Planning a trip to Chicago. Seeking travel advise.?

Question

Hello all. I just reserved tickets to come to Chicago the week of November 23rd. I will be in the Windy City from November 23-29.

The purpose of my trip is vacation. I've been working quite a bit and decided i need some time off in November. I will be coming to Chicago via Amtrack from Denver, CO; and returning via airplane. I gues my first question is would anyone happen to know of a cost effective way to get from Union Station to my hotel? I will be staying at the Residence Inn ChicagoDowntown/River North at 410 North Dearborn Street. I guess this is a north river property in downtown. My second question is the location close to all the attractions one would want to see if they came to Chicago (i.e. Miracle Mile, the loop, the lake, Sears Tower, the observatory, etc.)? If not, if you could recommend a better lodging choice it would be most appreicated. I'm looking to keep my cost at or below $125/night. I called the hotel and they notified me their property is 3 blocks from the nearest L station. Are three blocks in Chicago a long distance to walk? My fourth question is what are the best places to get deep dish and thin crust pizzas, and where is the best hot dog place in Chicago? My last question is I'm looking for bars, lounges, and other gathering places to meet other professionals in their 20s-40s while I'm in town. Would you have any particular places you'd recommend. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I would agree with "you asked I answered" with one exception:  the loop refers to the central business district, including the location of your hotel.  If there is an expressway that goes around the city of Chicago part of it must include a ferry.

Answer 2

Hello, I can try and help you but you are asking a ton of questions :)  

First it is the Magnificent Mile not the Miracle Mile.  T

The Loop isn't something really worth seeing.  It is an expressway that goes around the city rather than through the city.  

While you are in the city I would definitely check out the:

Museums- Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Planetarium.  Some of the directly border Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier- sticks out into Lake Michigan.  There is also restaurants and shopping

Water Tower Place- gigantic mall like shopping building

City blocks are very very short.  Just search for a map online and then all of the places you think you would like to see.  If it looks too far you can call a cab, but they are expensive, so walk when you can.  It may be very cold in November so pack warmly.  It will be colder and windy because of the lake.

If you are into sports, but if you are Soldier Field is the home to the Chicago Bears and isn't too far away.  You can catch a game.

You can also check the McCormick Place, they host conventions, car shows, swap meets, toy shows etc.  The link is http://www.mccormickplace.com/

I hope this helps.  There is a lot to see, but I am sure with other's responses you will have a busy vacation.

EDIT: Correct the Loop is a bypass around the businesses, and while it is not truly a "loop" as in circling the whole city, it does go around the city and offers an alternative to all of the cars entering and exiting the expressway from all of the local roads.