I am wondering if anyone has stayed at The Midland Hotel in downtown Chicago and if so what they thought of it. Also, how close is it to shopping (walking distance)? I will be there for a class and have a few hours to walk around and love to shop. Thanks.

We stayed at the Midland for a night when we were attending the opera and it was supposed to snow.[We live in the suburbs] It is within walking distance of the flagship stores of Marshall Field's and Carson Pirie Scott. The "Mag Mile" is a bit of a walk, but very doable in good weather. I liked the hotel... sort of a "Palmer House lite" -- atmosphere without the grandness.

Thanks for the info. This is my first time to Chicago and with such a small amount of time to do anything, figured shopping is the best bet. You mentioned Carson Pirie Scott - forgive me for not knowing, but what kind of shopping is that? Thanks!
Kathy

Carson Pirie Scott is Chicago's "other" major department store. It's also on State Street, a block down from Field's. You'll be toward the south edge of the Loop (at the Midland), more in the commercial business district, but only a 5-10 min walk from Loop shopping, but more like a 30 min walk from Michigan Avenue (the "Magnificent Mile" part that's north of the Chicago River). You'll also find a Crate & Barrel in the Loop, and you'd be a five minute walk from the Art Institute.

I believe the Crate & Barrel is the Loop is gone, the closest to the Midland would be the one on Michigan Avenue. Although the Marshall Fields on State Street is the flagship store and the largest, I think you'd enjoy a trip to Michigan Avenue more than the small selection of stores in the State Street area. Check out www.chicago.sidewalk.citysearch.com and look at the shopping section for the selection of stores in both areas. The part of Michigan Avenue that has the most shopping is at least a 30 minute hike from the Midland, but on a nice day is a good walk. Near the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue, you can see two of the coolest buildings in Chicago (at least I think so), the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune tower. However, you can always hop in a cab, there should be plenty around the Midland.

If you're staying at the Midland, the Loop gets pretty deserted after working hours, so you might want to grab a cab back to the hotel after your shopping excursion.

Walk about three blocks due east of the Midland on Adams and you come to one of the really great restaurants in Chicago, The Berghoff. It's just west of State, on the south side of the street. Check out their old stand-up bar. Great for lunch or dinner.

Thanks for all the tips. Would you recommend that I change my hotel to closer to Michigan Avenue? I picked The Midland for cost and the fact that I have a class about a block away in the 200 block of W. Monroe and I can walk to it. Looking forward to the trip.
Kathy