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Chicago architectural tour by boat and a stay at The Swissotel
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The Chicago River and Navy Pier May, 2009
We're lucky enough to have a son who lives in Chicago. He is the perfect excuse to visit that wonderful city, and while we try not to make pests of ourselves while we're there, Jason has acted as gracious host and knowledgeable guide around Chi-town on several occasions. He is, unfortunately, under the impression that I am in better shape than I am, so since his tours in the past have seemed to traverse miles on foot, I have learned to take comfortable shoes and work out on the treadmill for several days prior to a visit. I'm actually only partly kidding about this point. We in Detroit are dependent on our cars for everything; we can't run simple errands without firing up the big block. In Chicago, there's little need of a personal automobile. So many active, thriving businesses exist within a few block walk of nearly everywhere in the city that people actually rely on their legs to get them where they need to go. Imagine! And, if the destination is simply too far to walk? How about a cab, a bus, a train, a trolley, or "The El"? All are plentiful, affordable, and easily accessible around the Chicago.
Side note: While I realize the first issue is actually convincing people to want to BE in our city, Detroit really needs to take a look at how they're going to move people around in it safely and economically once they get them there. Ok, back on topic...
In 2006, we were treated to front table seating at a late-evening performance at Second City in honor of my husband's birthday. The show was hysterical, the theater itself interesting, and the comedians top-notch. One can see why so many actors and comedians that we've come to love on television and in films got their starts at SC. Both before and after the show, Jay guided us to a few of his favorite haunts and past a few others just to ogle the sights.
The following day, on an idyllic May afternoon, we took the architectural tour by boat, along the river and past buildings from before the time of the Chicago fire. A docent from one of the local universities was pleasant and knowledgeable and led our tour, stopping frequently to answer questions or to give us the background "color" that made the tours one of the favorites I've ever attended.
More recently, just this past month, we headed back to Chicago and managed a stay at the Swissotel, right downtown on the river. While the least expensive room in the hotel typically runs more than $130 per night, we booked through Orbitz and got one for just $88. Once we arrived, we were offered a $30 upgrade to a room on the 24th floor overlooking Navy Pier on one side and downtown via the river on the other. Spectacular! This is the only Swissotel in the United States and, if you can find a good enough deal, is certainly worth the stay.(More about Swissotel deals below) The triangular-shaped building offers stunning views from nearly every room and the location, right in the heart of downtown Chicago, just can't be beat for shopping and sightseeing. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of before you book your room:
First of all, while the hotel offers a gym and swimming pool, the charge to use them is steep - $15 per person per day. Second, if you drive to Chicago and need to park at the hotel, parking is valet only and the charge is (are you ready?) $56.00 per day. That includes in and out privileges, but the fee is still very steep for most of us who aren't used to the rather pricey lap of luxury. One interesting note about the parking: If you drive a hybrid, you'll save 50%. No kidding.
Swissotel is currently offering several nifty packages that range from $139 per night which includes a breakfast buffet for two adults (a savings of $50) to $409 per night for a deluxe corner king room, dinner for two at the Palm Steakhouse in the hotel as well as breakfast for two at Geneva Restaurant, also on site. (I realize I may have lost some of you when I mentioned $50 for two breakfast buffets, but apparently there are folks who don't think twice about things like that. I'm just not among them.)
Some of the other packages, priced in between the $139 and $409 per night, include admissions to various museums and events around Chicago. Check out the site for more details.
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