Chicago Business Trip

I had a business trip to Chicago. I was only there four days and there is so much to see. I stayed at the Chicago Marriott Suites which I will review in this journal, and ate at a few great restaurants. I rented a car for the weekend after flying my wife out so we could drive to Carmel Indiana for the weekend. In this journal you will read about my limited experience while in Chicago.

Quick Tips:

Schedule enough time to see the city. I would like to go again for a pleasure trip to see its many sites.

Best Way To Get Around:

My company is cheap and did not want to spring for a rental car. I took a shuttle from the airport to the Hotel. Getting around in the city was very easy with public Transport with the "El" being nearby.

5 minutes from O'Hare International Airport with a complimentary shuttle and a short walk to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. It is all-suite hotel and is connected to Riverway Office Complex. Accommodations include a living room with a wet bar and refrigerator, a king-sized bedroom and high-speed Internet access (although the cost is approximately $15 per day for use). The hotel offers a fitness room, pool, and in-room workout packages. Allie's American Grille & Bar is an informal spot to enjoy a meal. The hotel features 2,575-sq-ft Conference Center and catering services. If you want to explore Chicago, El-Train service to downtown is located a short distance away.

The room was very nice and clean. The problems started when I attempted to check-in. This was pre-arranged through a company account and paid for. I had fax and e-mail confirmation for my room. However, when attempting to check-in they could not locate the records. After a long plane ride I was not up to arguing so I charged to my own P-card. I was informed the next day that all charges were reverted to the pre-arranged account and all was well. Well, when I attempted to check-out I found that not only was I charged on my own P-card but I was charged three times. I needed this P-card available for my weekend trip to Indiana so I expressed my concern. I was told that my P-card would show the correct charges in about a week and not to worry. I explained that I would be using this card and it was over its limit and I needed these funds released immediately. After a couple of hours on the phone with my charge card company and finally intervention from the Marriott Manager it was taken care of. For my trouble they did not charge me for Internet services. Other people at the Hotel also encountered problems at check-out. If you like headaches and debates then this is the place for you. As for me I think I will try somewhere else next time.

Rock 'n' Roll junkies will love this two-story restaurant with a larger-than-life Gibson guitar over the front entrance. A showcase for mainstream music memorabilia, objects include a piano used by the band Chicago, Brian Ferry's denim jacket, one of George Harrison's suits and scores of autographed posters and photographs. Choose from classic American fare such as burgers, baby-back ribs, homemade chili and incredibly good shakes. The beer was very cold and the portions of food were very large.

Be prepared for a wait. This atmosphere is not conducive to a relaxing or quiet meal. Expect a frantic, high energy environment filled with many sights, sounds, and smells. Live entertainment on the weekends. Reservations accepted for large groups only. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop.

The best stuffed pizza I have ever ate. It was rated The Best Pizza In America by the Today Show. I ate there three times in my short time in Chicago. Salads and soups were great also. I would recommend it to any pizza lover.

The Green Mill, the oldest continuously running jazz club in the US and possibly the world, is a popular nightspot and a chance to see a living piece of Chicago history. There is live jazz here every night of the week, and poetry on Sundays. The crowd is mixed and there is a good selection at the bar. Just know that during some performances no talking above a whisper is allowed. The place has a great and colorful history. It got its start as The Green Mill Gardens in 1914 and was then leased to "Machine Gun" McGurn, a suspect in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, during Prohibition and turned into a speakeasy.

There is still a trap door behind the bar that leads to a tunnel used to smuggle in alcohol. The Green Mill was exclusive and men had to wear a tuxedo to get in. It was a favorite hangout of many gangsters including Al Capone who had his own booth there. Charlie Chaplin was also a regular. Such acts as Billie Holiday, Al Jolson, and Benny Goodman were frequent. Cover may be charged on some nights. Hours are 11am-4am Sunday, noon-4am Monday through Friday, and noon-5am Saturday. Street parking is available.