Chicago we have arrived!
After lunch, it was time to get to Chicago. We continued on our drive across the top of Indiana along the toll way paying $1.00 here, and $1.50 there until we reached Illinois and the city of Chicago. Of course, they have lots of tolls here too, so we paid again, but now the city is in sight! This whole trip we have been using MapQuest directions, and so far they have been very good. Once in the city, we found our way close to our hotel, but one of the streets didn't have a sign up. Luckily, there was a traffic officer standing there and I asked him what was the name of the this cross street. When he said the name, I said, "That's the one I'm looking for" and he stopped traffic so I could turn. Once we went around the block because of a one way street issue, we were at the front door of our hotel, The Seneca.
Once we were checked in and unpacked, we decided to get some dinner at a place called Harry Carey's. I made the kids put some nice clothes on for our first night out, then a quick $10.00 taxi ride and we were there in a few minutes. We could have walked I guess, but I was tired and hungry and the girls had on heels and didn't feel like a 2 mile walk, so a cab it was. The place was very nice inside, and the food was amazing!! After dinner, a bottle of wine and dessert, we were so full, we took another cab back to our hotel. It was time to relax and watch some TV before bed. Courtnie & I were on the computers updating our TravBuddy blogs, while Lena read one of her books. Tomorrow we tour the city!
When we first arrived, we were kindly greeted by a door man dressed in a traditional red uniform who also helped us with our luggage. He then introduced us to the valet attendant who took care of our car for us. Parking is expensive, but you can have access to the vehicle 24 hours a day. All the guys outside were always very helpful and on the ball. Whether we needed something from our car, help with luggage, or just hailing a cab, they were great!
This hotel is very conveniently located right next to The John Hancock Building and a block from Michigan Avenue and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, as well as Water Tower Place, Neiman-Marcus, Bloomingdales and the Oak Street boutiques. For entertainment, the Art Institute, Museum Campus, Oak Street Beach, Navy Pier and Rush Street’s nightlife are also very close by.
The lobby was beautiful and had a small seating area just off to one side with a beautiful large grandfather clock. Not only was the lobby nicely decorated, but so were the elevators and all the hallways. When we first arrived to our room, it was more like a one bedroom apartment. There was a living room with a TV, an adjoining dining room and a small kitchen with dishwasher, stove, large refrigerator and a microwave oven. The bed room was large with two queen size beds, a large cabinet with a TV and a large dresser. There was also a good size walk-in closet. The bathroom was a bit small, but had a whirlpool tub and a shower combination. My only complaint was poor water pressure when using the shower, but that is the case at most hotels.
This hotel also offers free high speed internet, has a small fitness room and a rooftop sundeck. We were also lucky enough to have a clothes washer and dryer right across the hall in the stairwell from our room. This made it very convenient to wash a couple loads of laundry. There is a restaurant attached to the hotel, the Saloon Steakhouse, but we didn't have the chance to eat there. We did have breakfast at the hotels Chestnut Street Cafe, and it was good, but there are so many other places to eat in this city!
All the employees we encountered were very friendly, caring and helpful! The next time we are in Chicago, we may stay here again!
