HotelChatter

Words of advice on location, location, location

If it's hot out or you're not much of a walker, don't let The Majestic's "walking distance" tag fool you.   It's at least a mile away from Wrigley Field along a crowded two-lane street, with little to look at or see as you trudge West on Addison.  If you're budgeting, or just don't like to eat every meal at a restaurant, nearby Broadway Avenue has two supermarkets (Jewel & Treasure Island) as well as a number of interesting shops. Halsted Street is much the same, and a further two blocks West of Broadway.  FYI: You'll be passing along the periphery of Chicago's vibrant "Boystown" neighborhood, which is a lot of fun for both gays & straights alike.  

As much as Wrigley has its' ambiance to recommend it, why not skip Wrigley's $40.00 "Bud Light Bleachers" ticket price, have a beer at Sportscorner's (Addison & Sheffield) and then board the Red Line El (you'll pass it 1/4 block before you get to Wrigley) and head down to 35th Street.  This is where the Chicago White Sox play World Series Champion baseball!  On Monday nights during Sox Homestands you can get tickets at half-price: the Cubs have yet to do something as family-friendly.

The Belden Stratford is a much nicer set-up than the Majestic.  You literally cross the street in front of the hotel and you are in Lincoln Park.  The Conservatory is right there, as is the entrance to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the U.S.'s only remaining zoo with no entry charge.  The Regenstein Africa exhibit is not to be missed, as is the Polar Bear pool, with a huge picture window behind which the bears swim by and interact (as much as possible behind a very thick plexiglass wall!)with you and the many kids who are mesmerized into quiet little "Ooohs", "Aahs" and raucous giggles.  I really can't recommend the zoo enough.

The Belden-Stratford also houses two of the best restaurants in the city - Ambria, a gourmand's treasure ; and Mon Ami Gabi, a yummy French bistro with excellent Steak Frites.  Clark Street is one block West, with boutiques and restaurants, esp. Emilio's Tapas at Clark & Fullerton.  The bacon-wrapped dates and sangria are so good, and in the summer you can enjoy them on an trellised outdoor patio.