my friends and I are meeting in Chicago during early March for 2 nights...we would like to eat..be pampered..do some fun things..stay in a nice... central ..safe area..please make some suggestions..ps we a middle aged...moms of teens..getting away for a break..old friends who need some time just for us!..thanks!

Frontera Grill/Topolabampo for one of the finest most creative Mexican dining experiences in the country. Ghiradellis for sundaes. Michigan Ave and the Marshall Fields/Carson Departments stores for shopping. The Ohio House Motel for one of the cheapest best breakfasts you'll ever have in a big city.

How about some live theatre? The Vagina Monologues is playing (read reviews!) or, if you went to Catholic school together, Late Nite Catechism might be the ticket. The Joffrey Ballet is opening in early March also. See metromix.com or chireader.com for lots of listings.

Sutton Place hotel is well-located and has some very good Internet rates available on their website. And Cafe Iberico, at LaSalle St. and Chicago Ave. is a fun tapas restaurant, great with a group.

I love the Inter-continental on Michigan Ave. I have had outstanding service there and it is centrally located. It is also definitely worth getting a suite.

Great recommendations posted above! An itinerary for a fun day: If you stay in the Sutton Place hotel (a wonderful location), walk a block and have breakfast (fabulous coffee and yummy pastries) at the Corner Bakery (ask the concierge for directions). Next, walk down Oak Street and do some window shopping on the glamorous avenue (Chicago's answer to Rodeo Drive). Next, head to the 900 N. Michigan buiding (in which the Four Seasons is) and do some real shopping--8 floors of shops and a lovely Bloomingdale's will provide plenty of diversion. Next, (and you will have to call and make an apppointment for this before your trip), there is a great salon on the lowest level of the building--Mario Triccoci. I believe they have massages, and definitely manicures and other pampering treatments to indulge in. They also do great cuts and coloring, so don't fret if you need something more basic. If you are up for a more up-scale lunch, there is The Oaktree on the 6th level, which has a lovely interior and serves just about anything you want, from soups to sandwichs, salads, etc. A more casual, grab-a-bite place is the Boudin Bakery, on the 5th floor. If you like Italian, one of my favorite Italian restaurants is also on the 5th floor--Tucci Benucch. Check out this web site for more info: http://www.shop900.com/. There are plenty of movie theaters nearby, if you want to take in a show. Also, definitely make it over to Ghirardellis for a sundae (very expensive though!) Good luck!

Great recommendations posted above! An itinerary for a fun day: If you stay in the Sutton Place hotel (a wonderful location), walk a block and have breakfast (fabulous coffee and yummy pastries) at the Corner Bakery (ask the concierge for directions). Next, walk down Oak Street and do some window shopping on the glamorous avenue (Chicago's answer to Rodeo Drive). Next, head to the 900 N. Michigan buiding (in which the Four Seasons is) and do some real shopping--8 floors of shops and a lovely Bloomingdale's will provide plenty of diversion. Next, (and you will have to call and make an apppointment for this before your trip), there is a great salon on the lowest level of the building--Mario Triccoci. I believe they have massages, and definitely manicures and other pampering treatments to indulge in. They also do great cuts and coloring, so don't fret if you need something more basic. If you are up for a more up-scale lunch, there is The Oaktree on the 6th level, which has a lovely interior and serves just about
anything you want, from soups to sandwichs, salads, etc. A more casual, grab-a-bite place is the Boudin Bakery, on the 5th floor. If you like Italian, one of my favorite Italian restaurants is also on the 5th floor--Tucci Benucch. Check out this web site for more info: http://www.shop900.com/. There are plenty of movie theaters nearby, if you want to take in a show.

If any of you enjoy art, the Art Institute is fabulous. Have been to Chicago several times - great food - Harvest On Huron, Panne Caldro, Nick's Fishmarket, Ely's (steaks) Spiaggia, etc. Shopping - Marhsall Fields, Neiman's... Be sure and go to the top of the John Hancock building for drinks and the sunset plus an incredible view!!!

I love Chicago (except for the weather) and it has lots going for it...including some really good shopping.
But ain't no way it's remotely like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, sorry.

Donna, I topped a post for you called Chicago gift certificate that had some suggestions for spa experiences in Chicago. I like Mario Tricoci, but I haven't tried the Chicago location, just the ones in the suburbs. You can also look on www.metromix.com which is a great guide for everything in the city.

For something a bit outrageous, you might try the Baton Club, a female impersonator club on Clark Street. It's been years since I've been there but I thought it was a hoot. It's popular with large groups such as bachelorette parties so book in advance for the weekend if you're interested.

For something a bit more ordinary, you might look into getting tickets for Second City. They have two revues right now that are getting good reviews, "Better Late Than Nader" and "Slaughterhouse 5 Cattle 0". Once again, you'll want to book ahead of time for the weekend.

I'll second Patg's recommendation for Cafe Iberico at 739 N. LaSalle, a fun restaurant serving Spanish tapas,not too far from Michigan Avenue.

We recently had a great meal at Wildfire on Erie, go to www.leye.com for a menu.

Some great suggestions in earlier postings...

But one more piece of advice - if you are going to spend time in a spa, skip Mario Triccoci - the downtown location feels a bit too "assembly line" for my taste. Instead, try Kiva, on Pearson next door to the Ritz Carlton, for some ultra-peaceful pampering. For massages specifically, Urban Oasis is the place to be. And Channings is a great favorite in the city, too - a small spa that's cozy and friendly.

My favorite restaurant in the city is MK - expensive, but lunch is more reasonable and also luxurious - you can head out to the nearby galleries and furniture stores afterward - in fact, I think MK sometimes sponsors lunch and tours on Fridays.

A big YES! (no pun intended) to the Vagina Monologues, a perfect play for good friends to enjoy together.

Donna, I agree with Michael that Frontera Grill/Topolabampo are both good. However, unless you get to Frontera early there will be a long wait (couple hours). You can make reservations at Topolabampo but should make them a couple of weeks early - it is also much more expensive than Frontera. A nice place for lunch is the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's on State Street. Most of the better shopping is on Michigan Ave but Field's on State is a must. There are always a lot of good plays - check out www.metromix.com for happenings while you are in town. There are alot of good hotels in the River North area: Embassy Suites, Hotel Intercontinental, Marriott.