Event space for 100-150 - recommendations?
 

Hi Chicago board,

Y'all were super helpful last winter when I needed car service recommendations, so I'm back! In the spring I will be hosting a two-day event (Thu. and Fri.) for a client and need to find a space that will hold ~100-150 for two full days, probably running from noon to 7 on Day 1 and 9 to 5 on Day 2. Doesn't have to be in The Loop, but shouldn't be out in the 'burbs either. Cost is not important. Right now the agenda calls for about 100 participants on Day 1 and 120 to possibly 150 on Day 2.

It will probably need to be a hotel as most of the museum/library/other rentable spaces are only open evenings and I don't want to have split venues. But if you know of any such places that are rentable during the days, I'd love to hear about them. :) Even in that case, I need to get a room block as >50% of the guests will be from out of town, so I'd love to hear about your hotel ideas.

I've done a little research online but nothing substitutes for people with first-hand experience, and I've only been to Chicago a few times.

Honestly most of the major hotels downtown should be able to do this. Pick a chain you like and call their hotels in the Loop area.

I'm aware that they can all do it, but was just wondering if anyone had specific recommendations as I've never stayed anywhere particularly memorable. Shoulda been more clear in my OP.

And I'm an HHonors guy but I'll take any place that's considered good.

There is the big Hilton on South Michigan Ave that has conference space for thousands if you consider all the rooms and ballrooms.

I recommend either of the following:

Embassy Suites (Chicago Downtown Lakefront) - 511 N. Columbus Drive

Hilton Suites (Chicago/Magnificent Mile) - 198 E. Delaware Place

While I live in Chicago and have not stayed at either hotel, I did attend functions at both recently, and was impressed. They were equally superb. Great hotel staff attitude, sparkling clean and fantastic banquet/catering. Both locations are central, and close to Michigan Avenue (the magnificent mile).

There are two Embassy suites in downtown Chicago - the one I list above, and another on State Street. I'm not familiar with the one on State Street. It's probably good too, but cannot attest to any experience with that location.

I've organized events at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Renaissance, Four Seasons, Drake, Fairmont and Hyatt.

If your meeting is ~150 people, you'd be the main event at the Renaissance and Four Seasons. There would probably be other, larger events being held simultaneously at the Sheraton, Drake, Fairmont and Hyatt. (Some events would prefer to be the big fish in a small pond, so I mention it in case that's an issue.)

I've had excellent experiences at the Four Seasons, Renaissance and Sheraton. I had minor problems at the Hyatt and Fairmont, but nothing that would keep me from returning to the venue. I had a lousy experience at the Drake, and wouldn't return.

Most of these hotels will discount the cost of your meeting room if you spend enough on food and/or sleeping rooms. Since at least half of your guests are coming from out of town, this is an important factor to consider (assuming they can be relied on to stay at the hotel of your choosing).

I've also been involved in events at Navy Pier (no sleeping rooms, but lots of meeting space) and Germania Place (again, no sleeping room, but flexible meeting space). Particularly if you're looking for flexible raw space, Navy Pier is a good option. In both instances, there are decent hotels close to these locations, but you may need a shuttle to move people between the event and hotel.

I'd recommend looking at the Chicago Convention Bureau's calendar of events (http://www.choosechicago.com/Pages/default.aspx) so you can avoid planning your meeting on dates when major trade shows are in town. (These are almost certain to drive up the cost of your sleeping rooms, though you may be able to get a deal on meeting rooms if the hotel feels as if they're going to have a tough time otherwise renting the space.)

One of the "coolest" hotel event rooms in the city is at the Peninsula. Of course, I'm not sure of your budgets. :)

Another nice spot is the Intercontinental. Sofitel on Rush is good too.

Thanks for the recommendations, everyone! Especially to chgoeditor for the Chicago Convention calendar. It looks like we are in the clear there. I'll let you know what ends up working out, and United959, I think I'll be personally rooting for the Sofitel. ;)

The Renaissance on Wacker is a good call. I've been to multiple events there, and the hotel itself generally gets rave reviews from FlyerTalkers. Good, central location on the river near lots of restaurants.

If you want to stay with Hilton, I've been to events at the Palmer House that were fine. You might also check out the Conrad off the mag mile, but I'd expect a bit of sticker shock there - depends on how hungry they are for business.

If close to the airport were an option, I've been to very well run events at the Sofitel O'Hare.

Sadly one of the higher-ups doesn't like the Palmer House, so it's a no go. I've asked for more info on several other HH properties, though, including the Conrad. And we're shooting for something in or near the Loop, else I'd love to do the ORD Sofitel (Water Tower Sofitel is still in the running). Thanks for the recs!

Update!
 

Hi all,

Despite my last post, we are actually going with the Hilton Palmer House. It's no Sofitel, but I'm hoping to get HHonors points for every dollar we spend on this event, so I ain't complaining. :D Thanks, everyone, for your input!

Absolutely a good call, and enjoy all those points :p I think after a nice two days at the Palmer House your boss will change his mind. I haven't met too many people who were dissatisfied with the venue -- he probably just was there on a mad day.

Great typo! I was behind someone in the Avis exit line last night who was also having a "mad day". (I can't imaging what the perfectly nice Avis guy could have possibly said that warranted a "you're an f-ing idiot" followed by a tire screetching departure).

I have a similar dilemma with a twist. I am helping with planning an event for about 100-150 people also, with about 50% being out-of-town, so I also need a room block.

The twist is that the location needs to be near a golf course and the hotel needs to provide transportation from/to the airport for our VIPs. Two places that have popped into our minds are Oak Brook Hills and Seven Bridges Marriott/Hyatt. Does anyone else have any other suggestions?