The Chicago Traveler

The current economy may not support lavish travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get special treatment. Guests at the Fairmont Hotel can be treated like royalty and customize their own gourmet ice cream.
Made with all-natural ingredients, the decadent dessert is made overnight and can satisfy your unique cravings. So, if you want guacamole-flavored ice cream, the chef can whip up the perfect recipe for you.
This service, which premiered in June of last year, is available daily. For less than $20, you can enjoy a pint of your own signature ice cream, designed exclusively by you for you.
From one luxurious …read more

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When touring Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, you can’t miss the historic and beautiful Allerton Hotel. Completed in 1924, this 25-story 360-foot (110 m) skyscraper was the first structure to be built with pronounced setbacks and towers resulting from the new municipal zoning laws.1
Across from Saks Fifth Avenue, the hotel was built by the Allerton House Company as part of a national chain of “club hotels.” It was meant to provide young single professionals with the amenities of a hotel and the social scene of a private club. Fourteen floors were reserved for men, and six for women. The men’s and women’s …read more

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As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I make a monthly trip to visit family in southwestern Michigan. The trip usually takes about three hours, and I pass through several small towns along the way. In fact, in that rural area, it is not uncommon for us to visit one town to go grocery shopping, another town for dining out, and yet another to go see a movie! Of course, all the towns are within a few minutes of each other, so driving from town to town is much like driving to different neighborhoods here in Chicago.

One road that we …read more

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Ah, the punch bowl. It’s a staple at every party and gathering, for better or worse. And it’s rarely as innocent as it appears. Under-spiked at the prom or over-spiked at college parties, these beverage bins are seldom just punch. It’s about time someone got the mixture right. The chic and sophisticated Rebar makes its own attempt at Trump International Hotel & Tower.
A tone of elegance and luxury begins upon entrance, as an overly attentive host greets you at the top of the marble staircase. You can choose from the stools at the bar or the clusters of comfortable chairs …read more

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If you are familiar with U.S. politics, you may have heard about decisions being made in a “smoke-filled room.” This usually refers to a secret political gathering, suggesting that a group of economically- or politically-powerful individuals are meeting privately (perhaps while smoking cigars?) to make an impacting decision without regard to the public’s wants. That term actually originated right here in Chicago in 1920 at the Blackstone Hotel.
The 290-foot (88 m), 21-story building was completed in 1910 and is considered a Chicago Landmark and a National Historic Place. It is named after Timothy Blackstone, the founding president of the Union …read more

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Hotels in Chicago and everywhere else in the world have websites full of fantastic photos. From the bedrooms to the lobby, you can find beautiful pictures showing the location in superb condition. However, sometimes there aren’t enough photos. (What does the bathroom look like? Or the view from the window? Or the building’s front door for that matter?) Sometimes, the photos have been touched up or only show the rooms’ “good side.” It’s time to bring in the help of a third party.
TVTrip.com provides useful videos of several hotels’ rooms, lobbies, and outside areas. These scenes in motion offer a …read more

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A little over a month ago, the Palmer House Hilton opened Potter’s, a sophisticated bar and lounge. It’s named after Potter Palmer, the Palmer House founder, and replicates the style and elegance of the 1920s with a modern, sleek look.
Located inside the hotel, Potter’s is open to the public, but not many people outside of the Hilton know about it. This lush, secret spot includes an intimate seating area with comfortable dark-leather chairs and plush sofas that perfectly seat two. The dimly lit bar a few steps away is bordered by glass-enclosed columns filled with white feathers. Pictures of Chicago’s …read more

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The Trump International Hotel and Tower is well on its way to becoming Chicago’s newest landmark, soon to be the city’s second-tallest building. And even though it is still under construction, this five-star luxury hotel is already open for business. According to hotels.com, its average lowest nightly rate is $385.
If you need a hotel that is a bit more budget-friendly, but you still want to be close to all the downtown lights and sights, take a look at this list. Here are 10 of the best hotels (in alphabetical order) within 5 miles (8 km) of Millennium Park whose lowest …read more

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Looptopia, the annual dusk-till-dawn artistic and cultural celebration, lights up the downtown area again this Friday, May 2. This all-night festivity features 300 artists in 100 venues for 14 hours. More than 100,000 people attended last year. Locals, tourists, students, families, artists, musicians—Looptopia invites and entertains them all.
Just to give you an idea, here’s what you can expect to find:

Over 50 groups and soloists offering everything from jazz to electronica to pop to classical.
20 performers show off their moves in ballet, bellydancing, tap, salsa, fire dancing, and more.
Acrobats, circus performers, shadow puppets, experimental artists, and a preview of the 2016 …read more

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Disabled people and their families face several obstacles when traveling. How do you know what restaurants, tourist attractions, and buildings accommodate special needs? Open Doors is a non-profit organization that is hoping to answer that question and more.
Eric Lipp, the executive director at Open Doors, worked for a year and a half in the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities to create Easy Access Chicago. Several people with disabilities visited some of the city’s most popular attractions to see just how accessible they really were. The guide features lists of destinations for residents and visitors alike and offers specific details …read more

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