WT Weekend Lodging

Discussion
1

I’ve seen a couple of prongers ask about lodgings in the area and felt compelled to start a new thread with a couple of recommendations.

  1. Days Inn on Diversey & Clark - bands who perform at Metro have been staying here for years.

  2. The Willows, 544 W Surf - The missus and I stayed here last year when attending yet another, different reunion at Metro. It’s comfortable and affordable and on a nice quiet street.

  3. Best Western Hawthorne Terrace - Neighborhood standby. Never stayed there myself but know many who have.

  4. The Inn at Lincoln Park - Same as #3.

If you’re looking and not sure where Metro is…try a search for “hotels near Wrigley Field”. Metro is literally a block away from Wrigley and thankfully…the Cubs are in Colorado that weekend. That increases your chances of acquiring [strike]descent[/strike] acceptable lodging by about 500%.

2

Thanks Wemp! I already booked at the Majestic. Looked like a decent place online, but I’ve never been in the area so for all I know it could be run by a murderer. Any thoughts on that place?

3

Thanks Wemp! I already booked at the Majestic. Looked like a decent place online, but I’ve never been in the area so for all I know it could be run by a murderer. Any thoughts on that place?

The Majestic, The Willows and another small boutique hotel,…The City Suites (I had to look that one up) are all owned by the same people and I guess they’re all about the same experience. City Suites looks like it’s right next to the Belmont L stop, which is great if you’re planning on using the L a lot…but it’s located in a busy, noisy place…it seems.

There shouldn’t be any trouble with murderers or thieves anywhere within about 2 miles of the Majestic or Metro. It’s not exactly the South Side around there. It’s actually pretty friendly. Most of Lakeview/Wrigleyville is upmarket and genteel…even downright posh in some places.

4

Thanks Wemp! I already booked at the Majestic. Looked like a decent place online, but I’ve never been in the area so for all I know it could be run by a murderer. Any thoughts on that place?

No like he said, it’s safe. I live in the area (actually right on Surf) and am a 15-20 minute walk to Metro (or a 5 minute cab ride). Easy access and safe area. Lots to do and see. But we’ll meet up obviously.

5

The City Suites and the Days Inn on Diversey were both recommended to me by a friend who has visited Chicago many times. Also, Julia Nash was suggesting Days Inn Diversey to travelers on the FB page. I should have my travel/lodging set by the weekend.

How is Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria? A friend of mine that travels a lot for business suggested this place for good pie. I’m a bit of a foodie when I travel, so I prefer good local places, and try to avoid the tourist stops for grub. I’m big on local dogs, too (i.e. Pinks in Hollywood, Ted’s in Buffalo/Tempe)

On that note, I’ve never tried White Castle, and have heard it’s a bit over-hyped. I do love sliders, but how is this place? Worth a shot while I’m in town? One of those ‘try it once’ places? Any good local brewhouses or bar and grills to check out? I’ll pay $10 for a good burger and $5+ for a good beer if anyone can recommend some good grub…

1002

6

How is Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria? A friend of mine that travels a lot for business suggested this place for good pie. I’m a bit of a foodie when I travel, so I prefer good local places, and try to avoid the tourist stops for grub. I’m big on local dogs, too (i.e. Pinks in Hollywood, Ted’s in Buffalo/Tempe)

On that note, I’ve never tried White Castle, and have heard it’s a bit over-hyped. I do love sliders, but how is this place? Worth a shot while I’m in town? One of those ‘try it once’ places? Any good local brewhouses or bar and grills to check out? I’ll pay $10 for a good burger and $5+ for a good beer if anyone can recommend some good grub…

1002

For deep-dish pizza Lou Malnati’s and Gino’s East are the best chains in the city. Avoid Pizzeria Uno or Giordano’s. Uno may have invented the deep dish but their quality went to shit years ago, and as far as I’m concerned Giordano’s was never good. For a good hot dog close to the Metro I recommend Murphy’s Red Hots, though Wrigleyville dogs is right across the street from the metro and will taste good if you’ve had enough booze… though it can be a drunken nightmare at night! In addition to the Hot Dogs and pizza I recommend you try a polish sausage and an Italian beef sandwich, both local specialties… White Castle is overrated and can be found many places besides Chicago, but hey if you want to go just to say you did…

Other than greasy street food Chicago has excellent Greek food, Italian food, Indian food, Ethiopian, Mexican, steakhouses upper-crust fru fru restaurants… Lots to choose from really… Just depends on your mood and how deep your wallet is!

7

That increases your chances of acquiring descent lodging by about 500%.

Descent lodging?!? What the hell is that, a hotel in a pit or something?! [:P]

Heh… just breaking balls dude… thanks for the lodging suggestions I wasn’t aware there were so many options in Lakeview…

Another suggestion is “Heart of Chicago”, which is a few miles from the Metro. A friend and I stayed there when we saw Jesus Lizard. It was kinda shitty, but cheap and felt pretty safe.

8

[reply]How is Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria? I’m big on local dogs, too

On that note, I’ve never tried White Castle, and have heard it’s a bit over-hyped. I do love sliders, but how is this place? Worth a shot while I’m in town? One of those ‘try it once’ places? Any good local brewhouses or bar and grills to check out? I’ll pay $10 for a good burger and $5+ for a good beer if anyone can recommend some good grub…

1002

For deep-dish pizza Lou Malnati’s and Gino’s East are the best chains in the city. …For a good hot dog close to the Metro I recommend Murphy’s Red Hots, though Wrigleyville dogs is right across the street from the metro and will taste good if you’ve had enough booze… though it can be a drunken nightmare at night! In addition to the Hot Dogs and pizza I recommend you try a polish sausage and an Italian beef sandwich, both local specialties… White Castle is overrated and can be found many places besides Chicago, but hey if you want to go just to say you did…

Other than greasy street food Chicago has excellent Greek food, Italian food, Indian food, Ethiopian, Mexican, steakhouses upper-crust fru fru restaurants… Lots to choose from really… Just depends on your mood and how deep your wallet is![/reply]

Every thread I’ve ever read about travelling to Chicago always transforms into a discussion about the local food. There’s no shortage of restaurants in the Lakeview area…it’s all a matter of what you feel like eating…it’s all available.

I’d recommend a good Italian Beef sandwich, dipped with sweet peppers (local for ‘submerge the sandwich in beef juice and top with cooked green bell peppers’). And a Chicago Hot Dog (must be Vienna) with everything (sometimes called ‘drag it through the garden’).

Pizza, if you must. It’s great…but it’s not all the same so it depends what you develop a taste for and most of you won’t be here long enough to find out.

To really expose yourself as a non-Chicagoan, make sure to put ketsup on your hot dog. Real Chicagoans don’t put ketsup on anything. Personally, I can’t stand the stuff.

Descent lodging?!? What the hell is that, a hotel in a pit or something?!

Funny… I had been using the word ‘ascent’ in work related project. Guess I got confused. [laugh]

9

I’m actually glad to be reading this info for the day I visit Chicago

10

A word about transportation.

DON’T rent a car. The $50 a day rental and the $30 a day parking will buy you a lot of cab rides. Cabs, and walking, are by far the easiest way to get around the Lakeview and Northside neighborhoods.

If you’re landing at Midway. Take the Orange Line downtown, you can then take the Red or Brown line to the Belmont Station. The Red Line also stops at the Addison station which is the closest station to Metro.

If you’re landing at O’Hare…you could take the Blue Line all the way downtown, and transfer to the Red or Brown Lines but that’s kind of a long way to go. Or…you could get off of the Blue Line at Irving Park or Addison and bus or cab east to the Lakeview area…or you could just take a cab from O’Hare to Lakeview. A cab from O’Hare is a little pricey, but still probably cheaper than renting.

11

Wemp- Thanks for these posts man… I’ve never been to Chicago and this is definitely making my planning WAY easier!

12

In case you’re not seeing the updates from Julia:

"ALLEGRO HOTEL/room block for travelling fans

Hi all,
As we get ready for the Wax Trax! Retrospectacle, we know that there will be fans traveling far and wide to Chicago.

We are very excited to have partnered with one of Chicago’s primo hotels to provide a reduced rate of $145/ nt, just for Retrospectacle guests. Not only are they old school, dedicated Wax Trax! fans but they are also donating 5% of WT! Guest sales to our charity, Center On Halsted-wow!

You can find all the information and links on our travel page.

Oh…i almost forgot. For those of you who have asked if there will be a few additional tickets available for the weekend?
…stay tuned"

1002

13

Keep in mind, we’ll have a get together at my place or something before the show - keep that in your calendars. If not there, then some place else.

14

Keep in mind, we’ll have a get together at my place or something before the show - keep that in your calendars. If not there, then some place else.

Your place sounds great Afra, I’m a broke-ass college student, and many will be dropping lots of money to travel, so it would be nice to save some money on booze by pre-gaming at your place!

On the topic of saving $$$, my friend punked out on me and didn’t get tickets to the show, and we had planned to split the cost of a hotel room. Anybody looking to save money by sharing a room? Separate beds of course :wink: … I’m straight and don’t do any hard drugs, no criminal record… PM me if anyone is interested…

The only thing that sucks about the Metro and Chicago venues in general is there are no in/out privileges, and smoking isn’t allowed anywhere indoors, so smokers be sure to get your fix before you get in the building and bring some nic gum if you need it!

15

Keep in mind, we’ll have a get together at my place or something before the show - keep that in your calendars. If not there, then some place else.

I assume you’re talking about the Saturday show.

16

In case you’re not seeing the updates from Julia:

"ALLEGRO HOTEL/room block for travelling fans

Hi all,
As we get ready for the Wax Trax! Retrospectacle, we know that there will be fans traveling far and wide to Chicago.

We are very excited to have partnered with one of Chicago’s primo hotels to provide a reduced rate of $145/ nt, just for Retrospectacle guests.
1002

The Allegro is a hip old downtown hotel located in the Loop, which is about 5 miles south of Metro. The Red Line L is only a couple of blocks from the Allegro. But it is not in Lakeview. The hotel bar at Allegro, called Encore makes the best $10 martini you ever tasted. FYI.

17

[reply]Keep in mind, we’ll have a get together at my place or something before the show - keep that in your calendars. If not there, then some place else.

I assume you’re talking about the Saturday show.[/reply]

Yes…

18

[reply]
In case you’re not seeing the updates from Julia:

"ALLEGRO HOTEL/room block for travelling fans

Hi all,
As we get ready for the Wax Trax! Retrospectacle, we know that there will be fans traveling far and wide to Chicago.

We are very excited to have partnered with one of Chicago’s primo hotels to provide a reduced rate of $145/ nt, just for Retrospectacle guests.
1002

The Allegro is a hip old downtown hotel located in the Loop, which is about 5 miles south of Metro. The Red Line L is only a couple of blocks from the Allegro. But it is not in Lakeview. The hotel bar at Allegro, called Encore makes the best $10 martini you ever tasted. FYI. [/reply]

I love a good martini. Thanks wempathy.

Leaning towards this location, not just for the martinis. [;)] Gonna consult with my friend this weekend.

Afra, we’d definitely like to hook up at your place before the Saturday show. I’ll be in touch as the date draws near.

1002

19

I love a good martini. Thanks wempathy.

Leaning towards this location, not just for the martinis. [;)] Gonna consult with my friend this weekend.

1002

Once upon a time the Allegro was called the Bismarck Hotel and it hosted concerts. I saw the Cure there in 1985 or so. So…lot’s of history. I usually walk right by on my way to and from work everyday.

20

[reply]Keep in mind, we’ll have a get together at my place or something before the show - keep that in your calendars. If not there, then some place else.

Your place sounds great Afra, I’m a broke-ass college student, and many will be dropping lots of money to travel, so it would be nice to save some money on booze by pre-gaming at your place!

On the topic of saving $$$, my friend punked out on me and didn’t get tickets to the show, and we had planned to split the cost of a hotel room. Anybody looking to save money by sharing a room? Separate beds of course :wink: … I’m straight and don’t do any hard drugs, no criminal record… PM me if anyone is interested…

The only thing that sucks about the Metro and Chicago venues in general is there are no in/out privileges, and smoking isn’t allowed anywhere indoors, so smokers be sure to get your fix before you get in the building and bring some nic gum if you need it![/reply]

There’s also the option of a hostel if you’re looking to save $$ (I know I am)

This place seems convenient: http://www.getawayhostel.com/

Anyway if there’s a few of us looking to chip in on a dorm or a hotel room to save money, voice now so we can sort it out.