Places to stay (was Re: October 22 - 25 going once)

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This posting is from: Annie
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> Can somebody suggest a place to stay ?

For lodging for Pinkfest you basically have two choices:

1. Hotels in the downtown/Loop/River North areas, most of which run
over $100 per night.

2. Hotels and motels out in the suburbs which can be very reasonable
in price.

For option 1, you're right in the center of the action. Walking distance
to several of the restaurants we frequent, shopping, touristy stuff,
etc. The Red Roof Inn on Ontario seems to be a Pinkfest favorite. It
ain't the Waldorf by any means, but it's clean and comfortable and
cheaper than most others in the area. (If you will be driving and
staying downtown, ask about parking when you make your reservation. Free
parking is seldom provided by hotels in these areas.)

For option 2, you'll almost certainly need a vehicle. One Days Inn is
right next door to a popular night spot, and several Pinkfesters have
stayed there over the years. They do have a shuttle to O'Hare, where you
can catch the El into the city.

A compromise (in price and convenience) might be something like the
Holiday Inn Express (nee' Ramada) on Cumberland right off the Kennedy.
It's a fairly easy walk to the El and significantly cheaper than the
hotels in the Loop area.

Some of the hotels appear here on the Pinkfest Big List:

http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/pinkven/

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(This posting was entered by Annie, an external user of MyDLV.)

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This posting is from: Allison
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Hi Annie,

Glad to hear from all of you again.

While I was not able to attend any of your get togethers last
year I am looking forward to seeing you all this year if my
schedule will allow it. Hope you all had a great year so far
and your summer is wonderful. See you in October!

Allison


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(This posting was entered by Allison, an external user of MyDLV.)

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This posting is from: Tina
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I was in the Chicago for the last 2 weeks - got home yesterday. I love
the downtown area, and usually stay at the Hilton Garden Inn on Grand
Ave (literally on top of a Red Line station). Very nice, T-oblivious,
less than a block from Nordstrom's, lots of restaurants nearby.

I used a rental car in the suburbs and chose to use it and park it
downtown (a little tired after some surgery). Parking rates at the
hotel, and in general, were the highest I have ever seen in Chicago.
And people everywhere - the hotel was very full. Somebody's spending
money, so maybe the economy will perk up soon.

Thanks,

Tina Lake

http://www.myspace.com/tinalakeband
http://www.myspace.com/tinatdre

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(This posting was entered by Tina, an external user of MyDLV.)

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This posting is from: annie
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>and usually stay at the Hilton Garden Inn on Grand
>Ave (literally on top of a Red Line station). Very nice, T-oblivious,
>less than a block from Nordstrom's, lots of restaurants nearby.

I've never stayed at that HGI, but I've eaten there. Their rates
seem to run well over $200 at best, and that's a bit too spendy.
I've stayed at several other places in the area. I agree that it's
my preferred area to stay when in Chicago.

>Parking rates at the hotel, and in general, were the highest
>I have ever seen in Chicago.

I've found that I enjoy Pinkfest much better without a car. The
savings on parking easily pays for a train pass and occasional
taxi rides. Plus, I like to enjoy a few adult beverages without
worrying about the gesta^H^H^H^H^Hpolice arresting me for DUI.

The last time I drove to Pinkfest (2003?) the car ended up
staying in the garage most of the time. Fortunately this was
at one of the few downtown hotels that still had free guest
parking.

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(This posting was entered by annie, an external user of MyDLV.)