#themepark

Groundswell Coffe Roasters

I really like this place groundswellcoffe in chicago, I saw a lot of mothers and their children, working people and various friends. Excellent temperature coffee, I ordered this latte very rich I would probably say that this coffee shop is a must for coffee lovers! The service was good, and the variety of coffee served in the ambiance was very satisfying. If you like your coffee shops, then this is a must-visit! We will be back again! #café#themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

backlot coffee

Backlot Cafe in chicago is perfect for grabbing a delicious coffee and enjoying your day on the outside it doesn't look overwhelming and the interior is beautiful backlotcoffee Unquestionably, the best coffee shop in the area! I’m so thankful that finally, I was able to find this spot for some good coffee just in time. The atmosphere inside this coffee shop was very vibrant and relaxing. I will definitely rate them a five-star for everything that they provided. Truly amazing! Thank you so much, guys! #café#themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Newportocoffe Chicago

Newportocoffe is a type of coffee where you feel inspired to work but also comfortable to talk , I really like the minimalism in the design and also the many accessories, coffee for grinding and home tasting Will go again.I only popped in to get take-away cappuccinos, but I was struck by how friendly the service was. The cappuccinos were wonderful too! And very well priced #coffeeshop #café#themepark#zoo#lakes

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Off the banks of the Chicago River, this luxurious hotel is conveniently located within 5 minutes' walk of the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. As the largest hotel in Chicago, this hotel features numerous of on-site dining options, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center and spa. Each environmentally-friendly room at Chicago Hyatt Regency includes a 37-inch flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. A desk and seating area are also provided in every room. The hotel offers a wide array of services on site, including car rental, a concierge staff, a babies travel lite program, 24-hour in-room dining, and ticket services. Laundry and dry cleaning services are also available on site. Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi serves fine chops and seafood in an elegant atmosphere. Market Chicago, open 24-hours a day, features Starbucks coffee, sandwiches and breakfast items. BIG Bar features views of the city and signature cocktails. American Craft Kitchen and Bar is open for lunch and dinner and serves sandwiches and salads. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Warwick Allerton Chicago

Located among the shopping, dining and entertainment on the Magnificent Mile, this boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and offers historic architecture, on-site dining options and a 24-hour fitness center. The modern, stylish rooms at Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago feature a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station and work desk. Guests can enjoy a drink from the room's mini-bar. Select rooms feature spectacular Magnificent Mile views. M Avenue Restaurant offers progressive American fare with seasonal specials for breakfast and lunch. Guests can grab a drink at M Avenue Lounge, which offers free WiFi, small plates and an array of cocktails and spirits. 12,000 square feet of on-site meeting and banquet space is available at the Warwick Allerton. The meeting spaces include luxury furnishings, modern technology and catering options. A 24-hour business center and same-day laundry and dry-cleaning services are also offered. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Needs an update

Stayed at this hotel in July and it was clear from the get go that they are understaffed. The hallways and room clearly show that the hotel has not been updated in many years. The room was clean and the bed was pretty firm but not bad. The bathtub was rust-stained and the grout between the tiles had mold stains. There was little traffic noise but the worst part is the extremely noisy air conditioner. The first time it came on at night I really thought it was a huge truck passing on the nearby road. This kept waking me up every time it came on. Overall, it's ok for a one night stay but I'll be looking for something else, terima #themepark#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Wonderful Place to Stay!

I booked Monday night to Friday at this hotel. Contacted them to let them know I’d be arriving Tuesday morning, very early on a red eye from the west coast. I’ve done this many times and never had an issue - in fact, the hotels have always appreciated the notice as it gives them more flexibility (for example, to let another lifetime tit Jim member like me, or any other guest, have a late check out). Not this hotel. They stated I’d need to pay for another night. I explained that I’d already paid for the night before when I wanted to arrive and was just trying to give them a heads up, but they insisted I go for another night (2 nights before my arrival) to get an early morning check in. Spoke to two people - both said the same thing. So I cancelled the reservation and filed a complaint. Then the front desk manager tried to pretend like it was all just a big misunderstanding. I saved the messages with the hotel. So, please. Do yourself a favor and find another hotel, that isn’t unethically trying to get people to pay two nights before they arrive in exchange for an early morning arrival. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Lovely stay

We stayed in a suite in the Hotel Audrey from July 31-August 3. We were very pleased with the room and the service. We arrived in Chicago early Saturday morning and thought we would have to leave our bag and wander until check in time. But the desk clerk was lovely and let us check in, as they had a suite available. We were told on check-in that there was not daily maid service, but to let them know if we need anything and they would see what could be done. Luckily, we keep ourselves pretty neat, so it wasn't a problem. The suite was pretty spacious with a king size bedroom, office area and living area. These areas are not able to be closed off from each other, but that didn't bother us. We just liked having the space. The only room complaint is that the bathroom is pretty small. Also, being in the first room off the elevator, we thought there might be noise from that. There wasn't but you could hear anybody talking in the hallway. It was pretty annoying when the Lollapalooza attending girls down the hall wanted to discuss their day, standing in the hallway at midnight. Not the hotel's fault exactly, but some soundproofing would help. The location of Hotel Audrey is great. It's only a block off Michigan Ave, and right next to Neiman Marcus and Geno's Pizza, but it sill manages to feel like a quiet spot. We were able to easily walk to tons of shopping and food and get an Uber / Lyft without too much wait. The lobby has a really comfortable vibe, but I hope they get the lobby coffee shop back open soon. I know that running hotels in the time of COVID is leading to a lot of loss of services, so I'm willing to adjust, but I hope said service come back soon. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

A September Visit

I first encountered the Water Tower, on N Michigan Ave (Magnificent Mile), when we first stayed at the near-by Ritz Carlton. That was about 25-30 years ago. On this September trip, we were staying near-by, but at the Westin, a block, or so away. The Water Tower is really two buildings, on either side of N Michigan Ave, the Water Tower itself, with a small art gallery, and then the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, much of which is now a Department of Tourism office, a small theater, the Looking Glass Theater Company. For me, the architecture is the primary draw, and it always has been, however, there is much history associated with the Water Tower - the second oldest remaining such tower in the USA. Even in the dull light of a cloudy September day, the structure is beautiful, reaching into the sky 185'. As much of this area has been rebuilt, with much more modern structures, the Water Tower is a throwback - a throwback to 1869. Visually, it almost seems out of place, but then maybe it’s the newer, much more modern structures, which are themselves, out of place? One positive effect that I encountered on this day, was that the light was soft, as too often, these two structures have some hard shadows cast upon them, by the taller, surrounding buildings. Besides walking around each of the buildings, I also got to gaze upon the Tower Building, from the restaurant, a few floor up in the Park Hyatt hotel - a view that I had never taken in before. I spent probably an hour and a half between both buildings, and would recommend that one budget at least an hour, to take both structures in, to their fullest fsyvvhijcs #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

cafe PPR

Using coffee brewed with the Dutch Coffee technique as a canvas and decorated with a smooth sweet cream, Lee drew latte art directly by hand. From as simple as a tree of colored flowers, to Van Gogh's famously elaborate and famous painting Starry Night, this coffee drink by Lee is a pleasure to drink! #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

A TRAIN STORY 🚋 1, 2 or 3 ?

After a few days strolling around the city, I am quite fascinated by the Downtown elevated trains aka the ‘L’ rail system. Seeing it from different perspectives helped me better understand how it shaped the development of buildings and streets with the Loop ! What’s your favorite perspective ? @choosechicagofr #chicagohome #themepark#nationalpark

Hello Chicago 🇺🇸 1, 2 or 3 ?

Touched down in the Windy City where I will be spending the next week ! I've heard so many good things about this city that I am so excited to be here with @choosechicagofr ! Here are some impressions from yesterday 5AM sunrise around the Millenium Park thanks to the jet lag 😜 Check out my Stories for more ! #cloudgate #chicagohome #themepark#nationalpark

CHICAGO VIBES 📸

Throwback to these moody street vibes in Downtown Chicago ! Missing my time there last Summer with a great group of people and a nice weather. Most of these shots were taken on the last days of the trip as I had more time to explore the city and do some street photography ! I especially loved taking pictures in the morning when people are suited up to go to work ! #mychicagothursday #chicagohome #themepark#nationalpark

Oak Street Beach is located on North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan. One of a series of Chicago beaches, the Chicago Park District defines Oak Street Beach as the area from approximately 1550 North Lake Shore Drive to 500 North Lake Shore Drive, excluding Ohio Street Beach, the South Ledge, a concrete path running from Ohio Street beach to the Oak Street Curve, Oak Street Beachstro Restaurant, Oak Street Beach proper, the North Ledge, and a concrete path running from Oak Street Beach to North Avenue Beach. #triplocal #lakes #nationalpark #themepark #beaches #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Chicago is the largest city in the United States state of Illinois, founded on August 12, 1833. Known for its scattered ranch and industrial estates, its strategic port on the Great Lakes, its position as the most important railroad hub in the northern US, and its unflagging passion during the Great Fire of 1871. Also known for famous writers such as Saul Bellow, Gwendolyn Brooks, Carl Sandburg, and Theodore Dreiser, as well as for its world-class architecture produced by masters such as Frank Lloyd Wright. The size of Chicago today – ± 762 sq mi (1,973 km2) – grew from a trading post here by John Kinzie in 1796. Steel-reinforced skyscrapers hail from Chicago. The Chicago Home Insurance Building was completed (1885) and 9 years later, 21 buildings were built with a height of ±12-16 floors. Growing into a leading 19th century city because of its location and importance as a transportation hub, Chicago was appointed to host the 1893 World Columbian Expo, outperforming even NYC and Washington DC. #themepark #lakes #triplocal #nationalpark #beaches #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

springs

it was a beautiful experience #themepark

lDo you want to relax and unwind

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping - #themepark#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel

We were checked in by Michael (receptionist) & Kirby (the surpervisor). They need more training on how to handle themselves in front of customers as well as how to treat your customer. You DO NOT let your guests wait for almost 2 hours to check into all their rooms! All issues can be solved the next morning if you needed extra payment from Agoda then its your problem & Agoda not OURS! We were VERY ANGRY & DISAPPOINTED! I have booked through agoda hundreds of time something like this have never happened to us. Michael (the receptionist) told me that the Agoda credit card cannot be charged for 4 rooms. Agoda only authorised a certain amount to be charged and only enough for 2 rooms. So they let us check in to 2 rooms and we need to wait for the other 2. And so we waited and try calling Agoda (the girl who assisted us was helpful). Let say the amount I paid to Agoda was $1800 for all 4 rooms for 2 nights stay. But in their hotel system each room charged was $650 for 2 nights. That is why the amount authorized by Agoda was not enough. As they need $2600 in total. I told both of them I have worked in hotels before I know sometimes the reservation department can input the wrong amount for the room rates. Especially if the guests booked through third party usually they get special rates (that is what third party websites are for! People get special rates than hotel website!) they insisted that they need payments in advanced from agoda! I told them to get the $1800 as the preauth for all rooms and they can resolve the issue tom morning with their reservation department. Because i have paid everything to agoda and not going to pay any more extras. They finally gave me the other 2 room keys after I SNAPPED! Michael told us. We are the first agoda customer they ever get. So what if we are the first? If you are not aware / have experience then dont stand behind the desk. #themepark#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Excellent location, nice breakfast

We were able to walk to all the loop locations we were interested in, and were about half a block from the L train, so easily able to get around in the city outside the loop. Perfect if you are interested in the city more than the hotel, which we were. The service was pleasant and competent; the food was nice but not extraordinary. We did notice that the weekday breakfast was nicer (more fruit) than the weekend breakfast, at least during our stay. We would gladly stay agaiWe were able to walk to all the loop locations we were interested in, and were about half a block from the L train, so easily able to get around in the city outside the loop. Perfect if you are interested in the city more than the hotel, which we were. The service was pleasant and competent; the food was nice but not extraordinary. We did notice that the weekday breakfast was nicer (more fruit) than the weekend breakfast, at least during our stay. We would gladly stay again. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago

The hotel is literally 1 minute walk off Michigan Avenue, which is where you want to be when you spend a weekend in Chicago. You are at walking distance to the main shops, cares and restaurants, the waterfront and the cultural sights. The room was comfortable, clean, nicely decorated and quiet. Staff were friendly and efficient. We didn't have breakfast or dinner at the hotel so I can't rate the food/dining experience. Free wi-fi in the lobby, extortionate in the rooms. Definetily recommended. The hotel is literally 1 minute walk off Michigan Avenue, which is where you want to be when you spend a weekend in Chicago. You are at walking distance to the main shops, cares and restaurants, the waterfront and the cultural sights. The room was comfortable, clean, nicely decorated and quiet. Staff were friendly and efficient. We didn't have breakfast or dinner at the hotel so I can't rate the food/dining experience. Free wi-fi in the lobby, extortionate in the rooms. Definetily recommended. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Chicago South Loop Hotel

The hotel was easy to find in a great location. We went there for the Stones Concert in Soldier Field. I was worried about transportation etc. since we are from a small town. Everything worked out great. A big plus was the large parking lot for our vehicle. The staff was very helpful recommending restaurants and providing directions. Check in was very fast.the room was large and clean. We walked 3 blocks to Chinatown which was very interesting. Their was a shuttle to and from the concert which made us feel at ease. The breakfast in the morning was made to order and very good. Would stay here again for any event in the area. Just wish their lounge would have been open. ahh mantap #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Congress Plaza Hotel

Be wary of prices for this hotel that seem to good for its look and location. There are actually two hotels here--the lovely Congress Plaza Hotel that is advertised and the "Buckingham wing", probably the most ironically named hotel section ever. It is actually a separate building that is attached to the main hotel. It is dingy, poorly lit, and full of broken metal furniture. The door to the fridge fell off its hinges when we opened it. The base to our desk lamp was bent so the lamp rocked back and forth when you touched it. The security door between our adjoined rooms had to be opened by security--who just body slammed it open. No lie. Admittedly, I was surprised that the price for the hotel seemed so reasonable, but there was no indication that it wasn't a regular room in the hotel instead of some weird side building that looked like it was out of the "real" from the Matrix. If you see a good deal for the hotel, ask where the room is located. If it's the Buckingham wing, DO NOT TAKE. hahwhwhw #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan

Built in 1928, this historic Chicago hotel is located inside Mather Tower and overlooks the Chicago River. It features free WiFi, and rooms which can have city or river views. Luxury shopping along the Magnificent Mile is just 1 block from Chicago Club Quarters. Grant Park is 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel and Navy Pier is 1.6 km away. Styled in cool colors, rooms at Club Quarters, Wacker At Michigan feature a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station and coffee facilities. Luxury bedding and a well-lit work area are also provided. The Club Room offers free newspapers, games and 3 computer stations. A modern gym and laundry facilities are on site. Room service is available. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

La Quinta by Wyndham Chicago Downtown

Every room at La Quinta Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown provides a 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels and a work desk with an ergonomic chair. A microwave and refrigerator are also featured in all rooms. In-room dining services are available. Guests of the Chicago Downtown La Quinta Inn & Suites have access to the 24-hour on-site fitness center. There is a complimentary business center with free printing services and meetings rooms with top amenities for groups of all sizes. The Washington/Wells transportation rail stop is just 3 blocks away, offering easy access to the city’s famed attractions. The hotel is 1.6 km away from the luxury shopping, dining and entertainment on the Magnificent Mile. United Center and Lincoln Park Zoo are both 3.2 km away. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Gale Chicago

The guest rooms are newly renovated and fully furnished with a microwave, marble accents and sprawling views of the Windy City with select viewpoints facing the John Hancock building. Spacious one and two bedroom suites are available. Pelago Ristorante serves fine Italian cuisine made with fresh and local ingredients for lunch and dinner. The property features contemporary amenities with fitness center. Oak Street Beach and the fine dine dining and shopping on Magnificent Mile both a 3-minute walk away. Navy Pier is 1.6 km away from the hotel. This is our guests' favorite part of Chicago, according to independent reviews. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Poor Cleaning Service

Hilton brand has suspended room service, so if you are staying in one of their properties for multiple days you can expect to take the trash out, change your own bed linen, and run to the front desk to fetch towels and any other amenities. The price of the room still reflects the Hilton name just not the amenities. Breakfast is suspended as well cold sandwiches and other things are provided however they have the guest using two Keurig machines to make coffee neither of those are wiped down after guest use nor are their wipes near by to do so.It was supposed to be 100% smoke free, but the rooms and hallway smelled strongly of smoke mixed with fragrance to try to minimize it. There was terrible customer service - inefficient, slow and quick to blame the guest. I witnessed the guy in front of me get yelled at by the clerk for trying to extend his reservation. I was made to feel stupid when I didn’t get what I booked through the Hilton app. I won’t stay there again #themepark#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

The best view and modern hotel so far away

Sable is a new boutique hotel by Hilton's Curio Collection. It is bright, clean with lake views from each room. It is built in three pods of 6 (?) levels each. The receptionists Lisel and Cara were outstanding throughout the stay. Intelligent alert, with a multitude of knowledge and charm. I can easily recommend that they be entered in any upward management programs. The Lirica restaurant just off the reception area also had great views and well as an interesting menu. It is not the most friendly hotel for a handicap person especially if they are located in the pod furthest from the reception area. It is a long walk. Maybe they need a golf cart to help handicapped individuals to the 3rd pod. The Offshore rooftop was breezy, relaxed and with great views. Service was excellent throughout the stay. I would definitely stay again. I look forward to the ongoing progress in the long interior corridor of the hotel and the whole Navy Pier. It sure has changed since i knew it when I grew up in Chicago in the 40's and early 50"s. A walk down memory lane for me. Way to go Hilton! hahaha #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Up, Up and Shop!

This is a great mall! Instead of being spread out over endless "miles" of shops, this mall goes up. Different stores are on different levels. You don't need to walk far to find a wide variety of shops with goods at an equally wide variety of prices. If you can't find what you are looking for in this mall you probably don't need it. Benches and chairs and small areas with couches are placed when husbands or anyone needs a break. This is a fun place to spend an afternoon. Lego shop and American girl store make this a great place for kids jaman now #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

Liked it. Excellent location

Was there on a busy weekend (Juneteenth and Father's Day) and this may be one of the most unique hotels I have been in. As a vintage hotel I found it more interesting than others. There definitely seem to be some efforts to straddle the line between vintage and modern but I feel like they pulled it off. I picked it based on location and price. There were tons of plugs in the room. I don't think I had an issue with wifi. Reasonably large bathroom. I thought the staff worked hard and tried to be alert. I did not try the restaurant. It seems post covid the city might have had a slightly difficult time that may have affected the hotel. For example, those outdoor tables weren't there and they had some rooms facing the street that seem to be between tenants, such as an old barber shop. I think this place does weddings. I wish there were a cheaper parking option. The place didn't seem very clear to me about whether I had in/out privileges. One thing I liked about the location was it was sorta in the middle of downtown Chicago. So to the right was the Aquarium and Soldier Field. To the left was the rest of the city and Navy Pier. I think Navy Pier was maybe a 20ish minute walk away. There's tons of shade and places to sit in the huge park in front of the hotel. It was close to the subway to be able to go up to Wrigley. The neighborhood was a tad loud but that's about what I expect in a huge city. Be careful with the subway. I am told there are two different kinds of train. They are something like a subway system and train system, and if you take the wrong one you could be going for a pretty long ride. Beds were ok. Weeks later when I got home I sent them a message about something I noticed about the hotel and they were pretty responsive. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Some Actual Shopping This Visit

We were back in Chicago in September, and once more staying at the Westin on Michigan Ave, just a block, or so, from the Water Tower Place shopping center, 835 N Michigan Ave on the Magnificent Mile, and anchored by a Macy’s. On this visit, the weather was gloomy, cool, overcast with sporadic rain. While my wife was in meetings, I was tasked with picking up some makeup for her, and she knew that Macy’s carried this particular brand, so off to Water Tower Place I headed. One of the things, which I saw (how could I have missed this before?) was a stepped water feature, between the escalators, with interesting “tubes” of water between each level. Maybe I had been focused on going to a specific store in Water Tower Place, or just not looked in the right direction. On this day (really was in no urgent need to go back outside in the weather), I took the time to study this water feature - intriguing, for certain, and maybe I was able to pick up a few ideas for one of our water features back home, due for a remodel? Water Tower Place is a large shopping center, built close to the original Water Tower, which is probably the oldest building in downtown Chicago, and which holds historic significance due to the devastating Chicago Fire. With my wife’s makeup in hand, I was off to survey the Water Tower Place namesake buildings - one on either side of Michigan Ave. Even if the weather had been great outside, Water Tower Place would still be a great indoor space to spend a few hours. Besides the retail, there are dining options, as well, though I only was shopping, and for specific items, on this visit. I could well imagine one spending several hours in Water Tower Place, and especially so, if they enjoy shopping hylosss #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes