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Some time this summer I am going to take my son and grandson (8 years old) to Chicago. This will be the little guy's second train trip. We will ride the Texas Eagle there and back from St. Louis. The TE's schedule is the most convenient for us.
The plan is to stay about three days plus two travel days. I would like to expose my grandson to some of the great sights such as the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, one of the museums, and maybe lunch in the Hancock Building (95th floor). We will try to get a stroll in down Navy Pier also, and maybe sample one of those wonderful Italian beef sandwiches. Three days isn't much time.
I am planning to book a hotel through Hotwire. I would like to stay in the Loop/Theatre District or the Grant Park area. I am open to any suggestions as to the best lodging. In the past I have stayed either in the Loop which is east of Union Station and the river, or north of the river on the Magnificent Mile. The latter is probably out of my price range (I am retired). The Hotwire map includes part of the Theatre Distict west of the Loop. Since I have been away from Chicago for some years I am not sure about that neighborhood.
I would appreciate any guidance concerning the lodging.
Thanks.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Iron Mountain, while I have never had experience with any of the third party consolidator or auction hotel sites (when traveling; the best surprise is no surprise), the hotel in the heart of the theatre district is the Hotel Allegro, which possibly you knew as the Bismarck.
However, and again likely showing my ignorance of the third party sites, don't you have to "pony up" first and THEN you find out where you will be staying? Kind of reminds me of being in service where, when being reassigned, you don't know - let alone if OSEAS your flight - until "like yesterday". Oh well, one thing to put up with that kind of crap when you are 25; but not 72.
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