I decided to do this yesterday, but since I'm a world-class procrastinator, I put it off. and look what happened...everyone else is doing it. So here is my addidtion. In the middle of June, I'm headed to Chicago for my boy's wedding. and I thought I would ask the well-traveled chaps here for some advice. Firstly, how effective are the online sites that advertise getting good hotel deals? and what are the best ones you have used? Secondly, I will have a couple of days to sightsee and am curious about what are the best sights to see while I am there?
Congrats on the son getting hitched R2K. Never been to Chicago, but would love to go. I would definitely check out a Cubs game. Maybe get a picture next to the MJ statue. Sears Tower. Thats about all I have. Expedia.com is pretty good with hotel rates. I used them on my honeymoon and a room for almost half price at the Wyndahm in Greenspoint.
Chicago is a great town, and I say that even though I was locked down in the airport for 3 days as I attempted to return on New Year's Day in '99. The best way to get a deal is call the airline direct and be open with dates and times as the agents usually know the best times and days to fly, and get their best price. Then go shop the rates online, and if you happen to get a better rate you can take it or see if the airline has a comparable one. Once you do not seem to be getting much better in price means you found the best deal. Its kind of a hassle, using that method for my parents' annivesary party I ended up saving 50% on flight arrangements for 16 people in my family.
Thanks guys.. Horns..I'm not flying...driving..I prefer driving since I can see more of the country and get to stop and stretch my legs whenever I feel like it. besides the obvious smoke-breaks. 3finger....yes, it should have...but I have to be different...it's just the way I am. thx codell....pretty shocking to be one of the fathers of the groom at my age huh? expedia is one I hadnt looked at yet...I was lookin at orbitz last night.. anyone know of any other sites ? ya know...I wonder if I will have time to check out the famous Chicago blues scene? rmtex, any ideas?
I kind of like www.11thhourvacations.com for last minute stuff (to me....mid June would be last minute). They have a deal right now for the following: Discover Chicago Your Vacation Includes: 3 nights Accommodations as listed Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Chicago City Pass Admission to Sears Tower Skydeck All taxes and meal gratuities All prices are subject to avaliability and based on double occupancy City Pass Includes: The Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Alder Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and The Hancock Observatory. This would be at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Chicago, and it would cost $347 per person (based on double occupancy). Of course, if you're going alone, it wouldn't be the deal for you....but it seems like a decent deal seeing as you'd pay more than that if you just called up the hotel and paid their regular rate plus tax (and of course, you wouldn't get the city pass, dinner, and sear tower admission).
Looks like I'm going to have to kill someone if this naming convention doesn't stop soon! But, since I lived in Chicago for 7 years, I figured I should post something. Problem is, I never got out much. I recommend a Cubs game, though I'm a Southsider and hate the Cubs. The Sox don't have the same ambience though. Definitely hit the Art Institute. Go to the lakeshore and watch the boats. Just walking around downtown is a lot of fun -- it is so completely different from a place like Houston. If you're wandering aimlessly, north of the river is wealthy and do yourself a favor and stay north of 400 South or so (except when you go check out Buddy Guy's place). If you've got some spending money, check out the blues clubs, like Buddy Guy's. Ride the El to get an idea of what the city looks like. And, finally, take the Metro down to 55th street and check out University of Chicago and report on the new construction (actually, that area, Hyde Park, is pretty cool (and safe). In that area, check out the Oriental Institute on 58th and University. Also on 58th is a Wright building, the main Quads, a Seminary (with a really cool little sanctuary worth seeing), and college chicks.).
JV, I've never been to Buddy Guy's place, but when I was up there three weeks ago, it got shut down temporarily when they found over 200 rat feces in the kitchen. Yum.
Well, it isn't a place you go for the food. I've never been either because it didn't fit my student budget, but Chicago is very proud of the guy and his club.
Good thing I only drank at Buddy Guy's place when I went. Another blues club to check out in Chicago is the Checkerboard Lounge...but you had better be adventurous. It's in a rather seedy neighborhood...but then again, those are the only neighborhoods worth exploring.
