Chicago sunset from Lake Michigan. Credit: Bert Kauffmann.
By Emmy Conway
Chicagoans don’t waste one second of summer. After months of dealing with chapped skin and icy roads, the locals spring from their down coats into public parks, street fests and that gorgeous lakefront trail. Head to Chicago hotels for a memorable summer vacation. You’ll soon see that it ain’t no Second City.
Virgin territory: Chicago is the newest destination for Virgin America, which launches O'Hare service on May 25.
By Mark Chesnut
Starting today, travelers flying between Chicago and the west coast will have a new choice in the air, as Virgin America debuts at O’Hare International Airport with daily nonstop flights to both Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.
The new service is a long time coming. Virgin America first announced plans to serve O’Hare in 2008, but had to delay the debut because there were no gates available. Now that the company has the gate space (L3, to be exact), they promise that the experience both on the ground and in the air will reflect the overall style of the airline, which is based in California but carries the well-recognized Virgin brand founded by Sir Richard Branson. So you can expect mood-lit cabins, power outlets near every seat and seatback entertainment systems. (more…)
The Palmer House Hilton's opulent Lockwood restaurant will roll out the red, er, TVs, for diners to enjoy the Royal Wedding live along with tea service from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Credit: Sammy Todd Dyess.
By Valerie Moloney
Just as it isn’t kosher to scarf down all your scones in one bite, it probably isn’t acceptable to watch TV during traditional tea service. Unless you happen to be at Lockwood in The Palmer House Hilton this Friday morning during oh, you know, the Royal Wedding.
Chicago hotels regularly host afternoon tea, but just this once, the flatscreens will come out to the lobby so that diners can indulge in the mayhem for her royal majesty along with tea and scones. Service, which will cost $45 per person, commences promptly at 5 a.m. – right about the time Kate Middleton will be gliding down the aisle in miles of silk or satin. (more…)
Soak up the views of the Chicago skyline from Roof, theWit's fabulous bar.
By Jessica Labaire
A DoubleTree hotel? Well ya coulda fooled me. Way to step it up, DoubleTree.
So DoubleTree is a Hilton and theWit is a DoubleTree (which means warm cookies and Hilton points). I don’t necessarily get it, but I sure do like it. My previous impression of DoubleTree was sort of low budget — not sure if that was an accurate impression — but it was mine. I am happy to say, though, that I’d give the brand a second look after seeing what they’ve accomplished with this downtown Chicago hotel which is also dare I say it … affordable <GASP>. Well, at least comparable to five-star hotels at higher rates. (more…)
For an outrageous NYE celebration, catch A-listers and live performances with Jay-Z, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.
By Jay Pierce
With New Year’s Eve only days away, time has almost run out for travelers to finalize their celebration plans. Almost. For the first time ever, Orbitz is recommending the most unique traditional and modern hotel pairings for New Year’s Eve, taking the guesswork out of deciding where to go. Just steal away to one of these top five NYE destinations and you’ve got only one thing left to figure out; will you celebrate old-school style or in all the latest rage?
Chicago's Michigan Avenue at Christmas. Credit: smaedli.
By Vince Font
One of the best holiday vacations in memory was the time I took my daughters Christmas shopping in Chicago at American Girl Store on the Magnificent Mile. Not only did we stay at one of the finest Chicago hotels and shop some of city’s most incredible stores, this dad got to share in a uniquely “girl experience” with two of the most special ladies in his life. So what if I broke the bank a bit on clothes and tea for dolls? To my girls, I was a rockstar dad with a new appreciation for dolls (just don’t tell my poker buddies).
The fact is, I’ve always had trouble Christmas shopping. These days with everything just a mouse click away, it should be easy enough to find what you need — but too much choice can scramble the brain. So it was a stroke of genius to decide to take my girls straight to the source (and their own version of heaven) to let them choose their own Christmas gifts.
By Chris O’Brien
Just got my new iPhone 4 (Will the line at the Michigan Ave. Apple Store ever die down?!), and thought I’d share a few beauty shots of Chicago taken during my morning commute.
So, iPhone fans, do you notice the upgraded camera?
By Joe Brancatelli
The four-way battle between Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways for control of the New York Metropolitan area continues apace. The latest attack comes from Delta. According to the carrier, it’ll add capacity or launch routes to 30 cities from New York’s major airports by the fall. The most notable launches this spring include:
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Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2009 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.
By Joe Brancatelli
Related resources
Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2009 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.
By Nina Kokotas Hahn
Chicago celebrates the Hawks win, Wrigleyville. Credit: Chris O'Brien.
At first glance, this might look like a scene from Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, but look again, and you’ll see smiling Chicago fans celebrating the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup championship win this past Wednesday. The Hawks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in overtime and cinched their first Cup win since 1961.
This scene was captured Wednesday night by our own Chris O’Brien just outside of John Barleycorn on Clark Street in Wrigleyville. The party continues on Friday in a Blackhawks parade set to run through downtown Chicago. The ticker tape parade begins at 10:30 a.m. CT at Wacker and Washington, and will be followed by a rally at 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of Michigan and Wacker.
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Nina Kokotas Hahn recently joined Orbitz Worlwide as a Writer-Editor. Globetrotting since infancy, she’s also the daughter of a travel agent and knows a thing or two about finding great travel deals.
We love to travel, and we love to talk about it. The Orbitz Blog is another way we can share our expertise, advice and the occasional random thought.
Check back often for fresh insight from Orbitz staff and contributors about cool places to visit, fun things to do and smart ways to save.