Which Chicago Hotel?

[preppy]

First day on the new job and I am booking flights and hotel to hit Chicago next weekend. I am taking off Sunday the 27th and coming back Weds night. I typically use Starwood hotels and have most of my points through them and just got the starwood amex. There is a Westin where I need to be (North Michigan Ave) that looks great but my new manager is staying a few blocks away at a Marriott. Do I forgo the points and hit the hotel where she is staying? She said it didn't really matter as long as I was close by so we can share cabs. They are about a 2 minute walk on the same road.



So Westin for points or Marriot to stay at the same hotel as new manager?



Also on a side note I am excited to see Chicago. I have never been!

[rikki]

Honestly, even though I am a total points whore and it would sadden me not to use my choice hotel, I would stay with the manager this trip. It is your first trip and I would be afraid of looking high maintenance. I know she said it didn't matter, but I am always way too paranoid about what other people are thinking.

[preppy]

Apr 14, 2014 13:02:20 GMT -5 rikki said:

Honestly, even though I am a total points whore and it would sadden me not to use my choice hotel, I would stay with the manager this trip. It is your first trip and I would be afraid of looking high maintenance. I know she said it didn't matter, but I am always way too paranoid about what other people are thinking.

This is what I am thinking too. Just for the first trip but it makes me sad to think about the points I won't get! I will have to settle for the corporate AMEX points, lol. 

You are from that area right? Or lived there before? Any must see things I can do in the evening in Chicago?

[rikki]

Apr 14, 2014 13:08:53 GMT -5 preppy said:

Apr 14, 2014 13:02:20 GMT -5 rikki said:

Honestly, even though I am a total points whore and it would sadden me not to use my choice hotel, I would stay with the manager this trip. It is your first trip and I would be afraid of looking high maintenance. I know she said it didn't matter, but I am always way too paranoid about what other people are thinking.

This is what I am thinking too. Just for the first trip but it makes me sad to think about the points I won't get! I will have to settle for the corporate AMEX points, lol. 

You are from that area right? Or lived there before? Any must see things I can do in the evening in Chicago?

How long will you be there?  Will you only have one night? 

[preppy]

Apr 14, 2014 13:11:46 GMT -5 rikki said:

Apr 14, 2014 13:08:53 GMT -5 preppy said:

This is what I am thinking too. Just for the first trip but it makes me sad to think about the points I won't get! I will have to settle for the corporate AMEX points, lol. 

You are from that area right? Or lived there before? Any must see things I can do in the evening in Chicago?

How long will you be there?  Will you only have one night? 

I will be there for three nights:)

[rikki]

Apr 14, 2014 13:45:26 GMT -5 preppy said:

Apr 14, 2014 13:11:46 GMT -5 rikki said:

How long will you be there?  Will you only have one night? 

I will be there for three nights:)

I definitely agree with Rock's suggestion to go to Xoco, or if you have more time or are feeling fancy, either Frontera Grill or Topolabampo.  They are all fabulous Mexican restaurants owned by Rick Bayless and should be within walking distance or a short cab ride away.  

Not sure if you would be able to get reservations, but Girl and the Goat is also a very popular and yummy restaurant. In that same area I love Avec and Blackbird. 

I went to Sushi Dokku the last time I was in the city and I really liked it.  

Also, although it is owned by celebrities (Bill and Giuliana), RMP Italian is super good.  

You should definitely walk around and just enjoy the city.  You are in a great neighborhood with so much to see.  It sounds like you'll be working most of the time, but if you have a chance, the Art Institute is great.  You could definitely walk through Millennium Park which is right next to it.  

[preppy]

rikki thank you! I will have some free time Sunday afternoon and in the evenings. I will have to try some of these places for dinner, I think I have two of the nights free for dinner.