
Have fun in NYC - my other favorite city!
It is pure gluttony, but perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. My friends and I went and had an extremely light dinner (ie. salad) and then enjoyed the buffet.
It is a great "one time" thing and is unique.
Have fun in NYC - my other favorite city!
