Sara,
I thought the cancellation policy was close to the day of check-in. If I get the chance I will call them later to confirm that. Yes, they are trying to "Upsell" the room. When searching, know that all of the Chicago hotels will charge for parking downtown so that will be a wash. Parking is a premium in the Windy City.
I will need to be cancelling myself. My 26 year old physically-fit son got a virus in January which appears to have also settled in his heart destroying a valve necessitating valve replacement surgery. He is already a stage 4 meanng that over60 % of his blood is leaking and not pumping through a properly opening and closing valve. It all makes the heart work harder. We are traveling to Ohio for the surgery because they do a less invasive procedure. It is hard to believe, but Chicago does not have surgeons who do not crack open the rib cage. So we are travelling to Ohio where the procedure replaces the valve without the aforementioned. His surgery date is August 13.
I did make reservations at the Drake for the group on Friday, August 14 at 3:30 for high tea. I am happy to email the confirmation to anyone who planned to attend. The pizza place on Thursday said on their website that they don't take reservations, but honestly once I got a count, I was going to try calling Gino's East. Due to the circumstances, I am havng to relinquish my role as self-appointed social director. I am counting on the other organizers in the group:-) Also, you may find the earlier list of places useful...around page 15 or such.
If someone needs my reservation at the Drake, please PM me.
Kate
