Hey Guys...
For those of us who cant rent a car (due to the age limit or whatever) and still want to go into Chicago, I have found a good solution. It involves the public transportation system. Instead of paying per ride, you can get exclusive visitor passes that give you an unlimited amount of rids for the number of days the card is good for. They have a 1, 2, 3 and 5 day pass available which looks extremely cheap!

You can go here (http://www3.yourcta.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTA&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=vp) for info on that...

Just thought I would pass the tip along... it could save you lots of money if you want to tour Chicago :)

Wow, good find indeed, what was the URL that you found that on? that would be a good item to post here as well as for us on our site.. Thanks again.. Mouse

I firgured with Chicago being as big as it was they may have something like this (Atlanta does, and when im down there and not near clients offices, I utilize those visitor passes like no other)
The main URL is http://www.transitchicago.com for the Chicago Transift Authority. I googled it to find that info though :)

Not as fun as renting a car / biggest truck you can find ;)

did you get a 4-wheel drive truck? :)

Yeah I would of loved to rent a car but those stupid age limits :(

And just so everyone knows, the Blue Line "El" train which goes into downtown Chicago has a station about a 5 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

For those coming into O'Hare via the air, the Hyatt Regency has a shuttle that goes between the airport and the hotel.

George:
Does that walk include crossing any busy streets just out of curiousity? I knew you were saying we had a station nearby so thats why I thought the tickets would be a good idea :) How long of a train ride is it into downtown?

during rush hour times it will be quicker to take the blue line to/from airport~

If you're wanting to do a bit of exploring, especially around The Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, from what I remember the trolley is free.

Also, don't forget your CityPass (http://citypass.com/city/chicago.html) for some area attractions. However, in my opinion the only ones worth seeing are the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Art Institute. The Hancock gives a nice view of the area though, but, meh... They additionally sell the transit passes for one to five days ($5-18).

I'm driving my Durango up there, so plenty of room, but I'll be using the transit system most of the time. Chicago traffic sucks.

Just wanted to add to Coach's list:

Wrigley area - Go watch a Cubs game if you can. Most of us are still trying to figure out why they have such a hardcore following of fans when the team sucks so much. If you don't want to watch a game don't worry, this area is filled with fun bars.

Plenty of bars and clubs..... look at metromix, but better to ask around. Word gets around which places to go on which weekend.

Archetecural boat tour - Some people get a kick out of this. Take it at night.... very pleasent.


Some cheap Chicago food you have to try when ya got the munchies:

Deep dish pizza
Chicago style hotdogs
Harold's Chicken
White Castle - yes, we do have it!

I got our Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) transit passes through the post the other day. I ordered a couple of five day passes.

- Chris

How long did they take to arrive from placing the order Chris?

We ordered 4 of those 5 day passes yesturday :-/

Hey Matt,

According to the confirmation email they sent, I ordered them last Tuesday (May 17th) and they arrived early this week - either Monday or Tuesday. The turnaround was about a week.

- Chris

UH-Matt, let me know where you are getting that truck, I really don't want to go for anything but a humvee :)

Does anyone know where we can get the shuttle bus to the Hyatt? We are flying into Terminal 5 at O'Hare.

Depending on what time you fly in it might be easier to use your CTA pass and get the train rather than shuttle... traffic will be hectic if its during rush hours...

Yeah, that's another option I guess. I didn't actually think of that, Matt :)

We land at 15:30 next Saturday, so we have a few days to kill in Chicago before the start of Hosting Con.

- Chris

Originally posted by sirtwist
And just so everyone knows, the Blue Line "El" train which goes into downtown Chicago has a station about a 5 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

For those coming into O'Hare via the air, the Hyatt Regency has a shuttle that goes between the airport and the hotel.

I am comming from O'hare airport and i just call the Hyatt and this shuttle is 21$. i just thinking maybe is going to be cheeper in taxi, any idea?

See http://ohare.hyatt.com/property/areaguide/maps/index.jhtml

"Directions From O'Hare International Airport: Continuous complimentary shuttle service. Or, take I-190 East to River Rd. South exit. Hotel is on left."

The shuttle is free, not $21.

Originally posted by Rochen
Yeah, that's another option I guess. I didn't actually think of that, Matt :)

We land at 15:30 next Saturday, so we have a few days to kill in Chicago before the start of Hosting Con.

- Chris

We arrive on that saturday too :) A little earlier tho at 10:15 am


Good news is my CTA passes just arrived... and they put too many in so I have a spare! :)

Nice :D I am glad you got them in time Matt....

I am sure we will end up bumping into each other before the start of Hosting Con anyway.... :)

The shuttle runs every 20 minutes during the week (not sure on the weekend) - at least it did at the last conference a month ago.

The CTA from the airport will take you 2 blocks from the Hotel where the conference is held rides are $2 bucks

A cab should be less than $20 with tip from O'hare to the Hotel - its the 2nd or 3rd exit out of the airport.

Originally posted by UH-Matt
We arrive on that saturday too :) A little earlier tho at 10:15 am


Good news is my CTA passes just arrived... and they put too many in so I have a spare! :)

hmmm, maybe dinner Saturday evening? We will be staying saturday night as it will be easier for the early Sunday we will have.. Mouse

Sounds good to me! I think I remember what you look like, but whats the chances of finding you in 2000 rooms at the hotel? :)

Originally posted by UH-Matt
Sounds good to me! I think I remember what you look like, but whats the chances of finding you in 2000 rooms at the hotel? :)

hmmmm..I'm a Mouse.. I kind of stand out man..

here is a picture of me with my cat playing..

http://www.toonopedia.com/hippety.jpg

Else you can tag me at fspaulding@hostingcon.com and I will get you my cell # which should be a local call from the hotel so you can find out where we are.. Mouse

Count me + 1 in for dinner on the Saturday too, if I am invited. Wasn't sure if I was invited or not, since you quoted Matt :D

- Chris

Im sure it was an open invite... not sure too many people will be about on the saturday.

Count me + 3 in for dinner... where are we going?

Anybody is indeed invited, transportation will be interesting but I must be open and up front, this isnt really pre-conferance thing, more of a sudden, informal and at your own expense as we are about tapped event, but the the more the merrier.. Mouse

PS. we are open to a sponsor for this.. J/K..

oops, as to where, we will have to see what is close, Portillo's is great and very cost effective..

http://www.portillos.com/

should be one fairly close and it is an honest taste of Chicago.. Mouse

Looks delicious :) If its an open invite, my partner, Brian and I, would be more than interested in joining! We are arriving Thursday and could definitely use something to do on Saturday :)

Portillo's is indeed a great place to eat. Laid back slower then fast food and oh, oh so good.

The bacon cheeseburger has special powers that starts to clog your arterries just by looking at it.... and I'm only 22, with the best metabolism you've ever seen, and I'm scared to eat it. ;-)

But oh-so good.

Mmmmm.... Portillo's beef and mozzarella.... mmmmmm.

y'all are making me hungry! Someone let me know once plans have been finalized. You can email me at choward@rackmountmicro.com :) I will be there!

I called Chicago Transit Authority today and also found out these visitor passes are for sale at the O'Hare airport. You need cash and exact change though in order to receive one :) Just FYI for everyone!

Portillio's is not really that close to the hotel.

Here's a great alternative for a great Chicago Hot dog, Beef and Combo (Beef and Italian sausage) Plush Pup. 5344 N Cumberland Ave Chicago, IL 60656 Its about 2 miles away - but better for lunch.

But for dinner you should go to
Giordano's Famous Stuffed Pizza - 9415 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont
The pizza is excellent and its about 4 block away. The Chicago Wolves are in the finals of the AHL so the place could be mobbed until 7:30pm - The Allstate arena is about 2 miles away.

I wish I could join you all but I already have plans for Saturday.

Originally posted by RackmountMicro
I called Chicago Transit Authority today and also found out these visitor passes are for sale at the O'Hare airport. You need cash and exact change though in order to receive one :) Just FYI for everyone!

You can also get them at most chicagoland currency exchanges

Find my hotel room and I have a spare that ill give to someone for a couple of beers :)

Oooo... that not I'll be able to make it, but I'd also highly suggest Giordano's. Great pizza! I'm not a huge stuffed pizza fan myself, but if you like that stuff, its the best. Oddly enough, I also think their thin pizza's are some of the best.

Anyways.... I'm going to go eat some Cheerios for breakfast, ha!

I'll be in Chicago with another person as of Friday. I'd like to join in as well - how are you planning to meet up?

Count me in for dinner :)

Perhaps it would be easier if everyone agreed to meet in the hotel lobby at a certain time? This dinner event on Saturday night seems to be growing by the minute ;)

- Chris

We will either post in this or a new thread.. as it gets closer we will likely pick a time as we havnt yet set in stone what time we will be getting there ourselves.. we will keep everyone updated though. Mouse

Yep... i might be hungry (or passed out) before everyone meets up! :)

Originally posted by UH-Matt
Yep... i might be hungry (or passed out) before everyone meets up! :)

I'll bring a hot dog to stuff in your mouth while you wait.. lol.. Mouse

haha :) We look forward to seeing everyone! Packing is so much fun

6pm at the elevators if you haven't seen the other thread.
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=411629

Originally posted by daveman
6pm at the elevators if you haven't seen the other thread.
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=411629

thats a possibility.. once George and I get down there we will know more.. oh loverly, just as I am typing this a storm is moving in.. yetch.. Mouse

:) Indeed... we're under a severe storm warning... we're down at the atrium eating lunch... it is nice to have internet access while we eat.... just like home! :D

Originally posted by RackmountMicro
:) Indeed... we're under a severe storm warning... we're down at the atrium eating lunch... it is nice to have internet access while we eat.... just like home! :D

getting dumped on here big time.. Mouse

Originally posted by DaWiseMouse
getting dumped on here big time.. Mouse

It's just a light shower... :o

The area is under severe weather alert until 6pm. So it might be raining later this evening as well, but hopefully the alert will stop then so it won't be too trecherous out.

it has cleared up and cooled down here... feels great outside

Woot, we are checked in and ready to go.. Mouse

:) We got a room with a porch on it, we are sitting here with the door open and enjoying the breeze outside

Originally posted by RackmountMicro
:) We got a room with a porch on it, we are sitting here with the door open and enjoying the breeze outside

Sounds nice indeed, still doing last minute work but will be headed down shortly to start gathering for food.. Mouse

Alright, we are all checked in. Using the wireless broadband here in the room.

Regarding the weather, our plane had to divert its route into O'Hare because of it. Added an extra 30 or so minutes on to the flight time.

Mouse, let us know when you know what is happening with regards to dinner tonight. I am not really that hungry right now, as I just had a fillet steak on the plane with salmon to start, although I am sure I will be hungry again by the time we meet up later on :D

- Chris

P.S. This is 'Rochen' (Chris) posting. I am using Martin's laptop and he was already logged into WHT.

Originally posted by Martin Rouf
Alright, we are all checked in. Using the wireless broadband here in the room.

Regarding the weather, our plane had to divert its route into O'Hare because of it. Added an extra 30 or so minutes on to the flight time.

Mouse, let us know when you know what is happening with regards to dinner tonight. I am not really that hungry right now, as I just had a fillet steak on the plane with salmon to start, although I am sure I will be hungry again by the time we meet up later on :D

- Chris

P.S. This is 'Rochen' (Chris) posting. I am using Martin's laptop and he was already logged into WHT.


6PM in the lobby by the elevators, George and I will be wearing our Orange Hostingcon caps.. Mouse

6 pm at the elevators on the lobby level.

Cya at 6 folks! :D

- Chris

We just got in from exploring downtown so I doubt we'll make it... will catch up with you all later or tomorrow.

Back from food, some decided to head to downtown after the first Portillo's we tried was closed way to early on a saturday.. poker anyone?? Mouse

We just got back from downtown! A very enjoyable dinner :-).

Indeed it was Martin :) Thanks for keeping us company! We had a great time meeting you guys and everyone else

Yeah, dinner was great. :)

Great idea on the visitor pass... I'll be getting one of those... any idea where I can pick on up at the airport? I mean... where is the CTA kisok?

You all doing dinner tonight [Sunday]? I'll be at the Hyatt around 4-5 I guess... I'd love to meet some of you guys...

We may :) uh, i am not sure about the kiosk... we didnt see one in OHare, and we also have one near the hotel but its out of order :(