Haha...hey guys, Im John, from San Antonio down here in Texas, And me and my folks are going to chicago for 3 days, (were doing this big road trip), well i needed some advice... I work for Hyatt Hotels, so i get to stay for free, yay!!..lol Im looking at: Hyatt Regency Woodfield: In Schaumburg. Hyatt Deerfield: In Deerfield Hyatt Regency Ohare: In Rosemont... The question im wondering is which place, or area or little subdivsion is the best place for shopping, dining, and being able to just check out the area, somewhere a little safe, since we have no idea where we are, somewhere more upscaleish.. Any other advise for things to do in Chicago?..oh and cant forget, anything Auto Related..Sweet!! Ill be there most likely Jul 18-21 or July 11-14 Thanks a lot, Much Appreciated John
My recommendation would be the one in Schaumburg. There are a TON of restaurants in the area and Woodfield is right across the street (one of the largest shopping malls in the country). As far as cars go, there are a whole slew of dealerships right there, although for exotics I would recommend Fox Valley which is about 15 min away, Continental Ferrari/Maserati which is maybe 20 or so, and LFSC which is maybe 30. I would suggest going down to the city and checking out all the attractions which that has to offer. A great place to go is Tavern on Rush in the city. There are always beautiful cars and people around there, especially in the summertime, and the food is good and pretty cheap too (make sure you eat outside). Very upscale shopping is right there (Prada, Gucci, etc..) and Bentley Gold Coast is right down the street. It's also near Michigan Ave. which has shopping as well. As far as restaurants go, if you want a taste of Chicago, I'd go to Portillos (famous for hot dogs), Unos (pizza, go to the one downtown, if you can't get in there there is Dues across the street), Maggianos has good Italian food at a good price with great portions. If you want some fun while eating, check out Ed Debeviks either downtown or in Lombard. I love both Bob Chins and Ron of Japan for seafood. There is alot to see and do in the city and suburbs, three days won't cover it, but those should be the major places to hit up. Enjoy!
Also, if you're into baseball and get a chance I'd check out the Cubs. If you've never been to Wrigley you're missing out. In fact I think they're playing a series against Houston in mid-July. Tickets might be a little on the expensive side, but it would be a fun time. If not, Schaumburg also has a baseball team called the Flyers which I enjoy going to during the summer.
John, If you and yours, are coming to Chicago, want to see the city sights, sample the culinary fare, and have juice with the company, stay at the Park Hyatt. It's right next to the famous landmark water tower (survivor of the Great Chicago Fire), in the heart of the "Magnificent Mile" (north Michigan Ave), within easy walking distance of many attractions (Water Tower Place, John Hancock Tower), dining, shopping and entertainment. It's also a short cab ride from Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, Navy Pier, Chicago Art Instsitute, Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and many, many other points of high interest. Oh... if you want restaurants, there is no higher concentration of epicurian options available. Russian Tea Time (accross from the Art Institute), Gibson's Steakhouse, Chicago Chop House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Morton's, Shaw's Crab House, Catch 35, Tutto Italiano, R. J. Grunts (for a great deli lunch while at the zoo), Mon Ami Gabi (relaxed country French), The world famous Billy Goat Tavern (Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Pepsi no Coke), Harry Caray's, and on, and on... http://parkchicago.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?src=tigproperty&iata=HY100224
Walter, Mitch, and Bill... Thanks a lot, I wish we can stay at the Park Hyatt, but they are completely sold out for the dates we plan on going...so that sucked...but most likely we are going to shoot for the Schaumburg place...its looks good. Thanks a lot guys, i will look up those places yall said... Any more info is appreciated, Thanks John
There's also the Hyatt on Wacker. I can't remember the name of it though. Its just a few blocks away from the Park Hyatt. The other Hyatts are more out in the suburbs and you're not really in the city. Could be good or could be bad, but it depends on what you're looking for. Also Chicago is pretty safe just use some common sense.
There are 3 Hyatts actually in Chicago close to downtown (Hyatt Regency Chicago, Park Hyatt Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place). I would seriously reccommend trying to secure rooms in any of them because Chicago suburbs are the same as any other suburb of any other major city in the US. In other words, pretty darn boring. Everyone has posted good reccommendations so far. Regarding pizza, I've been to Uno, Giordano's, Lou Malnatis, they're good....but my personal favorite has to be Art of Pizza around 3000 N Ashland. Very very informal (just a counter, no table service), inexpensive, but great slices. Also, fuggedabot Wrigley... check out the home of the World Champions, Comiskey Park aka US Cellular Field. Much easier and cheaper to get tickets, and you'll actually be able to watch a real ballclub play the game the way you're supposed to. But I guess if you enjoy watching crappy baseball in a stadium that is falling apart, feel free to do so. If nothing else, saying you were at Wrigley Field is worth more bragging points, but that's about all. Other places to check out: Mario's Italian Lemonade on Taylor St (especially if it's hot outside - I reccommend peach and pineapple ices), Greektown (on Halsted, about 6 blocks north of Roosevelt), Chinatown (Cermak Street, about 4-6 blocks west of State St), North Avenue beach or Ohio St Beach (usually many good looking women populating these areas in the summer). I would also suggest renting a bicycle or one of those 4-seater carriages and riding along the lake path, this is one of my favorite activities to do in the whole city. I also prefer the Hancock observation deck over the Sears Tower one. I think the Hancock deck is actually higher up than the Sears deck and on a clear day the view is phenomenal. Regarding safety, Chicago is fine. Obviously stay away from the slums (the worst are on State St between 30th and 20th Streets). Going to any tourist attraction you will be fine, especially if you're in a group. Edit: You may want to check out http://www.metromix.com to see if there are any big events happening when you're visiting.
John, I went to Chicago when I was little and the one thing I would really like to do if I were to go back there would be to check out the museums. I went to a few when I was there but I was so little I wasn't very interested in anything except the dinosaurs. They are world class and worth checking out if you are into that kind of stuff.
Chris, Mike, John, thanks for the info, i appreciate it... Regarding the hotels... I have been looking for cancellations in the Hyatt Regency downtown and also Park Hyatt, haha...their is going to be 7 of us, so its kind of hard to find a cancellation, I keep on trying to see what happens... the other reason why woodfield, most likely, is that its closer to Six flags since family wants to go... but im going to keep watch on the downtown hotels see what happens... thanks john
Well....If you can't stay at any of the Hotels Downtown. Then, IMO, you should stay at the one in Rosemont. It is most definitely the most convenient one to be able to access anywhere around the Chicago area, hands down! It is literally 5 minutes away from O'Hare Airport. And the Kennedy Expressway, which will take you right Downtown....But it is ALWAYS slow and crowded. (Do NOT take a Cab! It will cost a fortune!!!! But, you could take a Limo for a set price, with no worries as to how long it will take. Tons and Tons of Limos around that area.) So, you can take the Famous "Chicago "L" Train", which is also almost walking distance from your hotel, and will take you right Downtown in a 1/2 hour or so. And back safely, for just a couple of bucks. Safe, Quick, Easy, Inexpensive. Rosemont is also very safe. Lots of Police always around, as there are many Convention centers. Arena's. The Airport, all around it. Let us know when you get in. We can give you some more great ideas where to visit and eat. Possibly someone may get a chance to meet up with you somewhere....? Right now, at the Field Museum of Natural History. They have the "King Tut" exhibit going on. You do need to get Tix in advance. Check with your Concierge. As far as heading up to Six Flags. The Rosemont Hotel is alot closer to that, too. It is, again, literally, minutes from I-294/94 Tollway. Which is what you need to take (Northbound) to get up there. Lake Forest Sportscars is pretty close to Six Flags, too. Also, we have 2 Authorized Ferrari Dealers in the area, along with a Lamborghini & Exotic car dealer. Forget the other ones. There's absolutely nothing in Deerfield. And it is far from Downtown Chicago. (It is the closest one to Six Flags, though. But that's it!) And Woodfiled is just one GIANT Shopping Mall. With all of the same old same old Chain Restaraunts that you probably have out there already....TGI Fridays, Applebees, Stir Crazy, all of those same crappy ones that are everywhere across the country, and all look the same....taste the same....Blah! And, if someone in your party wants to do any shopping. You will then need to check out "Michigan Avenue-The Magnificent Mile" Downtown. (be prepared to spend alot, though!... ) Definitely, Rosemont is the one to use. And, as far as the Food goes....Many, many people have said that Chicago is the BEST "Food Town" in the Country. Try a "Chicago Style Hot Dog" or "Italian Beef, or Italian Sausage". "Chicago Pizza" But not that Pan junk. Not Lou Malnati's, either! Try "Giordano's" for Stuffed Pizza". Or get a really good Thin Crust Pizza, probably, out in Rosemont would be your best bet for that. The "Northwest Side of Chicago" is the Thin Crust Pizza capitiol... "Harry Caray's" is right by the "House of Blues". Man, I could go on and on and on. Too many too list!!! "Buddy Guy's Legends" for those over 21. See some great "Chicago Blues". The Rolling Stones list Buddy as one of their biggest influences. And, the old "Chess Records Studio" is by there. Where the Stones, and many bands recorded at back in the '60's. Yes, take in a Sox or Cubs game. Even if you don't like the Cubs, you gotta spend an afternoon at historic Wrigley Field once in your life. Check out the Lakefront at Lake Michigan. Lincoln Park Zoo, which is at Fullerton Av. and the Lake. It is one of the oldest Zoo's in the country. But has gone through a major renovation for the past few years, and is now one of the most modern. (It's Free, too) All of the World Class Museums. Like the Adler Planetarium and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. (They are walking distance from each other, AND the Field Museum, where the King Tut exhibit is.) Also, right there, you can catch a Tour Boat ride, or Water Taxi. They are not more than a few bucks, along the Lake Michigan shoreline and you can take in the beautiful Chicago Skyline. Make sure to get some pix of that! But, I would take the "water taxi" from there, over to the newly renovated "Navy Pier" and get off. Lots of cool stuff there, too. Then, just take the water taxi back, or go on from there. Man, there's alot to do here!
I take it that you are also a fan of Mr. Wrights work? Are you an Architect? As a kid, I grew up just blocks away from the 'Wright home & studio' in Oak Park, IL. I have visited it twice. But went by it all of the time. I have also visited 'Taliesen West' out in Scottsdale, AZ. twice. But still have to check out 'Taliesen' in Spring Green, WI. I did go on a drive last fall with the guys from the Alfa Romeo Club. And we stopped at the Taliesen Vistor Center & Restaraunt along the Wisconsin River. Very Cool! I love old Architecture. There are alot of really spectacular places here in the Chicago area. Many of Daniel Burnhams works, too. But, I've always liked Wrights work. I have lithographs of his "Fallingwater" and "La Miniatura" hanging in my living room. I must seee 'Fallingwater' in person someday.
If you came out for the July 18-21st dates and could manage to stay a few more, on the 23rd is a LARGE gathering of Italian cars and some bikes. It is held at Eaglewood Resort & Spa, which is located at 1401 Nordic Road Itasca, IL (630) 773-1400 Which is in the NorthWestern subs, not too far from O'Hare Airport, or the suburban Hyatts that were mentioned earlier. The show will be Sunday, from 10:00AM until 3:30PM. Below are links, to some pics from the last 2 year's events. http://www.fcacentralstates.org/photothumbs.asp?cat=15&catname=Automobili%20Italiane%202004 http://www.fcacentralstates.org/photothumbs.asp?cat=18&catname=2005%20Automobili%20Italiane
Indeedly-do! No, it was one of 2 vocations which I aspired to - the other was crunching numbers. I crunch numbers, but, if I had my druthers... When I lived here - below the hills, mind you - I was only a block away from Hollyhock House. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Feliz,_Los_Angeles,_California
Thanks for the info, but i think we will be gone by then since we are planning on heading to Cedar Point in sandusky...wish i can go... Thanks all for the info....right now hopefully, i am on the list for any cancellations at the Park Hyatt, they said it is very positive... Thanks and i am a huge fan of archeticture so the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum is a must!!
Alright its set...Ill be in Chicago from Aug 1-3...and will be staying at the Park Hyatt... Thanks for all the info, much appreciated... John
john, Just a few ideas for fun and interest on the 1st - 3rd, within a short distance of the Park Hyatt... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Right across the street is the John Hancock Tower, go to the Observation Deck, it's a great view. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Chicago's First Lady 390 N. Michigan Ave. The 90-minute tour highlights more than 50 historic and architecturally significant sites along the Chicago River. Docents are on hand to provide insight into the lives of famous architects such as Daniel Burnham, Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn and others. Tours depart from the southeast corner and lower level of the Michigan Avenue bridge. Departure schedule: June 10-Oct. 1 Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m.; 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2-Oct. 29 Monday-Friday: hourly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: hourly, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 3-Nov. 19 Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday; hourly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Price: $25-$27 Ticketmaster: 312-902-1500 Phone: 312-332-1353 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Half-price oysters at the bar, 4-6:30 p.m. Shaw's Crab House 21 E. Hubbard St. http://www.shawscrabhouse.com/ Phone: 312-527-2722 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ArchiCenter 224 S. Michigan Ave. The Chicago Architecture Foundation leads a two-hour walking tour of skyscrapers built between the 1870s and 1930s, including the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the Auditorium Building, the Rookery and more. Additional tours: May-September: 3 p.m. Sun.-Tue., Thu.-Sat.; 5:30 p.m. Wed. October: 3 p.m. Sun.-Tue., Thu.-Sat No tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day or Easter Sunday. Open End Daily : 10 a.m. Price: $11-$14 Produced by: The Chicago Architecture Foundation Phone: 312-922-3432 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Russian Tea Time Restaurant (which is at 200 south and Michigan) http://www.russianteatime.com/ 77 East Adams St. Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: (312)360-0000 Fax: (312)360-0575 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Art Institute of Chicago 200 South Michigan Ave http://www.artic.edu/aic/index.php >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 'Dining Like a King' Dinner Lawry's The Prime Rib 100 E. Ontario St. Wrap it up Haven't made plans for Father's Day? You've still got time to make him proud. Give Dad the royal treatment at a Dining Like a King dinner honoring the Field's "Tutankhamun" exhibit. Tut-tillating cocktails ($11) and Egyptian fare hold court at the table (think prime rib, cucumber salad and hummus). Available for parties of eight or more-so go ahead, invite mummy's great aunt Olga. Available for lunch with groups of 20 or more ($26 per person). More on the menu: hummus and pita, cucumber salad, fish, prime rib of beef and more. For dessert, a chocolate Egyptian sculpture filled with hazelnut mousse and raspberry coulis. Through Jan. 1, 2007 Sundays : 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mondays : 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Tuesdays : 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays : 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Thursdays : 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Fridays : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturdays : 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Price: $48 per person. Reservations required (please specify "King" menu) Phone: 312-787-5000 ext. 23
Gosh...thanks a lot for the info, i will most defintely take you up on these things and take lots of pics.. thanks a lot everyone john
Ay-ya-yai....Alright, so it turns out I will be in Chicago...for sure now...Aug 6-Aug 9 or 10th...I look forward to it...thanks everyone for the info... john
