Will be in Chicago on business...some questions (Marshall: hotel, house)

[CatManDoo]

Hi, I'm coming to Chicago next week on business. I will be staying at the Hotel Allegro. Can anyone give me advice on what there is to do around there? Is it a safe area? On Tuesday night I'm attending "Wicked." Is the walk to and from the Ford Center safe? I'm going to be alone most of the time, which is why I'm asking these "safety" questions. I've been to Chicago once before, but stayed at the Four Seasons and spent most of my time around N. Michigan Ave. I'm much less familiar with the areas south of the river. What's the best way to get around from my location? Is the Blue Line my best bet to/from O'Hare?

[Frank the Tank]

You're in a very safe and high foot traffic area - the Hotel Allegro is right in the middle of the Loop and is only a couple of blocks west of the Macy's (old Marshall Field's) on State Street and Millennium Park. Your walk to the Ford Center from your hotel will only be about a block, while the Blue Line station is also right there to get to O'Hare.

[CatManDoo]

Are Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and/or Sears Tower within walking distance or would a cab/bus be a better bet? Do those routes take me through any "sketchy" areas?

Speaking of the Sears Tower, is it worth a visit? Is it really much better than the Hancock Observatory?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by CatManDoo

Are Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and/or Sears Tower within walking distance or would a cab/bus be a better bet? Do those routes take me through any "sketchy" areas?

Speaking of the Sears Tower, is it worth a visit? Is it really much better than the Hancock Observatory?

All are within walking distance, you should be fine.

I prefer the Hancock's views better, plus they have the open-air observatory, allowing you to hear the sounds of the city from 1,000 ft. up. The Sears Tower is taller, but the Hancock is in a better location and has better views IMO.

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

All are within walking distance, you should be fine.

I prefer the Hancock's views better, plus they have the open-air observatory, allowing you to hear the sounds of the city from 1,000 ft. up. The Sears Tower is taller, but the Hancock is in a better location and has better views IMO.

I'd agree with Steve-o, here. Another suggestion is to grab a drink at the Signature Room at the Hancock Center - it's essentially the same view as the observatory (I think it might be one or two floors lower?) and you'll avoid the price of the observatory ticket (and get a cocktail instead). The Loop and the Michigan Avenue areas are right next to each other - you're pretty far away from any of the "sketchy" areas.

[kkaufmann]

Originally Posted by CatManDoo

Are Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and/or Sears Tower within walking distance or would a cab/bus be a better bet? Do those routes take me through any "sketchy" areas?

Speaking of the Sears Tower, is it worth a visit? Is it really much better than the Hancock Observatory?

I would take a cab from your hotel to Navy Pier, the shopping part of Mag Mile (north of the river), etc. If you wanted, though, you could walk down to Michigan Ave and explore Millennium Park, and then continue walking north (take a left) on Michigan avenue through the shopping to the Hancock. It is a bit of a walk if you're not used to walking allot. But it doesn't take you through any bad areas at all. You're fine walking along Michigan Ave at night.

[CatManDoo]

Thanks for the responses, I really appreciate them.


I'm going to have some free evenings and would love to hit a nice jazz/blues club. Are there any you recommend somewhat near the Allegro?

[ljwelch]

I love the Allegro it is a great place to stay. I stayed there last fall to catch "The Pirate Queen" playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater. They have a nice free wine hour. I think we managed to have at least 3 glasses each night. I love that area. If you want more action then just cross over the bridge.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by CatManDoo

Are Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and/or Sears Tower within walking distance or would a cab/bus be a better bet? Do those routes take me through any "sketchy" areas?

Speaking of the Sears Tower, is it worth a visit? Is it really much better than the Hancock Observatory?

If you're going to be alone, I'd pass on Navy Pier. Unless you've got kids, or a sleeveless t-shirt, a mullet, and a constant "Golly!" expression on your face, there's not much of interest there.

[ljwelch]

Buddy Guys is a cab ride away for under $10. and Blue Chicago is on the other side of the river and not far. Oh yah and the house of blues is close to you but that does cost more and is more hype then good old blues. The building is neet though you can go see that during the day and have a drink. Oh and Buddy has some good food too.