Save the Date for Chicago ANA Convention August 14-16 2009

[Cheryl R]

Marci.  If you think you will end up at the Drake,sign up anytime for the Hilton Honors program.      In time you should get a free night somewhere if you build up the points.          Various hotels have different amounts of points and would think the Drake would give more than some smaller ones.                We racked up some as the DoubleTree in Philly 2 years ago gave me more than most types where I ususally stay.               We also have Choice hotels program and now also Marriott.            Did these mainly since we have had dr visits and my times of being in the hospital.             When I had surgery, we used 2 rooms some as our daughters were there too.          Plus motels had hospital rates also.   
                                                                                      Cheryl R 
                                                 

[Cheryl R]

My Michigan daughter and a friend are in Chicago for the weekend.       They went to the Pirate exhibit at the Field Museum yesterday.    Said it is good but not a good kids version.      A lot of reading of stories and info with it.           Thought I would pass this along as might be of interest to some.               
                               Happy Mothers day to all also.                        Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

Cheryl -

thanks for the tip on the Pirate exhibit.  Good to know.

Happy Mother's Day to you too - hug those adorable grandchildren a few extra times for me 

Marci -

the Hilton Honors program that Cheryl suggests is a great idea.  There are generally Hiltons everywhere - and they also own Hampton and Doubletree, plus a few other properties.  I've racked up points in hotels from South Bend, Indiana to NYC - you can't go wrong joining the program.

Have you tried the Talbot Hotel?  Very nice - not cheap, but perhaps cheaper than The Drake.

Jan

[Kate B]

Marci,

The Tremont (a Starwood Hotel) lists for $135.00 per night.  The website shows old world charm.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/gx/search/ratelist.html?propertyID=97510&language=en_US&brand=GX&requestedChainCode=GX&requestedAffiliationCode=GX&lengthOfStay=1&arrivalDate=2009-08-15&departureDate=2009-08-16&numberOfRooms=01&numberOfAdults=01

Because you are staying one night, you can honestly pick a hotel anywhere and just add about $7.00 to $8.00 each way to cab to the Drake. So earlier you mentioned the Amalfi...just add $16.00 dollars for the day for cab fare.  Even if you go back and forth twice it would be $32.00 more onto the rate you found of $109.00.

I was downtown today and it was beautiful. Tulips lined the streets of downtown.  I can't wait for you all to enjoy the city. It is Magnificent.

Kate

[leapyrtwins]

Great idea, Kate.

I'll be downtown on Thursday - probably early/late afternoon - and will be leaving on Sunday evening; have to work on Monday.

Jan

[Kaybo]

Kate~
We are coming in Thursday afternoon and now, not leaving until Monday (mid-day).  Since we are using free tickets, I couldn't get a return on Sunday night like I had planned.  We, then, thought that we would take an EARLY flight Monday morning so Dave could still work at least 1/2 day Monday, but we were not going to get in early enough so we said, "What the heck?  Why get up early when we are not going to get home until too late to work anyway!!"  We won't be able to do much that day but at least we can sleep in late - which will be GREAT, right before school starts again!

K

[Meagan]

Coming down Friday around 7 p.m. and then leaving Sunday whenever....and I think all should sign up for Hilton Honors Points as Hilton is the best brand EVER....oh by the way, work for hilton.

Have a good day all, Happy Monday.

Meagan

[Cheryl R]

We will come on Thurs but will be afternoon latish maybe as are driving.            That is the day the Iowa State fair starts so no corn dogs to bring.    Leave Tues or maybe Weds.    Haven't figured out the sightseeing and may not till close to time.         Have reservations till Tues AM but may or may not stay past Sun actually at the Drake.        I bet we would Sun eve but maybe elsewhere Mon night.                          I am hoping the Michigan daughter comes for the weekend so can keep my husband occipied some.
                                     Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

....oh by the way, work for hilton.

Wow, I'll bet you got a great rate at The Drake, Meagan   

Cheryl -

if your plans will be taking you to Woodfield like you mentioned to me before, you should look into staying at a hotel in Schaumburg for a night or two.  It will most likely be much cheaper than The Drake.  Rates for hotels downtown are generally higher than rates for suburban hotels - you might save some money.  The Schaumburg/Woodfield area has lots of shopping - obviously - and some really great restaurants so it won't be like you're "stuck in the middle of nowhere".

Jan

[lori67]

I'm still digging for loose change in the couch cushions, so as soon as I have enough to book a flight, I'll let you know.  My plan is to get there Thursday night and leave Sunday night, but we all know what gets planned doesn't always happen.

I'm also hoping to know what state I'll be living in at the time so I know what airport I'll be departing from, and if James' ship will be in port or out to sea, so I know if he's coming or not.  I don't think there could have been a worse time to plan this symposium!  I'm usually a planner, but I'm pretty much winging it this time!   

As far as needing bail money, I plan on bringing a back up halo, so I think I'll be okay.  Jan, don't worry, I'll visit you, Pooter and Phyl in jail before I fly back home.

Lori

[CHD63]

My husband and I will arrive on Thursday, leave on Sunday .... staying at the Drake.

Clarice

[Kate B]

More... Looks like there has to be a Welcome to Chicago party on Thursday night too! Does a reservation for Chicago Deep Dish Pizza resonate with all?  Tell me what date you plan to arrive and what date you plan to leave.  You can post or PM me.  That way we will have the list of people visiting throughout the weekend.

Name       Hotel           Arrival Date                      Departure Date
Marci                               Saturday                        Sunday
Phyl                                 Thursday                       Sunday
Kate           Drake             Thursday                        Sunday evening
Jan             Drake             Thursday                       Sunday evening
Clarice        Drake             Thursday                       Sunday
Lori’s  plan (not booked yet)Thursday                      Sunday
Cheryl R      Drake            Thursday                        Tuesday or Wednesday
Meagan       Drake            Friday                            Sunday
Kay             Drake             Thursday                       Monday
Steve          Drake             Thursday                       Sunday

[Kaybo]

I am getting SO excited!!!

K

[saralynn143]

Calm down, Kay! You will not be able to sustain this level of enthusiasm for the next three months. Or maybe you will. That will be fun to watch.

And why did you not write in PINK? ? ? ?
Sara

[leapyrtwins]

Pizza on Thursday isn't a bad idea, but I was hoping to snag a reservation for tea that day - if Lori will be in town.

Hey, Lori, don't forget to bring that file when you visit us in jail 

Jan