Experience total rock decadence in Chicago's newest architectural icon - Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Must be minimum 21 years old to check into the hotel. Situated in the landmark Carbide and Carbon Building, this brand new hotel boasts a Michigan Avenue address and offers astonishing views of the skyline, Millennium Park and, of course, the Magnificent Mile. Recognized as a member of Preferred Hotel Group, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago delivers unparalleled levels of service in a musically-inspired atmosphere. State-of-the-art technology, cutting edge design, and enticing amenities set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Complimentary Hi-Speed Internet access, flat panel televisions featuring HDTV and HD Digital movies on demand, and a sleek and sophisticated lobby are just a few of the state-of-the-art features that will leave you wanting more. Rock-n-Roll is here, too. Stay.
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During your Chicago vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum
This museum houses one of the most stirring art collections anywhere -- and the only one of its kind in the world -- telling the story of the men who fought in Vietnam. Since the war, many of the veterans made art as personal therapy, never expecting to show it to anyone; but in 1981, a small group of them began showing their works together in Chicago and in touring exhibitions. The collection has grown to more than 700 paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures from all over the country and other countries, including Vietnam. Titles such as We Regret to Inform You, Blood Spots on a Rice Paddy, and The Wound should give you an idea of the power of the images in this unique legacy to the war. Housed in a former warehouse in the Prairie Avenue district south of the Loop, the museum is modern and well organized. An installation suspended from the ceiling, Above & Beyond, comprises more than 58,000 dog tags with the names of the men and women who died in the war -- it creates an emotional effect similar to that of the Wall in Washington, D.C. The complex also houses a small theater, a cafe open for breakfast and lunch, a gift shop, and an outdoor plaza with a flagpole that has deliberately been left leaning because that's how veterans saw them in combat. Allow 1 hour.
Ravinia Festival
Want to know where the natives get away from it all? Come summertime, you'll find us chilling on the lawn at Ravinia, the summer home of the highly regarded Chicago Symphony Orchestra in suburban Highland Park. The season runs from mid-June to Labor Day and includes far more than classical concerts: You can also catch pop acts, dance performances, operatic arias, and blues concerts. Tickets are sold to both the covered pavilion, where you get a reserved seat and a view of the stage, and the lawn, which is the real joy of Ravinia: sitting under the stars and a canopy of leafy branches while listening to music and indulging in an elaborate picnic (it's a local tradition to try to outdo everyone else by bringing candelabras and fine china). I've been here for everything from Beethoven symphonies to folky singer-songwriters, and the setting has been magical every time. The lawn to the left of the stage is a popular place for families to spread out, but I'm partial to the tree-filled area on the right (the lights projected into the branches create a dramatic effect after the sun sets).Don't let the distance from downtown discourage you from visiting, because Ravinia is served by an extremely convenient public-transportation system. Any evening a concert is scheduled, a special Ravinia Metra commuter train leaves at 5:50pm from the North Western train station at Madison and Canal streets (just west of the Loop). The train stops directly at the festival at 6:30pm, plenty of time to enjoy a picnic before an 8 o'clock showtime. After the concert, trains wait right outside the gates to take commuters back to the city. The round-trip train fare is $5, a real bargain considering that traffic around the park can be brutal.Dining options available at the park range from the fine-dining restaurant Mirabelle (tel. 847/432-7550 for reservations) to prepacked picnic spreads from the Gatehouse, featuring gourmet items to go. For $10, you can rent a pair of lawn chairs and a table from booths set up near the park entrance. In case you're wondering about the weather conditions at concert time, dial Ravinia's Weather Line (tel. 847/433-5010).
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is just across from Robie House. Did someone say chapel? This is false modesty, even for a Rockefeller. When the university first opened its doors, the students sang the following ditty:John D. Rockefeller, wonderful man is heGives all his spare change to the U of C.John D. was a generous patron, indeed. He founded the university (in cooperation with the American Baptist Society), built the magnificent minicathedral that now bears his name, and shelled out an additional $35 million in donations to the institution over the course of his lifetime. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, an architect known for his ecclesiastical buildings -- including Cadet Chapel at West Point and New York City's St. Thomas Church -- the Memorial Chapel was dedicated in 1928.In keeping with the rest of the campus, which is patterned after Oxford, it is reminiscent of English Gothic structures but was built from limestone and with modern construction techniques. Its most outstanding features are the circular stained-glass window high above the main altar (the windows, in general, are among the largest of any church or cathedral anywhere) and the world's second-largest carillon, which was donated by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in 1932 in memory of his mother, Laura. The chapel's organ is nearly as impressive, with four manuals, 126 stops, and more than 10,000 pipes.Choir concerts, carillon performances, and other musical programs are presented throughout the year, usually for a small donation. The building is open to the public; in-depth tours can be arranged through the university's Office of Special Events at tel. 773/702-9636. Tours of the carillon are done during the academic year; call the office to find out times. Allow a half-hour.
Holiday Inn CHICAGO-MART PLAZA (RIVERVIEW)
River North, the Loop, Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, the Merchandise Mart; the landmarks that draw millions to Chicago each year are right outside the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel. Stroll to countless restaurants and shops in the Chicago's River North area, or conduct business in Chicago Loop's dynamic business center. Plan a quick trip to the exclusive Chicago's Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, or to the world famous Navy Pier.The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel puts ...
The Sutton Place Hotel -- Chicago
Located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, The Sutton Place Hotel is an intimate, residential-style hotel. Ideal for business or leisure travel and just minutes from the downtown "Loop" business area, world-class shopping on North Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, and in the center of the city's nightlife, entertainment, and dining ...
Belden Stratford
The Belden Stratford is a renowned Lincoln Park landmark. Beautifully refurbished and enhanced with the accoutrements of luxury living. The Belden is located across from the Flower Conservatory and Lincoln Park Zoo. Puts you steps from the lake and public ...
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Most recent user reviews
Review
Patricia, Columbus, OH, 2007-03-12
Take a short walk to Millenium Park. It is a great place to spend an hour outside and people watch. The Bean is spectacular!
Great Room
Anonymous, 2007-03-10
Millienium park is close by.
Hard Rock was a very comfortable place to stay. Everyone was just super friendly and helpful. The bathroom was extra big. The bed was really comfy. Over all it was great.
Unique and Interesting!
Connie, Monroe, LA, 2007-03-04
Shopping, dining,the Navy Pier, John Hancock Bldg., are all close to this hotel.
The Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago is an awesome place to visit. My husband and I celebrated our one year aniversary in Chicago and stayed at the Hard Rock. It was a great hotel, very hip! Our room was wonderful. I loved the design and decor. It was very central to all the things we wanted to do in our short time in Chicago. If we ever return to Chicago we will stay at the Hard Rock again.
Nice for a private getaway for two
Anonymous, Kansas City, MO, 2007-02-28
House of Blues was close with all kinds of entertainment nightly.
We had a great view of the city, it was convient to alot of cool places in the city. Close to alot of wonderful restaurants and public transportation. We enjoyed our room and the workout room. It was quiet and afforded privacy. The hotel staff was excellent. We had a super romantic time and there was not one part of our trip that wasn't A plus
Great shopping and business amenities
rodney, 2007-02-28
Eating in the hotel was better than the top restaurants we visited locally
The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago was one of the experiences in travel we have had in recent memory. The shopping district was an easy walk for our wives and travel to our customers was an easy commute out of the city. The nostalgic feel of the hotel was the best.
Great Location and Value
John, New Orleans, LA, 2007-02-26
The staff was very helpful and professional. Rooms were very good. This was my first trip to Chicago and the concierge was especially helpful with travel directions.
very convienient
Anonymous, 2007-02-25
don't bother renting a car, there is alot in walking distance. the cab service is wonderful and inexpensive.
the Hard Rock Chicago was very comfortable. it had by far the best bed i have ever slept on in a hotel. my only complaint was that the lighting in the room was not sufficient. i ironed dark clothing and had a hard time seeing it.
Very Family friendly
Melanie, 2007-02-25
Must try the South Water Kitchen just around the corner from hotet for great food and service.
The Hard Rock Chicago had friendly,helpful staff, great location for shopping. Room was spacious,comfortable bed, but poor lighting and no microwave. Could use more counter space in bathroom.
Good value
Richard, South Bend, IN, 2007-02-18
Park in the self-parking garage right around the corner and save the 39.00 valet cost.
The Hotel was a good value for the money. Our room had a beautiful view of the city and was very clean and comfortable. I also liked the fact that it was centrally located and a short cab ride put us right in the middle of the entertainment district. The staff was courteous and very attentive to our needs.
Great time,comfortable
George, Detroit, MI, 2007-02-18
Macy's store is 2 blocks away and lots of other great places down the street.
This hotel is great, the rooms are comfortable and clean. The lobby is a great place to relax. Drinks are smooth and sevice was awesome. I will be going back for a visit and recommend the Hard Rock Hotel to everyone.
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