Chicago

I spent 3 days in Chicago last week and I must admit it's one of my favorite cities. Sure, the weather was amazing (low 80's) and I didn't have to experience brutal winter weather, so that may sway my thoughts a little.

Lake Michigan is big on the map but I've never experienced it first hand. I was shocked to actually experience how big it was. Chicago backs right up to Lake Michigan and parts are setup just like a beach. Sand and waves from the wind and wake of boats. They have a nice walk that runs along it and beautiful new condos built overlooking the lake. At times it reminded me as if I were at the ocean.

I stayed at SwissHotel (SwissOtel) and it was incredibly expensive (retail $529 per night). I had amazing views of Navy Pier from floor 33. The room was quite large, decorated nicely, and the bathroom had a separate tub and stand up shower. I took a few ideas that I hope to use in the vacation rentals.

The service was nice but I still can't believe it was so much per night. I ordered room service at a whopping $45 just for pancakes and bacon. The hotel is in a great location and on my next trip to Chicago more than likely I'll stay at it again (after all, it's the business footing the bills).

We had dinner at Texas De Brazil one night and it was amazing. I've never ate their before and always wanted to. The food wouldn't stop flowing and the wine selection was great. It was entertaining watching them get the wine from the cellar where a lady suspending from the ceiling navigates on ropes to pull it down.

Miller's Pub was also fun . The second night we enjoyed some local beer at a pub in downtown Chicago since the 50's. Of course with a name "Miller's" how could it not be good?

Driving around downtown had plenty of brand new buildings under construction with great architectural. Some of the traditional buildings such as the Sears tower were amazing to see in person.

I really enjoyed a large bean like sculpture that was shiny and was like a mirror. It was a nice piece of art in downtown with nice buildings around it and tall brick walls with running water. A nice artistic touch for sure.

The only issue during the whole trip was trying to get back to New York City. All American Airlines flights were canceled and I was forced to stay an extra night. After calling 35 hotels (yes, really I called that many) I found one available on Lakeshore Drive.

This Ramada Inn on Lakeshore SUCKED. It was in a terrible location ($85 cab ride from O'Hare) and the room was disgusting. Upon arriving the lobby wasn't that bad. The staff were friendly, but not really helpful getting advice on how to get back to the airport in the morning.

After paying $165 for the night I get my access key and told to leave the lobby, walk across the parking lot, and go into the other building. That walk is where it went down hill.

It was like a motel on the other side. A two floor building that you walk into a section with two rooms on the bottom and a flight of steps up to another two. I had a lower level room and upon walking in it was a joke.

The bed was disgusting, the furniture was all wooden with tons of scratches, the shower had black stuff in it which I hope was just marks and not mold, and the AC made the entire room smell like moth balls. I've stayed in some junk places and this is among the top of my list.

I wasn't expecting much, but certainly not this.

Every time someone left the door would slam and I could hear them. I slept with my jeans on and didn't go under the covers. The shower was nasty and I elected to wash my face, brush my teeth, and shower a few hours later in NYC.

Never stay at this Ramada:
http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=00538&brandInfo=RA

I would have been better of sleeping in the airport.

Other than that, Chicago was a wonderful place. I hope to go back soon.

Check out the photo gallery:

http://jamz.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=16155