What area in Chicago would be best?

[Guest gman2115]

Well, this is my first time going to Chicago and I am excited about attending the International Mr. Leather and Grabbys porn awards events. I need some advice from my fellow Hoovillians(?) (well-traveled, prior residents, or current residents) as to which area I should stay for these events.

 

I have several hotel reservations already made in both along the Magnificent Mile and in the Loop area, but which one to stay at depends on which area would be best. The IML event is in the Loop and the Grabbys awards are in Boystown, of which I will be spending most of the time, albeit at night. I got a great deal on some great hotels in both areas, but I am wondering if I should get a rental car, take advantage of the "El-train" (excuse my ignorance if I didn't get that right), taking a taxi, or use the bus to get to Boystown. My main concern is especially at night since most of the Grabby events don't get out until late (or early morning depending on how you look at it). I will try to work in some sightseeing as well during the day, so I don't think it would be much as a problem during the day.

 

I will be flying into Midway airport and I found out that I can take the "El" into downtown with stops real close to any of the hotels I wish to stay at. Again, any advice would be most helpful. Also, if anyone would make suggestions as to what landmarks would be worth checking out and where to dine would be appreciated as well. Thanks!

 

G-Man

[+ deej]

Unless things have changed, bag the MagMile immediately. It's neither near the IML stuff nor near the Boystown stuff.

 

Definitely rely on the L if you're sober enough, but don't fear hailing a cab if you've had a few. They're just not that expensive and they're easy. And honestly, during IML weekend the shuttle buses are more than adequate (and cruisy as hell) between IML and Boystown.

 

If you MUST stay at a MagMile property, take a cab from your hotel to the IML host hotel and let the shuttles get you back and forth to boystown.

 

If you're going to focus on Boystown, though, pick a hotel near there. (Probably too late if you don't already have a reservation.)

 

It's a great weekend to be in Chicago when the weather cooperates. I remember a few, though, when the butts in chaps were covered in goosebumps from the cold. ;-)

 

Enjoy!

[Guest TBinCHI]

For the most part the Loop hotels are a great bet. There are a couple of lesser known hotels, however, that you might want to avoid. Generally, if it's one of the chains, you'll be ok. I also agree with Deej's advice about the L. One of the lines has as stop at Belmont and another at Addison (I think it's the red line, but double check - it's the one for Wrigley Field) both of which service the Boystown area. They are very convenient and for the most part safe. Again, if you've had too many - take a cab. If you're horny and haven't managed to hook up. there's always Steamworks. It's on Halsted just north of Belmont (3246 - am I giving away too much that I know the street number?). It should be pretty wild this weekend. You can't help but have fun!

[Barry]

>Unless things have changed, bag the MagMile immediately. It's

>neither near the IML stuff nor near the Boystown stuff.

>

>If you MUST stay at a MagMile property, take a cab from your

>hotel to the IML host hotel and let the shuttles get you back

>and forth to boystown.

 

Deej, you've been on the left coast too long. :*

 

The host hotel and events are at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker. That puts it on the south end of the MagMile. You can easily walk there from any hotel on the Mile.

 

I agree with TB and Deej. The El is fine between MagMile and Boystown. It's the RED line. Get on/off at Grand or Chicago on the MagMile end and Belmont or Addison on the Boystown end. If you're going to travel from Boystown late at night }( I would take a cab back. There are plenty in Boystown (cabbies know when the bars close) and the ride shouldn't cost more than $12-15. DO NOT rent a car. Parking (even at your hotel) will cost you upwards of $30 a day and it's 98% street parking in Boystown which is near impossible on a weekend. I live in the burbs and when I go to BT, I usually drive close, park and take a cab.

 

Here's a map of the El trains. One from Google and one "official". http://www.tastypopsicle.com/maps/cta.asp http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/rail.html

 

You can pick up a copy of Gay Chicago magazine anywhere in Boystown but here are a few links to check out before you get there.

 

http://www.chicagopride.com/

http://www.gaychicagomagazine.com/

http://www.boimagazine.com/

 

Enjoy the weekend.

 

 

Barry

[+ deej]

Thanks Barry! When did it move?

 

On the Red line, if there's a Cubs game going on the Addison stop can be a little crowded. The next stop, Sheridan, is about two blocks off the north-most end of Halstead. (It's actually closest to the events at that end of the strip.)

[Guest gman2115]

Hey guys,

 

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I narrowed my choice down to two hotels between the Marriott Chicago Downtown Mag Mile and the Hotel Monaco in the Loop, which happens to be just a couple of blocks from the Hyatt where IML is being held. I checked for hotels in Boystown but the places I checked out (would've loved to stay at the Talbott) can't match the rate I'm getting right now ($135). Do any of you have any comments between the Marriott and the Monaco?

 

Interestingly enough, I got in the mail today the CTA bus and rail map guide along with the official visitors guide to Chicago. I completely forgot that I had ordered them a few weeks back. I noticed that the Red line that goes into Boystwon has owl service and when I called the info line, the rep told me that it runs 24 hours. Both hotels have rail stations (Lake station by the Monaco and Grand by Marriott) along the Red line a couple of blocks away, so getting to Boystown shouldn't be a problem. Of course, I'll keep my options open to the cabs as well.

 

As far as "fun" places , I may have to check out Steamworks (been to the one in Berkeley, CA), along with Man's Country and the Bijou Theater, HAHA! Of course, with all the eye candy between Boystown and the IML, I will definitely have my plate full. Thanks again and I'll certainly make the most out of my time! }(

 

G-Man

[Bart]

Gman you are so lucky man. Enjoy yourself. This is one of those events I am so hoping to make one of these years. So many hot guys in town this weekend. Plenty to pick from. I have a nice one coming to see me after the show, Tyger, which is becoming a fun regular occurrence.

 

Almost booked an outing with Dillon Buck at host hotel but after my trip to Chicago last month I will not drive in there until construction on Edens is complete. OMG what a disaster, caused me to be hour late to see a guy but he was a total gent about it.

 

Anyway lots of available meat so enjoy, nice location for your room always best when you can walk. You will be walking, 70's Sat-Sun near 80 Mon. Absolutely perfect temps for Chicago, lake will be gorgeous so please enjoy our fine Midwest weekend, they are few and far between. Oh and Steamworks will be very crowded, so if you want a room go early, expect to see some stars there. They will probably be standing on the stairs by 10 PM.

[Barry]

>Both hotels have rail

>stations (Lake station by the Monaco and Grand by Marriott)

>along the Red line a couple of blocks away, so getting to

>Boystown shouldn't be a problem.

 

Double check on the Lake St. Station before you get on. I don't think the Red Line stops there. The Pink Line does, but for whatever reason, the PINK Line doesn't go to Boystown. Go figure.

 

Both the Marriott and the Hotel Monoco are good. More a choice between a big hotel vs. a boutique.

 

Enjoy you visit.

 

Barry

[Barry]

>Thanks Barry! When did it move?

 

I think this is the second year at the Hyatt Regency. You've been gone too long.

 

 

Barry

[rvwnsd]

There are two State/Lake stops: one on the Loop "L" structure and one in the State Street Subway. The Pink Line (and the Brown, Orange, Green Lines) stops at the "L" station and the Red Line stops at the subway station. If you want to take a nice above-ground ride through some cool neighborhoods, take the Brown Line from Belmont in Boystown downtown. It and the Red Line run on the same tracks until Armitage, where the Red Line descends into the subway and the Brown Line snakes through the Near North Side on its way to the Loop.

 

I've never stayed at either the Marriott or the Monaco, but I can tell you that the Monaco has received accolades for its decor. The Marriott is, well, a Marriott, which means good service but more pedestrian surroundings. I wouldn't take the subway or the "L" to either hotel very late at night, mainly because the walk from the station to the hotel can be a little dicey and deserted after 10 or 11 PM. The subway itself between Boystown and the Loop is fine.

 

Hope that helps.