Chicago or Toronto
May 12, 2019, 10:03 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 628
Chicago or Toronto
Looking for advice from BA experts out there. We’re looking to use our final 241 and 140,000 avios balance for a child-free 4/5 night break next June. We haven’t been to many North American cities, but loved New York. Ideally we want somewhere we can easily book first class (probably our only opportunity to experience this)and also has a half decent Radisson, as I have loads of points!
Currently thinking about Toronto (including a day trip to Niagara) or Chicago (heard it’s a great city and the Radisson Blu looks fab). We enjoy general sightseeing, the odd museum and good food!
Any thoughts or recommendations, or other places we should consider?
Currently thinking about Toronto (including a day trip to Niagara) or Chicago (heard it’s a great city and the Radisson Blu looks fab). We enjoy general sightseeing, the odd museum and good food!
Any thoughts or recommendations, or other places we should consider?
May 12, 2019, 10:14 am
#2
Join Date: May 2001
Location: South Coast, UK
Programs: BA Gold, QF LTG
Posts: 679
I've not been to Toronto myself, but can vouch for Chicago being a fantastic city to visit. A pleasant contrast to New York which you've already noted, but with nowhere near the same number of tourists. It's very walkable, the Radisson Blu you mention is in a perfect location, and the food scene is strong also.
I recall reading on these threads that Toronto is seeing less flights with the First cabin, so that may help steer things towards Chicago as well.
I recall reading on these threads that Toronto is seeing less flights with the First cabin, so that may help steer things towards Chicago as well.
May 12, 2019, 10:18 am
#3
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,804
I would say that in a sense you can't go wrong. Both are interesting cities, fairly compact in the middle, and with lots of things to see and do. In the fullness of time you should do both cities. Chicago has world class architecture, Toronto is perhaps more staid with colonial overtones, but with great shopping and dining options. Indeed getting to Niagara Falls is quite straight forward, if you walk into the USA over the bridge you will find it calmer and less tacky over there! If there were children in the equation I would tend to Toronto because the Falls will be something they will never forget. Two great cities to visit.
May 12, 2019, 10:39 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Swindon UK
Programs: BAEC, FB, QANTAS, IHG, Hilton, Marriott, AVIS Preferred, MRAeS
Posts: 813
Chicago, for me, wins hands down. I definitely prefer eating out there. Millenium Park and Navy Pier are worth a look. I highly recommend the Architectural River Tour. If you like live music there are some great venues in and around the city. Magnificent Mile great for shopping. There's probably not much in it Hotels wise.
May 12, 2019, 10:42 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 628
The A350 in club could be tempting too, at least if first isn’t available on the later flight we can try that instead. What are the general thoughts on taking new CW over first? We don’t have status and due to the Amex changes are unlikely to make any more avios trips, so the avios difference isn’t a factor. We’re also flying from Ncl, so will have the lounge experience both ways.
Gastrocnemius - I’ll look forward to your feedback, given it will be a similar time of year I expect it will be very useful.
Gastrocnemius - I’ll look forward to your feedback, given it will be a similar time of year I expect it will be very useful.
Last edited by trvllvr123; May 12, 2019 at 10:53 am Reason: punctuation
May 12, 2019, 10:51 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Belgium
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 146
Chicago is my 3rd favorite city in the US after Boston & Washington DC.
Have been there 3 times and stayed 2 of them at the Radisson. The only thing less ideal of the hotel is the distance to any L-station. With bags when arriving from or going to the airport it’s an inconvenient walk. But for exploring the city it’s a great spot close to the magnificent mile and millenium park.
Also some top class museums in Chicago.
Have been there 3 times and stayed 2 of them at the Radisson. The only thing less ideal of the hotel is the distance to any L-station. With bags when arriving from or going to the airport it’s an inconvenient walk. But for exploring the city it’s a great spot close to the magnificent mile and millenium park.
Also some top class museums in Chicago.
May 12, 2019, 11:03 am
#12
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,926
The A350 in club could be tempting too, at least if first isn’t available on the later flight we can try that instead. What are the general thoughts on taking new CW over first? We don’t have status and due to the Amex changes are unlikely to make any more avios trips, so the avios difference isn’t a factor. We’re also flying from Ncl, so will have the lounge experience both ways.
Gastrocnemius - I’ll look forward to your feedback, given it will be a similar time of year I expect it will be very useful?
Gastrocnemius - I’ll look forward to your feedback, given it will be a similar time of year I expect it will be very useful?
My vote would be for Toronto. It's one of my regular trips (business and pleasure) some great eateries and sights. Niagara Falls is a must (90 minutes away by bus), I never tire of visiting there.
May 12, 2019, 11:28 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ
Programs: BA Gold/Marriott Gold/HH Diamond/IC Plat Amba
Posts: 5,990
May 12, 2019, 11:30 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Programs: BA bronze, Aeroplan peon
Posts: 4,746
Both cities are interesting and worth a visit, but I'd probably give an edge to Toronto over Chicago if I had to choose.