Any information on this hotel?
The fam is flying in from Midway
I am taking the Vangalder bus from Madison which stops at 162 E Ohio *best western*
We are looking for good value---planning on getting two rooms one for my dad, sister, and I. The other for the grandparents.
We are planning on seing some of Museam Campus, The Cubs, Shop, Shop, Shop, Eat at Uno's, Ride the El, see the Sears Tower, and Navy Pier....
We will be there from April 17- 20...Dad is in his late forties, has been to Chicago once 20 years or so ago. Grandpa is in 70's been to Chicago once, Grandma also in 70's never been to Chicago, Sister is 12, never been to Chicago. I am 23 been to the city about four times (aside from just going to O'hare) three times in Winter once in Summer....any suggestions would be greatly appreciated---P.S. they are all from Florida so are used to florida weather---I am from Madison Wisconsin---bring on the spring

Hi! Not sure exactly what suggestions you are looking for. You have more than enough to fill your short time here. Please note that if/when we go to war, some Chicago landmarks most likely will be off-limits (i.e., Sears Tower, possibly the Hancock). Mayor Daley announced today that the war won't change "business as usual", saying people should keep going to the theaters, museums, etc. But, airport security definitely is taking longer ... just saw a friend off and it took him forever to get through security and he's a pilot.

Please post more specifics on what you're looking for in Chicago.

Wow, I didn't even think that they may close the sears tower, but now I realzie that is a reality...
Which is the best museam for all ages?
The Shedd or the Field? Or the Museam of Science and Industry...?

Of the three museums listed, I'd vote for the Shedd but of course that is a personal preference.

The Field Museum, with the exception of the occasional special exhibit, really doesn't excite me. The current special exhibit is on baseball. You can look at the permanent exhibits at www.fieldmuseum.org to see if that museum would interest your family.

You can also look at the Museum of Science and Industry atwww.msichicago.org.

If you get an unseasonably warm April day you might also consider a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo which is free every day and perhaps a stop at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to see the butterfly garden

I first went to the Field Museum in Chicago when I was about eight years old. I'll never forget seeing those dinosaurs for the first time. Perhaps today's kids who have seen those 'dinorama' type things in the malls won't be so impressed, but I sure was. I was also astonished to actually see a real Egyptian mummy. Some obviously child sized.

Neither Shedd or Science and Industry had the same impact, although I've been to both several times, and they're fun.

Don't forget the Adler Planetarium when you're on the museum campus-- great state-of-the-art interactive sky shows and wonderful exhibits. The Adler also has an incredible collection of old scientific instruments on display. The restaurant at the Adler has the best view of the Chicago skyline.

If I have to vote for the best museum for all ages, I'd go with the Art Institute or the Museum of Science & Industry ... but visits/experiences as a kid may color that preference. After that, the Shedd with the Oceanarium.

With all going on and the unconfirmed reports that Osama personally chose the Sears Tower as a target on 9-11, definitely keep up with closings and new security measures in Chicago. The following sites should be helpful:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/
http://www.illinois.gov/living/safety.cfm
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/

Not to overemphasize the security issue, but just wanted you to know that there probably will be very limited closings and didn't want you to be surprised & disappointed ... there still will be lots to do/see as only a few sites will close.

That out of the way - what other suggestions would you like? I'm very familar with shops, restaurants, etc. downtown if you would like any recommendations.