Site Sponsor


This space is available to buy or rent

Chicago – Travel and Vacation ideas for a perfect holiday

The comforts of a friendly, small-town atmosphere combined with the pleasures of big city life make Grand Rapids an ideal choice for a fun getaway with a host of indoor and outdoor activities. Chicago is the major metropolis of America’s heartland, with three million people hustling and bustling of skyscrapers that appear to rise straight out of the waters of Lake Michigan, in northern Illinois.

Chicago emerged as a rough and tough survivor after being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871 and a huge influx of immigrants from all over the world in the early 20th century brought with them a determined spirit infusing the city with cultural variety and the unique sound of Chicago-style blues music. Chicagoans have built a city that is to be reckoned with, show soaring skyscrapers including the Sears Tower (one of the tallest in the world); prosperous cultural neighborhoods; a lakefront business district, the re-energized downtown; unbeatable shopping along the famed Michigan Avenue; and top-class sports teams. One thing that does not attract visitors to Chicago is the weather, which, because of its geographical location is breezy at best, and freezing and gale-ridden at worst. It is possible to ignore the weather though, when getting caught up in the myriad of things to do, see and experience in this Midwestern metropolis – there are 30 excellent museums alone.

Chicago is a wonderful lively metropolis famous for its shopping, architecture, jazz & blues, dining, museums and more. Holidaymakers will revel in the vast array of opportunities and attractions this “windy city” has on offer. Summertime is a great time to take a holiday in Chicago, as many special events are held across this time of year. Although no matter what time of year you visit, there is always a wide range of attractions waiting for you and your family to discover including many child-friendly activities. Some of the more popular Chicago attractions are the Navy Pier, the John Hancock Building and a multitude of lakefront activities.

Chicago also is home to numerous shops where you could easily spend a few dollars or thousands. The city offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from discount outlet malls to upscale boutiques, and everything in between.

If you are after something a little more relax and less hectic, then why not visit one of Chicago’s great beaches, which are positioned along the city’s lakefront. Alternatively discover the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is one of the oldest and most modern zoos in the country. There is no admission fee for the zoo and it is open all year round.

Chicago is a great vacation destination and a great place for a memorable weekend. The Chicago has the best hotel in the greater Chicago area and maximum hotels offer premium deals on romantic weekend getaways Chicago style. Guests will love staying in these luxury rooms and having access to all of our wonderful facilities. In addition, provide some truly generous extras that make your weekend away one you’ll never forget. Go Chicago and live the most memorable moment in your life.

If you are thinking of visiting Chicago then you should first see Chicago Destination and hotel reviews for deciding the places and hotels before hand to make a perfect holiday.

DEATH BY DANCING in CHICAGO VACATION!


PART 1: DEATH BY DANCING: In Chicago in the beginning of 2008 (February… I think). This is their story…

Hotel Doubletree in Chicago-wood Dale/itasca

The recently renovated Hotel Doubletree in Chicago-Wood Dale/Itasca features 161 over-sized guestrooms, including 58 luxurious parlor suites. Each guestroom is equipped with the Sweet Dreams Experience Bedding®, a spacious desk with high-speed Internet access (for a nominal fee), cordless phones and voice mail. Alarm clock/radio with IPOD/MP3 capability, coffee maker, and hair dryer, iron/ironing board are available in all rooms. The Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Wood Dale/Itasca has a complimentary 24-hr. Business Center that offers wireless printing capability from any guest room.

The Doubletree Chicago-Wood Dale/Itasca hotel is situated in the Chancellory Business Park, just less than two miles from the Thorndale/Elgin O’hare Expressway exit off I-290/355 and nine miles west of O’hare International Airport. For business travelers our Doubletree hotel is close to numerous office buildings and industrial parks, near major corporations including Office Max, AAR, EcoLab, Midas, and Enesco. The Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Wood Dale/Itasca is near Wood Dale and Itasca railroad station for trains to and from Chicago every 30 minutes. Famous Woodfield Mall is just a short distance away on I-290.

The Garden Cafe restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Our banquet/meeting rooms are available for up to 100 persons. The Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Wood Dale/Itasca offers our hotel guests an indoor heated pool with large hot tub and Fitness Center with free weights and cardiovascular equipment; all are on-site and complimentary to Doubletree guests. Complimentary self-service laundry, valet dry cleaning, and vending/ice machines are also useful amenities.

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/CHIWDDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Chicago-Wood-Dale-Itasca-Illinois/index.do

The Doubletree Hotel in Chicago/schaumburg

The Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Schaumburg is located on National Parkway in Schaumburg, IL. The hotel is close to numerous office buildings such as Zurich, Motorola, and IBM. This Chicago hotel in the suburb of Schaumburg is a short drive to numerous restaurants and is within walking distance of the Woodfield Mall. The Doubletree hotel in Chicago/Schaumburg is located just 25 minutes northwest of O’Hare International Airport and 30 miles from downtown Chicago, IL.

The Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Schaumburg features 188 deluxe guest rooms. Each room is equipped with great amenities such as the Doubletree Sweet Dreams Experience Bedding®, a spacious desk, high-speed Internet access, two telephones and voice mail. Alarm clock/radio, coffee maker, 1875 watt hair dryer, iron/ironing board is available in all rooms. The Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Schaumburg has a complimentary 24-hour Business Center that offers wireless printing capability from any guest room.The Garden Cafe serves casual American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Room service is available from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. and our lounge is open 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily. An indoor swimming pool and exercise room are also available.

Come to our Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Schaumburg and experience the prime location to many Fortune 500 Companies and the famous Woodfield Mall .Full Service Restaurant Lounge and Banquet Services. 4900 Square Feet of Refurbished Meeting Space and 188 Newly Renovated Guest Rooms and Bathrooms.

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/CHISGDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Chicago-Schaumburg-Illinois/index.do

In: Chicago Card American Express

American Express, also known by the acronym Amex, is one of the oldest and most well-known diversified global financial business organizations, headquartered in New York. It is best known for its credit card, charge card and traveler’s check businesses.

Amex has recently introduced a new credit card named IN: CHICAGO Card American Express for people residing in or frequently visiting Chicago. Anyone having a good credit history can go for this card.

The IN: CHICAGO Card American Express will be accepted anywhere American Express cards are accepted. It brings host of benefits and rewards for cardholders – right from dining and entertainment rewards to cell phone, cable and dial-up Internet services newspaper and magazine subscriptions and even gym membership in the city.

Special Features

The card presents a special introductory APR of 0% for purchases and balance transfers for the initial six months. The regular APR for both purchases and balance transfers is 12.24%, which is reasonably low for a reward card, especially when you compare it to other cards. The card comes with no annual fee and that certainly is a big advantage for you. You can carry a balance and receive protection for all eligible purchases made with the card.

What is most impressive about the IN: CHICAGO Card American Express is its Tuesday IN: CHICAGO feature. On Tuesdays, this benefit will get you 10% off on your bills at select retail outlets, spas and health clubs. The card also gives you priority access to venues like clubs and concerts.

Your updated billing information can be viewed 24/7. You can also make online purchases and balance transfers.

Rewards Program

For every dollar spent with the card (be it in Chicago or elsewhere), you will earn what is called one INSIDE reward point. You will earn double points for spending on “city essentials”. This includes newspaper and magazine subscriptions, movies, dining, cell phone, cable and dial-up Internet services and gym membership.

These points can be redeemed in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles for free hotel stays, dining and air travel. The points you collect have no yearly limits and will never expire.

Other Benefits

The card also offers the standard benefits of any American Express card such as travel accident insurance and auto rental insurance as well as other fraud protection services with each usage. For details, visit the official web site of Amex.

Conclusion

If you are one who can make full monthly payments once the introductory period is over, and visit Chicago every now and then, spending big amounts in Chicago, you will certainly benefit from the IN: CHICAGO Card American Express. Shop, dine and entertain yourself to the hilt in your Chicago vacations, IN: CHICAGO card will take care of your expenses.

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/magnificent Mile

Welcome to the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile – the preferred choice among full-service downtown Chicago hotels for business, leisure and convention guests. Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile and adjacent to vibrant River North dining and entertainment, this stylish Chicago hotel is convenient to Navy Pier, the Merchandise Mart, McCormick Place and Chicago’s Loop business and financial district. Everything. Right where you need it! As our guest, you’ll enjoy an upscale, boutique-type hotel setting near Chicago tourist attractions and businesses:

• Located in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Magnificent Mile

• Surrounded by world-class dining, art galleries, nightclubs, and entertainment

• Two blocks from famous North Michigan Avenue shopping

• Four blocks to Navy Pier and the Loop business and financial district

• Minutes to McCormick Place Expo Hall, Millennium Park, popular museums, and lakefront

Among upscale hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois, we offer a remarkable level of convenience and style, featuring sophisticated accommodations and full-service amenities at moderate prices. Our hotel in downtown Chicago offers unrivaled services combined with comprehensive Chicago meeting facilities, making this an ideal hotel for Chicago meeting venues. Enjoy Chicago dining with classic outdoor grilling at Weber Grill – our casual onsite restaurant. Delight in delectable room service as you settle into one of our amply- appointed guestrooms, complete with refrigerator, microwave oven and stunning views of the Chicago skyline. For your convenience, our Magnificent Mile hotel offers a variety of onsite features and services, including:

• 357 generously-appointed guestrooms

• Six hospitality suites, ideal for small functions

• Weber Grill, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service

• Pavilion Pantry, open 24 hours, featuring food and beverages

• Heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and onsite fitness room

• Boutique-style lobby and amenities

• Complimentary 24-hour business center

• Free high-speed Internet in all guestrooms and public areas

• Microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, and more in each room

• Convenient access to all of Chicago’s transportation options

As the only downtown Chicago hotel in the area to offer full-service suite amenities at a non-suite price, the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

is the preferred choice for all types of travel. Relax in our comfortable, boutique-style environment, just steps from North Michigan Avenue and River North attractions. Be sure to check our Chicago travel packages for great deals on your Chicago vacation.

The Entertainer

chicago vacation

Image taken on 2008-05-30 18:30:44 by Gush Party, USA.

IMG_5830

chicago vacation

Image taken on 2009-10-18 02:30:19 by DrPizza.

Chicago Vacation Rentals

Chicago, the third largest city in the USA, is a great area of America to explore.

This fantastic city, which is located in the American state of Illinois, has something for everyone. It boasts a wealth of attractions, museums, entertainment, shopping opportunities and some delicious food. What’s more, this area also has a good selection of self catering properties in which you can stay during your holiday, so it’s ideal for a family vacation rental.

Whether you’re looking to do non-stop sightseeing, soak up the sun on the beach or catch up on some retail therapy, you will find it all here in Chicago!

There are numerous tourist attractions in Chicago. Some of the must-sees are The Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Cultural Center, Sears Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and lots more!

One of the best ways of seeing the sights of the city is by taking one of the many tours available. There are a variety of tours you can choose from, such as bus tours, bicycle tours, boat tours and even Segway tours!

The Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tour will give you the chance to ride on Trolley buses and Double Decker buses, tour and visit some of the exciting sights and attractions around the city. Some of the stops on the tour include Sears Tower, Millennium Park, Field Museum of Natural History, Theater District, Navy Pier and more.

If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the city, you should head to the Skydeck at Sears Tower. This amazing observation deck, which stands an incredible 1,353 feet above the ground, is an excellent way of enjoying Chicago. You can see for miles on a clear day.

And if you want to view even more of Chicago from a great height, you can also visit the John Hancock Observatory, where you can do the multimedia Sky Tour and check out the exciting open-air Skywalk! From this amazing viewing platform, which is located on the 94th floor of the building, you will be able to look down at the city’s Magnificent Mile.

The Magnificent Mile is an area of Chicago which you should definitely visit during your stay in this great American city – when your feet are firmly back on the ground, of course! Here you will find stores, boutiques, restaurants, hotels, entertainment facilities etc for everyone.

The Magnificent Mile is ideal for those who love shopping! There are a number of department stores here, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. So you really can shop until you drop! Chicago also has other shopping areas which are worth exploring if you are a keen shopper.

If you’ve still got some energy left after your shopping expedition, you might fancy doing something sporty during your vacation. Chicago has plenty of sports facilities and offers a range of activities, such as cycling, swimming, tennis, golf, bowling, water sports and ice skating!

In fact, one great way of seeing the city (while keeping fit!) is cycling. Chicago boasts many miles of bike lanes and paths and has thousands of bike racks available to use. You can hire a bicycle and enjoy the city’s sights on two wheels.

You will also have to sample some of the delicious food on offer in Chicago. In fact, you will be spoilt for choice by the number of restaurants in the city! Not surprisingly, there is such a huge range of cuisine to suit a great variety of tastes, such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, French, Spanish, Cajun and more. You will be well catered for in Chicago.

You should also try the famous Chicago-style pizza or a delicious hot dog during your stay!

Chicago is a great American holiday destination for all the family.

Daryl Self is the Managing Director of Self Property Rental, offering a wide selection of vacation rentals in Chicago!

Chicago Vacation Rental Brownstone 1bd/1ba, 2nd Floor


Chicago Vacation Rental in downtown Chicago. See the surrounding Gold Coast neighborhood as well as the interior of this one bedroom, one bath brownstone apartment. See more about this apartment at www.firstclasschicago.com or at www.vrbo.com

Life in Africa   life in America   Life in Antarctica   Life in Asia   Life in Auckland   Life in USA   Life in Australia   Life in Bangkok   Life in Beijing   Life in Brazil
Life in California   Life in Canada   Life in Chicago   Life in China   Life in Dubai   Life in England   Life in Europe   Life in Florida   Life in Germany   Life in Hong Kong
Life in India   Life in Ireland   Life in Italy   Life in Japan  : Life in Korea   Life in LA   Life in Las Vegas   life in London   Life in Mexico   Life in Moscow
Life in New York   Life in Paris   Life in Scotland   Life in Shanghai   Life in South America   Life in Spain   Life in Sydney   Life in Tokyo   Life in US   Life in Washington