Chicago Hotel Blog

We just updated several of our conference rooms. There looking great! So if your looking for a Banquet facility in Chicago or Hyde Park keep us in mind!

This is a great exhibit if your coming to Chicago. You will get to see parts of the White House that no one gets to see!

Its inside look at the People’s House that few people get.
The Museum’s new temporary exhibit, The White House: A Look Inside, offers an unprecedented up-close look at America’s most famous and beloved landmark. It takes you from the East Wing to the West Wing, through notable moments in history to the White House as it is today, in grand dimensions and true-to-life scale. Like the home that inspired it, this exhibit offers an awe-inspiring experience for the young and young-at-heart.

It begins with a photographic timeline of the White House: learn about its original construction, and the renovations and expansions throughout its 200-plus years. Gain new insight into the ever-changing role of the First Lady, and behind-the-scenes details on the daily life at the White House, supported by a legion of dedicated staff. See authentic artifacts from administrations throughout history, ranging from White House china to holiday cards. Learn more about the people – and even pets including a pony and a sheep – who have made their home in this famous house, with a special focus on the four Presidents who have lived in Illinois: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan and Obama.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a meticulously detailed, 60-by-13 foot, 1:12 scale replica of the White House. Complete with hand-carved chairs and tables, stitch-by-stitch carpet recreations and even tiny working televisions, this masterpiece of miniature is the result of more than 600,000 work hours. This gift “to the people from the people” is truly a wonder to behold.

Opening with Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light on November 20, the doors to the White House exhibit will be open through President’s Day, February 15, 2010.

Ok winter is coming and though we are enjoying these occasional few warm days we can’t stop the enevitable. Despite that cold wind that will be blowing here in Chicago there is one event that is always a great event to visit and thats the Chriskindlmarket. Its held every year in the Daley Plaza and this year it runs from November 25th through December 24th. With great shopping, great food and great drinks from Germany this event is fun for the whole family. In fact many people include it on their to do list when their in town for Christmas Shopping.

So when your planning your trip to Chicago don’t miss this great event and ask our front desk about other happenings nearby.

Last week I met Dan and Linda from Ontario Canada. They were in for a convention at McCormick Place Convention Center. They had been here for about 3 nights and had two more nights to stay. I asked them how they were getting to McCormick Place everyday. A lot of guests are concerned about this as were not downtown with all the “Convention Hotels”

They said they walk two blocks and get on the Metra Train and pay $2.25 one way and the train is about an 8 minute ride and they arrive in the basement of McCormick Place and they just go up the stairs and their in the middle of the McCormick Place on the first floor right at the show entrance. They even said the show management gave them free passes for the train for a couple of days. I thought that was fantastic and to be honest alot of our guests take the train because its fun and maybe the family has never been on a train so its a new experience. Compared to a cab which can cost $10.00 – $15.00 one way, its a great savings. Whats even better is the train will also continue on and take you to Grant Park and the museum campus and all the attractions they have to offer and of course downtown itself. Many families take the train all the way down to Randolf Street and then walk over to Navy Pier or Michigan Ave or the Chicago Art Institute.

So saving money on transportation, saving money on great hotel rates and the convienence of getting to McCormick Place and downtown still makes the Ramada a great place to stay and enjoy all of Chicago. I look forward to meeting you!