I flew from LAX to ORD a few days ago on United in Business class. We were on a 777 and after we pulled out of the gate, they realized that they couldn't get the left engine started. So we were towed back in. A couple of people freaked out and ran off the plane. The rest of us waited an hour for a new starter to be put on.

The pilot was very nice and invited everyone up to the cockpit. Thankfully only a few of us accepted. I spent about 20 minutes talking with them about the 777.

The starter was quicly replaced and we were on our way. We stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue. I'm really starting to like Starwood. We were automatically upgraded to a suite. At checkout time, I called down for a late checkout at 3pm. They said that they hotel was sold out and they latest they could let me check out was 1pm. I said "what about Starwood Gold members?" They checked and said, OK, 3pm is fine for you.

On to the Sheraton Lisbon for my 5th Starwood stay and 10,000 points!


[This message has been edited by stimpy (edited 04-17-99).]

No hotel beats the Intercontinental in Chicago though......and the pool...wow!

And you probably paid more at the Westin!

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The I-C in Chicago is very nice, but how can you compare it to the Ritz-Carlton?

BTW, I saw the new Park Hyatt under construction. It could be the new #1 hotel in Chicago. Very impressive.

OK, you have a point about the Ritz. Speaking of the Park Hyatt, there is a new Park Hyatt hotel in Toronto in fashionable Yorkville (equivalent to the 'Magnificent Mile'). It's just across from the Four Seasons Hotel and near to the Intercontinental Toronto. It looks quite nicce.

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I forgot to say why I usually stay at the Westin. I'm a bit of a sports fan and most all the visitng sports teams stay there. Plus I used to live across the street in the Hancock.

This weekend the Women's NBA was there for a pre-draft camp. Plus the Detroit Red Wings.

The Hilton & Towers is also great, especially when going to McCormick Place or Soldier Field (go Bears!). Service is outstanding.

Stimpy, you are right about the Park Hyatt - I heard they are targetting to match or surpass the services of the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. Of course this won't be an easy feat, but having stayed at hotels like the Park Hyatt in Tokyo and the Park Hyatt in Sydney, competition is going to heat up in Chicago!

Where is the new Park Hyatt going up in Chicago? Is it where the old one was (by Water Tower)?

The new Park Hyatt is at the same location on Chicago just west of Michigan. They mowed the old building down to the ground and then some.

It looked like this building will also have some luxury condos. I assume luxury because they are billed as "urban estates".

Stimpy, what is that mysterious little one story black building down the street from the Westin? I've asked a million cabbies and they don't even know its there.

Very curious that such $$$$$$$$$ property is so secretly held.

The building right near the Hancock garage? I went to grad school right across the street. I asked folks at the time and I was told it was some private club.

Stimpy: As a PG Gold, you should have gotten the benefit of a 4 PM check out anyway. In fact, one of the benefits of the former SCI (Sheraton Club International) gold was 9-to-5, i.e. early check-in at 9 AM and late check out at 5 PM.