Hello...just returned from a fabulous trip in Chicago. Beautiful city...just awesome. I suppose it is the prettiest and cleaniest city that I have been in. So easy to maneuver also. We flew into O'hare, caught the blue train, switched to the red train and our hotel was about a block to our hotel. Just Awesome! We stayed at the Homewood Suites which was just wonderful. Full breakfast every morning...always something new each morning. Weekdays ...early evenings, they served snacks. No, they were supper/dinner for us. We could not eat anything else.

Michigan Ave. was so close. We only used the bus twice...#151, runs up and down Michigan.

Got to see Wicked, which was awesome. I didn't really want to see that but it is deceiving. Not a child's play. Such good entertainment.

The best of it all was a glass of wine at 96th floor at Hancock Building. I wanted to repeat that but time ran out.

Awesome trip. I can't wait to go back.

Also, at the JH, I met an online friend for the first time. We were both on our cells walking toward each other trying to identify each other. So wonderful! We did have a glass of wine near sunset. I have pictures but can't figure out a way to get them from the gallery.

Hotel was in walking distance of practically everything...if you don't mind "boot camp training."

Hello, Java, thanks for posting a report! I'll be in Chicago in September. Now Hancock is on my list!

What are you in Chicago for? Business, sightseeing? I am wanting to go back...maybe for a weekend. Let us know what you find when you return.

Java, Glad you enjoyed your visit. Come see us again soon. Interestingly, there was just a report on the news the other day that tourism is at its highest levels ever to our fair city!

I'm glad you had fun.

Because I can clearly remember downtown Chicago when it went through so many different eras and "states"- it is SO good to hear that the last 15 or so years of effort towards improvement have succeeded in making a city that is more user friendly for visitors. And also safer in its downtown environment.

You have to give the present Mayor Daley a lot of credit for strong arming some elements that have ended up fitting in more with the legacy and vision of those who lived and built after 1871.

The real fruit of that success is the fact that the LOOP is now becoming a place where people live and not just work.

It really is a very unique place. Come again when it ISN'T nice weather. When you don't have lines and crowds, it's even better.

I don't know how to answer the question "why Chicago". Honestly, dunno "just because" doesn't satisfy my curious relatives/co-workers.

Not for business, no. Just to see the city.

And I will take Amtrak back to San Francisco. Yeah, I know, I know, it may be slow and undependable, but I'll take another day off, just in case, and that's why I'm taking it coming home, not going there.

Would Wicked be an acceptable musical for a mature 12-year old?
Vera

Wicked would be fine for a 12 year old.

So glad you enjoyed our beautiful city. People can say what they want about Mayor Daley, but he has done wonderful things downtown. Millenium Park, the museum campus and beautiful plantings are welcomed additions to our fair city. Come back and visit us again, maybe during the Christmas season. The city has a different feel during the holidays.

No worry! I am wanting to come back soon. Felt so "at home." Guess I did my proper researching. A glass of wine at the Hancock and an entertaining play would be marvelous...with a bit of shopping here and there.

You have so many beautiful areas with shadows of tranquility. Loved it!

Glad you had fun MCJ.

FYI Faina there is a pay observation deck at the top of the Hancock. It's cheaper to take the elevator to the bar and buy the over-priced glass of wine. Nothing special about the observation deck when I was there a couple of years ago.

I do prefer the view from the Hancock over the Sears Tower. The lines always seem way too long at the Sears Tower.

I did Amtrak from Chicago to Reno with stops in Denver and SLC. This was in 2001.

If you're taking the train straight through you might want to pack some of your own food unless you have a cabin with meals included. When the dining car fills up there's no where else to eat but the snack car. Trust me unless you like microwaved Whitecastles, the snack car is not worth visiting except for a soda.

I took Amtrak from Chicago to KC in 2004. The snack car food hadn't changed at all.

Let me see if I got it... Is the elevator going up to the 96th to the lounge? Or should I go to 95th restaurant and from there to the bar another floor up?

Indy, sorry, but admission is $9.95 for observation, and $10.50 cocktails posted on the web, why is it my math is different And wine by glass starts from $11, ouch!

Well faina I guess they finally caught on to the fact that people would pay for a drink rather than admission.

That's what happens when my advice is 2.5 years old.

The elevator to the lounge is in a completely different location from the elevator for the observatory. I believe the lounge and restaurant are accessed by the same elevator, but not sure, and I'm not sure where that is. I keep meaning to go there, but haven't yet.

Even with a drink costing a couple dollars more than observatory admission, it means you're getting a drink and the view, so if you say the view costs $9.95, you could have a drink for as little as $0.45, or that glass of wine starts at just $1.05.

Thanks for this info. I'm traveling in August by myself to see my niece graduate from Navy bootcamp and have been reading over all the Chicago posts on here.

I'm really excited about this trip.

The lounge is very nice, but sometimes it's hard to get a table with a clear view. Then you'll have to walk around people sitting at tables to get a view. If what you want is a really good all around view of the skyline and lakefront, I'd skip the drink and pay for the observatory.

Yay! I love to hear raves about the city my whole family is from! I never lived there myself, but I sure am proud of Chicago. It IS a marvelous city, through and through.

and one of the most fun pieces of advice I got from this board........if you're a WOMAN......go to the ladies room near the cocktail lounge......AWESOME view of the city looking south. floor to ceiling windows. I interviewed men coming out of their restroom....... no such view. Check it out sometime! Thanks to whoever posted this info first!!

The view from the ladies' room IS terrific...BUT, we got a table right over the view of the city. It was just awesome...that was my favorite part of my trip. I took some shots and think that I will enlarge it like I did a pic of Martha's Vineyard and hang it. Such wonderful memories to be able to glance at the pic and reminisce. The elevator is to the right as you go in, I think, that goes to the 96th and Signature Restaurant. I would definite do the lounge, you just can't miss the view. Maybe you will be as lucky as I to get a table right at the view. GO CHICAGO!

Thank you, everybody!

Colette, even it's good I am a female, so don't have to create an "oopsss" situation for a view

JLM, I LOVE your math They have some food in the lounge, so I've been thinking of making it a light lunch.

And by the way I'm opened for a GTG, and have another post for that.