Chicago Travel Information
Chicago 2009 Schedule 2009 Tour Schedule
Locations
Most of the Chicago 2009 venues are within a few blocks of 111 S. Michigan Ave. Venues include Columbia College, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Fine Arts Building.
Getting Downtown from the Airport
From Midway: A cab ride downtown from Midway is a bit expensive ($40). We recommend taking the Orange Line train, which runs directly from Midway to the loop. Get off anywhere in the loop and take a cab to your hotel.
From Ohare: The Blue Line train runs directly from Ohare to the Loop. Get off anywhere in the loop and take a cab to your hotel.
Chicago Transit
There is no free parking in downtown Chicago. Often the hotel provides parking, otherwise you are looking at between $10-20 per day. Some events are in the neighborhoods outside the loop. Those do have free street parking.
Due to the weather, we recommend planning to spend some money on cab fair. They are plentiful in the downtown area and are generally helpful with directions.
The CTA runs a well worked out and easy to understand system of trains and buses. Try the free information hotline: 1-800-YOUR-CTA, or visit Transit Authority for maps, schedules and how-to guides.
Downtown Hotels
Hyatt Regency Chicago is conveniently located downtown on the Chicago River at 151 E. Wacker, just East of Michigan Avenue, a 10-minute walk from The
Art Institute of Chicago. This hotel is the largest Hyatt in the world and features a fitness center, business center and access to Chicago's underground Pedway system, which can keep you out of the elements but is tricky to navigate
The lovely hotel to stay in would be Hotel Monaco for about the same price. It is known for it's beautiful rooms and is also close to the action at 225 North Wabash.
The Days Inn Lincoln Park is one of the few hotels in the city which is clean, elegant and offers rooms for the unbeatable price of around $85-125 a night, including an amazing continental breakfast. This hotel truly makes you feel like you have stepped into Europe while also offering an opportunity to be immersed in the vibrant Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Cab fare to downtown will cost around $15. Book early as rooms here fill up fast.
Downtown Bar & Resturant
226 S Wabash Ave
Mon-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-12am, Sun: 12pm-9pm
10% discount for those staying in local hotels
Downtown Vegetarian Resturant
Kramer's Health Food and Juice Bar
228 S Wabash Ave
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm, Sat: 9:30am-6pm, Sun: closed
Fellowship Lunch: 2pm - 3pm, Wed, Jan 21st @ both locations.
Free Internet (WiFi)
78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Within a few blocks of almost all of the festival venues, the Chicago Cultural Center has a beautiful open room to sit and use the free internet connection. Please note the business hours: Mon-Thur: 8am-7pm, Fri: 8am-6 pm, Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 10am-6pm.