National in Chicago

[timn1]

If you plan to spend more of your time at the National itself, you can stay at one of the nearby hotels in Rosemont (at "convention rates"). There's a Metra stop within easy walking distance of the conv. center which would take you into downtown without much trouble, or even to Wrigley if you transfer to a bus. That Metra also goes to O'Hare, which is very near the convention center. Or you can always drive into the city for the day if you have a car.

If you want to spend more of your time sightseeing, priceline or hotwire a room downtown and drive (or train) out to the convention. Parking in the Loop/Gold Coast has gotten REALLY expensive, however, whereas hotel parking in the burbs is pretty much free for guests, so bear that in mind.

[Jaybird]

Thanks Tim, Good advice. Seems like I'd like to stay close to get max time and ease at the convention and let the other folks travel into town.

[tbob]

My wife accompanied me to the last National in Chicago and despite her never setting foot in the show, had a wonderful time. We stayed at one of the hotels right next to the show and the hotel was nice and extremely convenient. We were able to join Tim and Mike for drinks before the Cubs game at Wrigley and my wife managed to travel around the area and see a lot of museums and places of interest. We also rode the train down to the Comedy Club one night to see Second City. The only time we used a car was when we joined several 54ers and went to eat at a restaurant. Great time...

[ChiefBenderForever]

My kind of town!

cant wait till the next one.

Chy town here I come

[Jewish-collector]

I can't wait. I drove last time, but this time I'm going to fly.

[chaddurbin]

the smell of b.o. hasn't left the room of the last one, and people are already planning for next year? i mean baltimore just ended less than a month ago...you have to plan that far ahead?

[BIN at VCP]

Originally Posted by timn1

If you plan to spend more of your time at the National itself, you can stay at one of the nearby hotels in Rosemont (at "convention rates"). There's a Metra stop within easy walking distance of the conv. center which would take you into downtown without much trouble, or even to Wrigley if you transfer to a bus. That Metra also goes to O'Hare, which is very near the convention center. Or you can always drive into the city for the day if you have a car.

If you want to spend more of your time sightseeing, priceline or hotwire a room downtown and drive (or train) out to the convention. Parking in the Loop/Gold Coast has gotten REALLY expensive, however, whereas hotel parking in the burbs is pretty much free for guests, so bear that in mind.

This is very good advice, so I'll quote it and add that although there is a convenient Metra stop, Metra doesn't run all that frequently on weekends (maybe every hour or so?). If you plan to stay downtown but spend a lot of time at the convention, you'll have very little time for sightseeing.

I will also add that there is only one baseball team and stadium in Chicago that's worth seeing, and they are not the Cubs or Wrigley.

[Jewish-collector]

Are the bars, nightclubs, and music venues downtown convenient to the metro ?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Alan you better find some way to pass the next 330 days.

[HRBAKER]

I will also add that there is only one baseball team and stadium in Chicago that's worth seeing, and they are not the Cubs or Wrigley.

I agree with this statement on the surface, sadly the one team worth seeing, the ChiSox, don't play in the only stadium worth seeing, Wrigley.