Originally Posted by
sjpd
As for hotels, most of our experience has been with larger chain hotels (Sheratons, Hiltons) - but we aren't married to that style hotel. We would like someplace where we aren't necessarily another number - years ago I had stayed at some hotel right on the river (maybe a Hyatt?) that was massive, and that is too large by far. As for budget, we'd like to keep it under $500 - the overnight we have planned seems to coincide with many hotels being unavailable or very expensive. $500 is what the Westin River North is charging.
For food, we have no restrictions on cuisine or budget. We were engaged after a meal at Frontera, and we will definitely go back there. We'd love to go someplace even "nicer" or "more special" - when I lived there, Charlie Trotter was someplace many of my friends went for special occasions, so something in that vein 15 years later would be appropriate.
I would love to extend my trip to Sunday - but alas, my high maintenance children require our presence back in MSP. So think of this as a blow-out romantic-ish getaway where we condense the awesomeness of Chicago into a tragically small period of time.
SOunds like your trip is overlapping with one of the big conventions? In any case, the two hotels I suggested are the one's that I'd probably go with if on a budget. If you want the high-end, try the Waldorf-Astoria (f/k/a the Elysian), Four Seasons, Ritz, Trump or Peninsula.
As for food, sounds like you should stick with Frontera given your history with the place. Otherwise, if you want to go all out then try and get a res @ Alinea - it's on N. Halsted, a few blocks north of the Steppenwolf in Lincoln Park.
Originally Posted by
PamT
Alas Charlie Trotters has closed it's doors. I'd recommend Sixteen at the Trump Hotel which is also a great place to stay. The W hotel is right by the L on State St. They have a fabby rooftop bar call Roof. I love it up there. There's a new place called RPMItalian which was absolutely fantastic. Everything single thing I had from starter to dessert was scrumptious. Of course I was coming off a diet so maybe my tastes were colored! And I've never had a bad meal at Joe's Stone Crab. Enjoy my hometown!
The hotel you're thinking of is actually the "Wit Hotel" - a doubletree property. +1 on their rooftop bar.
Trump's 16 also has an outside terrace bar that's supposed to have great views.