Arriving in Chicago?

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Permalink Reply by Coco on March 18, 2010 at 11:09am

We are staying at the Residence Inn even though we live in Chicago. We want to a chance Thursday night to meet everyone and the drive will be much shorter (by an hour) in the morning.

This past weekend I met with other navy moms who live in Chicago and whose kids have been in the Navy for awhile. The one piece of advise they had for all of you out of towners is don't get stuck going to Gurnee Mills. It is just an outlet mall and the shops and sites are much better in the city. Plus they said that people will notice and congratulate your sailor much more downtown than they will at Gurnee Mills where everyone is used to seeing navy personel.(because its so close to the base). There is a USO meeting place located at Navy Pier that is open to all military personel and their families. There is also supposed to be one at both airports. Ask questions about the city...and I will see if I can answer! Also I haven't done it yet but you may want to do a google search on discounts for military personel. I know right now during March Outback Steakhouse if offering free "Bloomin Onions" to all active and retired militar personell....one of my son's favorites.

Permalink Reply by hacmps (ship 9 div 134) on March 18, 2010 at 11:20am

Thanks for the info!!! I am going to try to take my son (20 months old yesterday) to Navy Pier...I think they have a "free" toddler day. Too bad hubby can't make it....we arrive at 910am, so now I need to find things to do to occupy my time!!!

Permalink Reply by Coco on March 18, 2010 at 12:45pm

Are you going to have a car or taking the public trans?

Permalink Reply by hacmps (ship 9 div 134) on March 18, 2010 at 1:08pm

Car. Got a really good deal through National....Full size car pick up at 930 thursday drop off 630 sun...112 after taxes

Permalink Reply by Kym proud mom :) on March 18, 2010 at 9:55pm

Lewismom,
If you had 24 hours to stay in Chicago, with your love (married 25 years) where would you stay?? for about $200 for the night.
We will be staying close to GL 25th - 29th, but have to take my Mom back to the airport on Monday, we don't fly back home till Tuesday.

we want to see Navy pier, & maybe Sears tower..... any advice is welcome :)
Kym

Permalink Reply by Coco on March 20, 2010 at 10:52am

Kym,

There are soooo many great hotels in Chicago - especially downtown! My recomendation is that you get one where you can have a view of the city - so cool at night. There are also plenty of boutique hotels in Chicago that are gorgeous. I think the best bang for your buck is the Sheraton Chicago...it is right along the river and often fairly affordable and pops up on all the last minute sites on expedia and travelocity and lastminute.com. The Swiss Hotel or Trump would be the big splurge but the Sheraton is really nice too. I am also including a link to a free discount website that is offereing nights at Hotel 71 (which I know nothing about but their website looks nice and they appear to be new hote l(www.hotel71.com) on Michigan avenue) for 1/2 off or $109 per night - today only. Let me know if you are looking at any others.

http://www.sheratonchicago.com/
http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Home
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-2993-sofitel-chicago-water-tower/in...
http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/

http://www.groupon.com/chicago/ - Hotel 71 half off deal today only
http://www.peninsula.com/Chicago/en/default.aspx

Permalink Reply by Kym proud mom :) on March 20, 2010 at 6:15pm

you got my head spinning.....
what do you think of The palmer house Hilton?

Permalink Reply by Coco on March 21, 2010 at 9:35am

It a gorgeous hotel but the views are average because of it's location.

Permalink Reply by Nancy Dan'sMom Hospital Corpsmen on March 19, 2010 at 9:36am

LewisMom, Just wondering if you have any suggestions for what to make sure we fit in in Chicago if we only have a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday (due to their maybe needing to be back at base by evening)? It's a 40 minute drive or probably longer taking public transportation, so that could limit the time in the city quite a bit.

Permalink Reply by Montana on March 18, 2010 at 12:56pm

We are also staying at the Residence Inn and are planing on going to the meet and greet at the Ramada.
I grew up in Chicago but I have not lived there for many years. Friends mentioned a great Pizza Place was Quonset Pizza 2602 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085 Depending on what our son wants we may hit there one day. Still don't know if he is a Grad and Go. I am looking forward to meeting all of you mom's.

Permalink Reply by MrsLindsey (Ship 09 Div 134) on March 18, 2010 at 1:12pm

Really random question but maybe someon can give me an idea. Does anyone know if there is a kabob place in the area? My hubby wants "good food" and wants me to pick it out! He was not born in the US, so we have very differing ideas on what "good food" is! Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Coco on March 18, 2010 at 1:51pm

What is his defination of good food?

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