Ashley24

As it is starting to feel colder here in Michigan, I am getting the itch to think about Christmas shopping and would love to shop in Chicago. I have two girls (6,9)that I would like to take also; one can shop with dad while the other shops with me. Which nice hotel (4 Seasons, Ritz, Penn., or other) is very close to the best shopping such as American Girl Store and a toy store (name?). I know these hotels offer some family friendly packages but want to have a room within walking distance of the stores.
Thanks!

Kristi

All of those hotels-Ritz, Pen and 4 Seasons will be close to the Michigan Avenue shopping and the American Girl store.

Someone else will have to help you with toy stores, FAO Schwartz closed and the only thing I can think of is the Disney store.

amwosu

I think the Hyatt is right across the street from the American Girl Doll Store. I live in Indy but love to go shopping in Chicago the weekend after Thanksgiving. Even though I have absolutely no reason to go there, I always go into the American Girl Store. It is hilarious to see middle aged men walking around in there, basically with their wallets open.

For an awesome romantic dinner without kids (which you probably can't manage but I'll mention none the less) go to Cafe Spiaggia. To die for crabcakes and slightly less expensive than Spiaggia across the hall where I recently read Madonna has eaten.

amwosu

There is a toy store in Water Tower Place... or there was... You can probably google on line to see if there is still one there. I kind of think it was a smaller version of FAO Schwartz.

MarthaB

Galt Toys is still in the Bloomingdale Building. I can't remember which floor, but the selection is terrific and, IMHO, even better than FAO. FAO had a more festive atmosphere, though.

If Chiasso is still in Water Tower Place, they had a small but nice selection of toys usually toward the back.

marilynl

The Park Hyatt is directly across the street from the American Girl store, but all the hotels you mention are within easy walking distance. Spiaggia is the more expensive restaurant, the Cafe Spiaggia is less expensive and I assume perhaps less romantic.

Ashley24

Thanks for your great suggestions! Is there a better airport for getting to the shopping area? (closer or more convenient?)

ms_go

The Peninsula is actually in the same block as the American Girl Store.

If you are interested in going to the brunch, tea or show at American Girl, you might want to check on whether you need reservations. I haven't had to do that in a couple of years, but the last time we had to reserve brunch about a month out.

Enjoy!

MarthaB

Okay, here are a few more stores...

The Children's Museum
Navy Pier
The toy store is located on the first floor and has some interesting and unusual things. It would be a great place to go with your kids if you head out to Navy Pier (which has a McDonalds, btw.) If you have a children's museum membership in MI, you might be able to use that to get in; othewise, you have to pay to see the museum but I think it's worth it.

There is also an IMAX theater at Navy Pier and they might be showing something that interests you.

http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org/

Don't know the name, but there's a cute toy store in the basement of the Hancock Building. At Christmastime there will be an elaborate Santa-themed model train set up that is nice to see. Right by Cheesecake Factory.

The toy store is located near L'Appetito which is a reasonably priced and pleasant place to get a bite to eat. I like the tostino sandwiches. The owner, Tony, and his wife love kids, so bring yours. Here's a little review.

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/d...0,753299.venue

Children In Paradise Bookstore
909 N. Rush Street
This is an excellent children's bookstore. The sales people are quite knowledgeable, IMO, and could direct you to books that suit your dds' interests.

http://www.chicagochildrensbooks.com/index.html

Madison and Friends
940 N. Rush
Hip kids clothes. Owners are very nice.

http://www.madisonandfriends.com/

The Denim Lounge
In the basement of Madison & Friends. Sells popular brands like Miss Sixty, True Religion, etc.

Bravco Beauty Supplies
43 E. Oak
A little store with a ton of stuff. Many samples and hard-to-find supplies. I don't think they take credit cards, though. (BTW, the owner's daughter owns Madison & Friends.)

http://www.bravcobeauty.com/

I also think the DePaul U. area is a fun place to shop with many little boutique-y stores. I haven't been there in awhile, though. Maybe one of the other Chicago posters might know more. I know there's a terrific shoe store there -- or was? -- when I used to hussle up there.

Ooooo, this is making ME want to head into the city this weekend. Have fun!

Martha

ceg

I would recommend making reservations soon at the American Girl store if you plan to eat there or go the show. Your girls would love it.
The Doubletree is also close to the American Girl store and Water Tower Place.
Midway airport is closest to downtown.

JJ5

Now I want to go down to shop!

Zagats just announced their three best Italian restaurants in Chicago and it's quite a surprise.

#1 Coco Pazzo
#2 312 North
#3 Cafe Spiagga

All are too pricey for me and I like the ones on Taylor Street better, but I'm not Zagats. Had a great monkfish at Francesca's last week.