Suggestions for Hotel location in Chicago...

[ajirons09]

Hi Everyone,

 

I will be visiting the Windy City of Chicago from Thursday, December 9th - Tuesday, December 14th. I'm very eager and excited to make new friends and to checkout the sights the city has to offer. However, this being my first visit/trip to Chicago I am unfamiliar with the geography and uncertain about what neighborhood is considered to be a prime location. I've done some research of my own and it seems to me that "The Loop" and "Magnificent Mile" may be potential possibilities, but again, I'd like to receive some input/feedback from some of you. As always, thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from all of you.

 

Warmest Regards,

AJ Irons

714-743-5652

 

http://www.rentboy.com/Listing.aspx?lid=194821&scid=46453830&sp=1&pos=8&locid=1386&iid=79770

 

http://www.daddysreviews.com/search/Active/aj/aj_orangecounty

 

http://www.maleescortreview.com/index.php?file=view_escort_review&review_id=1801&escort_id=210010009

[jackcali]

Hi, AJ, I'm sure the local Chicagoans have their own ideas and they certainly know the place better than I do, but as someone who used to travel there a lot on business, I always felt more comfortable staying near the Magnificent Mile. There's a lot more pedestrian traffic on the streets at night, there are plenty of restaurants and bars, and it's nearly as convenient to the rest of the city as the Loop. I thought the Loop was too cold and business-oriented the times I stayed there.

[+ sf westcoaster]

AJ, my preference is for a hotel in the Magnificent Mile area, but at times prioces are cheaper in the Loop. On my last visit to Chicago I stayed at the Paloomar, whic is one of the klimpton Hotels. Have also stayed at the Hyatt just off of the river - a huge hotel but good location. A bit away from things but hotels near McCormick Center can be inexpensive if there is nothing going on at the center.

[mistrmikey]

AJ - I agree with the above posters. Traveled to Chicago for biz, and i enjoy the Mag Mile, as there is more to do - even in walking around. A place I've really enjoyed was the Hotel Felix--- http://www.hotelfelix.com , a really trendy nice and clean place at a great price (at least it was great last fall)......gosh, i wish i were there now on this trip to meet u....maybe a reason to make a biz trip again!!!

[leigh.bess.toad]

Time for me to get up on my soapbox (which a few have heard me get up on before). And I know Michael Vincenzo has been on this soapbox many times before. AJ, you and I share a very close mutual friend and he knows how I feel on this subject as well. As a proud member of the LGBT community, I think we do owe it to support those businesses which support us. And there is no business more supportive in any business area than the Kimpton Hotel chain. Kimpton has 4 hotels in Chicago. Their Red Ribbon Campaign is beyond anything any other hotel does for any other group. 15% off of the rack rate and a $10/night donation to a local AIDS support group. Plus all the other subtle and not so subtle ways they support the community. Their prices are very reasonable especially when looking at the quality. There hotels are almost always among the top ranked hotels in whatever city they are in. In most of their hotels, their rooms are bigger than almost any hotel rooms you'll find anywhere. I don't know Chicago, but the Hotel Monaco appears to be right near the Loop.

 

As for me, whenever I'm in a city if there's a Kimpton anywhere even remotely nearby and even remotely close in price, I'm going there. 9 times out of 10 it's the best choice anyway. And for the other 1 time, for what they give back, I think I owe it to them anyway. Customer loyalty flows both ways for me.

 

Soapbox dismounted

[Steven_Draker]

Hey AJ, I'd definitely stay in downtown. Both Mag Mile and the Loop are great locations. The Blackstone, the Palomar, the Hard Rock hotel, the Conrad (ex-Le Meridien), the Sofitel are just a few suggestions. I would avoid the Hyatt and the big Marriott on N. Michigan Ave.

[skyski26]

A great resource for finding information on hotels, restaurants, etc. is http://www.tripadvisor.com.

[+ newatthis]

One thing to keep in mind is that your clientele is unlikely to live in the loop or on N. Michigan Ave, and parking can be very expensive there. That being said, I'm not sure that staying somewhere further out would be better. You'd have much less of interest to do during non-working time. If you're a shopper, you'll prefer the magnificent mile; the major tourist attractions are more easily reached from the loop.

[Guest IndyMedic2006]

A great resource for finding information on hotels, restaurants, etc. is http://www.tripadvisor.com.

 

I second that notion from the Gentleman from the Sky

[Guest IndyMedic2006]

One thing to keep in mind is that your clientele is unlikely to live in the loop or on N. Michigan Ave, and parking can be very expensive there. That being said, I'm not sure that staying somewhere further out would be better. You'd have much less of interest to do during non-working time. If you're a shopper, you'll prefer the magnificent mile; the major tourist attractions are more easily reached from the loop.

 

Was that all problems and no solutions???

[Guest greatness]

Public transportations in Chicago are great so you will be able to get many places pretty easily. I walked a lot in Chicago and it was fun. Especially when my hot friend (not an escort) showed me around. At nights, surprisingly, there were a lot of people walking around the MM and Michigan Ave so I didn't feel intimidated. It was actually a nice walk. Chicago hotels are not that expensive compared to New York, Boston, and DC and there are many good choices. I think Kimpton properties are great but I've never stayed at one before. I saw a famous movie star on the MM and it was nice and fun. Have fun. Kisses and hugs~~

[rvwnsd]

The Loop and The Magnificent Mile are both good options. I like The Magnificent Mile better because there is more foot traffic at night and more places to walk to. As for the parking situation, it sucks all over the city. Chicagoans are accustomed to paying for parking. Many "better" hotels in the suburbs charge for parking these days.

 

Although I have never stayed there, several friends have raved over the Knickerbocker Hotel. It is in a great location near Water Tower Place and the John Hancock Center, not to mention several bus lines and the Red Line subway. I agree with Steven about avoiding the Hyatt Regency and the Marriott on Michigan Avenue. They are OK, but big, impersonal, and not really worth the price. I would also avoid the Ambassador East. They bill it as a historic hotel, which it is. Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart were married there. Unfortunately, it has not been renovated since.

[+ newatthis]

One thing to keep in mind is that your clientele is unlikely to live in the loop or on N. Michigan Ave, and parking can be very expensive there. That being said, I'm not sure that staying somewhere further out would be better. You'd have much less of interest to do during non-working time. If you're a shopper, you'll prefer the magnificent mile; the major tourist attractions are more easily reached from the loop.

Was that all problems and no solutions???Yeah, I guess. I started to write more and realized it was much too convoluted and I didn't have the time to unconvolute it. The last sentence might contain some useful information.

[jimboivyo]

Not sure what your price range is, but I've stayed at Elysian in the past to great acclaim.

[Guest IndyMedic2006]

Yeah, I guess. I started to write more and realized it was much too convoluted and I didn't have the time to unconvolute it. The last sentence might contain some useful information.

 

I hope I didnt seem rude in my response... I was hoping that I had missed something in your answer. :-)

[+ newatthis]

I hope I didnt seem rude in my response... I was hoping that I had missed something in your answer. :-)

I thought your response was tongue-in-cheek and I enjoyed it.

[Guest IndyMedic2006]

Thanks newatthis... Glad you percieved it like that

[+ newatthis]

use priceline!

 

All this discussion of how expensive various hotels and parts of the city are remind me that your best bet is to choose a part of the city to stay in and then bid on priceline. A number of escorts who post here are experts at that and would probably give you some help if you need it.

[Racketjock]

I second, or third, or whatever the hell number it is for the Kimpton hotel on the MM. Not just because they advocate for good causes, but have great customer service in a great environment. Makes me feel like home.

[seaboy4hire]

All this discussion of how expensive various hotels and parts of the city are remind me that your best bet is to choose a part of the city to stay in and then bid on priceline. A number of escorts who post here are experts at that and would probably give you some help if you need it.

 

I second priceline. And as for location well just about any place in the city is good. If I were to use PL Name Your Own Price again for Chicago (I live here now) this is the order of areas I'd bid: Lincoln Park, North Michigan Ave - River North Area, Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area. The airport places will be cheaper but as far as things to keep you busy during down time and getting around if you don't want to do a car will be harder. If you want to live like a local try Lincoln Park area first. It is very safe and super gay friendly like most of the northern part of Chicago and is served by the red, brown and purple lines. If you win anything in the LP area it'll prob be either the Days Inn (tiny rooms), Best Western (super comfy pillows) or The Indigo (cute beach themed rooms. Nice change of pace from the cold outside). Also if you decide to do PL make sure to check out http://www.biddingfortravel.com and see what others got for hotels close to your dates. Trust me, it'll save you a headache when trying to bid. Enjoy your stay in Chicago.

 

Hugs,

Greg

[+ azdr0710]

re: Kimpton Hotels.....I've been at the Palomar on Wilshire in LA a couple times and found it to be great, if a little artsy-fartsy and wanna-be hip....very friendly and unpretentious staff (and free coffee in the AM!!!!).....yes, a refreshing socially-conscious attitude.....would be nice if the one in Chicago is just as nice

[mattb]

AJ...for what it's worth (and it's been brought up by a few people before), I only stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. Great location, great rooms, great staff, F&B are good, and there is plenty of restaurants/etc within walking distance. Just my 2 cents...enjoy Chicago. Will you be working upon arrival?

[seaboy4hire]

While I will admit Kimpton (I've stayed at a few in SF and here in Chicago) are quite nice and service super friendly (esp the concierge) paying $200 a night or more is not a practical thing for most working guys. No appointment is guaranteed till it is over and funds have been exchanged. Why pay that $200 or more a night when a working guy can minimize his losses or maximize his gains and use PriceLine name your own price and pay half of what a room would go for? To pay full price for a hotel room (or most of anything at that) when it can be had for much less would be foolish. Clients you have to remember an escort can leave his home town thinking he is booked solid and arrive into his traveling town to find everyone has canceled. So I say to the op ignore the others and use PL name your own price to lessen your expenses. Remember this is a business not a holiday. So run it accordingly.

 

Hugs,

Greg

[Diverdan]

As someone who used to live in Chicago and now travel there regularly, I have a couple of other things for you to consider. If you are going to entertain in your room, you probably want to make sure that it is easy for your clients to come in and out, without having to pass the "third degree" evaluation from doormen, front desk personnel or bellmen. Some hotels require a room key to enter an elevator after 9 or 10:00 PM which could be a hassel. If you are entertaining local guys, they will be understanding of the pay to park situation at the hotels. If you want to do mostly outcalls, then being accessible to the public transportation will be good for you and will save a lot of money in cab fares. You have already received a lot of good information on these posts, and almost any hotel on the MM or in the Loop should satisfy your needs. You will also want to make sure you have a large enough room to be comfortable and one that is "non-connecting" which may be difficult to ascertain when you use priceline or some other booking service. Rooms purchased through those services often tend to be the smallest, and least conveniently located. I think you will have a wonderful time in my favorite city. I am sorry I will not be there during the time you are there.

DD

[+ newatthis]

...If you are going to entertain in your room, you probably want to make sure that it is easy for your clients to come in and out, without having to pass the "third degree" evaluation from doormen, front desk personnel or bellmen. Some hotels require a room key to enter an elevator after 9 or 10:00 PM which could be a hassel. If you are entertaining local guys, they will be understanding of the pay to park situation at the hotels. If you want to do mostly outcalls, then being accessible to the public transportation will be good for you and will save a lot of money in cab fares. You have already received a lot of good information on these posts, and almost any hotel on the MM or in the Loop should satisfy your needs. You will also want to make sure you have a large enough room to be comfortable and one that is "non-connecting" which may be difficult to ascertain when you use priceline or some other booking service. Rooms purchased through those services often tend to be the smallest, and least conveniently located...DD

DD -- Lots of good information in your post, including the stuff about needing a room key to use the elevator -- I've been in hotels where that's necessary all the time, not just in the evening.

 

On priceline stays, I have never had problems with small, inconveniently located rooms, and I use PL almost exclusively when I travel. Only once was I assigned a room I didn't like, and a trip to the front desk got me a different room with no hassle at all. What is important, and perhaps not so easy if you're not an experienced PL bidder, is making sure that you bid in an area and at a star level where you're unlikely to get stuck in a hotel in which most of the rooms or the service are unsuitable. AJ should be able to get advice on this from the many escorts who travel to Chicago and use PL there.