I'm not a frequent Chicago visitor - the occasional visits have been in a taxi or a rental car. The last time I arrived on a Saturday afternoon, the traffic was a nightmare. The upcoming trip will have a Friday afternoon arrival, which I can't imagine will be much better.

What are the best recommendations from Orchard Field to the Sheraton Chicago (on N. Water St.)? Time more important than comfort. I won't need a car this time, so that is out of the question.

I'd hop on the L and get off at Clark & Lake stop then hop in a cab to the Sheraton. It's a bit long of a walk from there.

+1. I'd do exactly What PamT said.

I would also get off at Clark and lake but would walk it from there. Should be under 3/4 of a mile. Train should take about 40 minutes and only cost $2.25. Taxi will take anywhere from 25 minutes to 1.5 hours. Likely it will take an hour if its 4pm or later.

Thanks for all your input.
(1) Is the fare system easy, i.e., can pay a cash fare easily at a booth (or is it user-unfriendly like we have in SF)?

(2) Is it one train?

Its easy. Follow signs that read "trains to city" at O'hare. You will come to a bunch of vending machines at o'hare el stop. You can buy a card there. Machines take cash only and don't give change. They give you a card with whatever amount you buy. So if you are going to make two trips bring 4.50 in exact change or $5 if you want to waste 50 cents. You can also buy daily passes. I think they have 1,3,7 days. not sure on cost. Check CTA website for more info.

Blue line is train that goes to O'hare. O'hare is last stop so it only goes in one direction there. No need to change as Blue line goes all the way downtown. Closest stop to Sheraton is clark and lake. If you ever noticed the trains in the middle of kennedy expressway going to ohare, that is the blue line.