Sweet Home Chicago

My heart belongs to Chicago – and for every Spirited Woman that wants a great weekend in this town of Big Shoulders, beautiful architecture, awesome shopping and world renown food – Chicago is an easy place to slip away to for a few days. This week, I am back in my hometown and I am experiencing the ultimate places to getaway in Chicago. For starters, finding a great place to drop your bags is always important.

If you like the latest in chic hotels – check out The James Hotel. Clean lines, white spaces, vintage décor and the perfect lounge to meet up for some pre-shopping libations, this hotel is like staying at your best friend's city loft. One block away from Michigan Avenue, The James is located in the heart of the famed shopping district, within walking distance of world-renowned restaurants. Their hotel boasts a fantastic restaurant – Prime Steak, as well as a spa, workout room and a late night club. The rooms are comfortable and cozy while the service really seals the deal. Oh, and they are pet friendly if you want to take your favorite pooch on your trip.

If you are in the mood for that  Old School Chicago feel, check out the newly renovated Blackstone Hotel located just a few blocks from Millenium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. With a very art deco feel and an inspirational local art program that runs throughout the hotel, you will feel like you have stepped back in time to the days of Al Capone and Frank Sinatra. My kind of town is Chicago and the Blackstone – with their beautifully renovated rooms with amazing views of the lake and the park takes you back in a very modern way!

Enjoy the Second City and find out why true Chicagoans will tell you there is nothing second about this number one city in our hearts!

- Monica Rohleder

Comments

[Teri Breier]

Hi Monica,

I spent 2+ years living in Evanston, while commuting to The Loop on the El...worked at an ad agency 1 block off Michigan & Ontario. One of my favorite memories is when my (now ex-)husband would take me to the elegant Pump Room (near Water Tower) for special occasions. And right before we moved back to Calif. in 2001, we went to Charlie Trotter's for my birthday, where we were lucky to get a 9:30pm seating on short notice.

If you like jazz and standards, while you're there, be sure to check out my old college friend Mark Burnell and his wife Anne, who perform around town often: http://www.anneburnell.com. Enjoy!

~ Teri