A New Beginning

We at the Avenue hotel Chicago are very excited. As of January 4, 2010, we will be known as the Avenue Crowne Plaza.
You will continue to get the great service you expect from our boutique style hotel, but will gain all the Crowne Plaza amenities!
Crowne Plaza is a division of IHG, the hotel company with the largest number of rooms in the world. This includes, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Staybridge, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo and Candlewood.
IHG has a long history with Les Clefs d'Or, one of the concierge associations to which I belong. It's current President is Robert Watson, Willard Intercontinental Washington D.C.
The other concierge association to which I belong, is the Chicago Hotel Concierge Association.
The CHCA is one of the oldest in the US, and believe you me, it is definitely an honor and a plus to belong to this local association.
The mentoring and friendship of this organization is one of the finest I have experienced.
Being an active member in your local community is the greatest feeling, to know you belong.
So at the next hotel you are a guest, in addition to the gold keys, remember the best concierge started as a member of the local association, as they are always learning, always networking, and always looking for the best...for you, the guest.

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On your own

In my previous post, I wrote of different tours available in the city.
Since that time, I went on the Sculptours tour myself! It was fantastic!
I, who knows nothing about art, really enjoyed myself, and learned so much from my docent Carolyn!
It was a wonderful way to spend a morning!
Now, what about those of you that don’t really want to take a tour? Some of you perhaps would like to explore the city on your own.
For that, I would recommend the Brown Line train.
This train Line runs around the Loop continues past the Merchandise Mart (a must for those that are into anything HGTV).
After the Chicago Avenue stop, the train winds through Old Town to Sedgwick (stop by Twin Anchors, for the best ribs. This is also where “Return to Me” with David Duchovney and Minnie Driver was filmed.
Once past Sedgwick, it’s onto Armitage, a great shopping area with one of a kind stores you won’t find on Michigan Avenue. Armitage is also home to the world famous Charlie Trotter restaurant.
Next stop, Fullerton, home of DePaul University. (this stop is also a Red Line stop)
Continuing north, the next major stop is Belmont. Need a tattoo? This is the stop!
Another great shopping stop is Southport. Southport also has some great restaurants (Tango Sur) and a wonderful old theatre that shows an array of films not shown at your local Cineplex. (Mercury Theatre)
Let’s skip a few stops up to Western. Lincoln Square is the neighborhood, food is the main game!
You will notice you are now at street level with beautiful new stations, and quaint neighborhoods as you travel.
The last stop on the Brown Line is Kimball. Near Northeastern University, WTTW, out local PBS station, and so much more!
I just barely scratched the surface, so call me for more details!
All this for just $2.25!
What a way to go!

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Have you seen Chicago by….

Chicago can be seen by so many different ways, with some many different view points, I have named a few below. Take a look at the many options, and call me, we’ll talk!

Architectural River Cruises-there are a few companies that do this. Two of my favorites are
Chicago from the Lake and
Chicago’s First Lady.
Cruise up and down the Chicago River while learning about Chicago’s wonderful architecture

Wendella Boats have great Lake and River Cruises!

Walking Tours-so many options for this one! In addition to the
Architecture Foundation,
a few of my favorites are
Georgie Tourgie, who does a great job in a laid back atmosphere.

Sculptours-a fascinating look at Chicago’s public art, conducted by artists

Chicago Trolley Tours
Has four different tours for one price! See the main highlights of Chicago, or south to Hyde Park, north to Wrigley Field or West to Harpo Studios

Absolutely Segway is a fun way to see the city! Self balancing Segways glide along through Millennium Park, the Loop and more!

Bikes!
Bobby’s Bike Hike is hands down the best bang for buck in Chicago!
Lakefront, neighborhood, nighttime and Hyde Park tours, you will want to tell of his tours!

Untouchables-Um, did you Chicago may have had a shady past? Deese guys will take you all the joints your mother would not want you in.

American Sightseeing/Grayline-choose from over 20 tours (based on availability) from two to six hours and more!

Custom tours-would you like a private tour set to your agenda? As I said before, call me, we’ll talk!

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Chicago 101

I want you to feel like a Chicagoan before you arrive at the Avenue hotel Chicago.

Here are a few tips that might help you get the big “TOURIST” sign off your back.

The name of the city is Chicago. You will never hear a native Chicagoan call the city Chi or Chi-Town. In fact it makes us cringe!

Chicago has two major airports, O’Hare (not O’Hara) and Midway. You may notice when you fly into O’Hare (not O’Hara), your luggage tag will say ORD. O’Hare (not O’Hara) used to be called Old Orchard Airport, and the luggage tags never changed!
Midway and O’Hare are both easily accessible by public transportation and taxi.
In addition, there is also a shuttle company that serves all the downtown hotels. It is called Go! Airport Express. Downtown hotels do not have shuttle services to the airports.
(limousines can be arranged however)

The Avenue hotel Chicago is located on East Huron Street, just east of Michigan Avenue, also called the Magnificent Mile. Sometimes it is mistakenly called the Miracle Mile, but I believe that is somewhere in Florida or Canada or…well, just not Chicago.

Chicago is also home to many fine museums. The famed Art Institute of Chicago has the largest collection of impressionist paintings outside of the Lourve. The new Modern Wing has just opened, and it is fantastic!
John G. Shedd Aquarium (not Shedd’s) has its whales and dolphins back after a multi-million dollar renovation. The Field Museum of Natural History is home to Sue, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Museum of Science and Industry (not Technology) is home to many exhibits including the German submarine, Coal Mine and currently Harry Potter!
In addition to many more major museums, the Spertus Museum of Jewish Studies, Frank Lloyd Wright and even a Surgical Museum!

Chicago is a very walk able city, with great public transportation and expensive parking! Don’t rent a car! Nuff said…

So what is this concierge? I will assist you with anything that is legal and ethical and moral. That ranges from simple directions to obtaining tickets to the hottest show in town (but that may not be cheap!)

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Wow! I just had another great experience at the Les Clefs d’Or conference!
For those of you who are not quite sure what Les Clefs d’Or is, is the only professional organization for hotel lobby concierge.
If I may quote from the LCD website
Les Clefs d’Or (pronounced lay clay door), literally, means “keys of gold” in French. The crossed gold keys are the international symbol of the organization. The keys displayed on a concierge’s uniform lapels assure travelers they are dealing with a seasoned professional, one who is dedicated to serving the guests’ every need.
Together, members of Les Clefs d’Or USA represent over 100,000 hotel rooms nightly at more than 250 four- and five-star properties across the country.
This year the national conference was held in South Florida, with five full days of education, networking and business meetings.
I must congratulate our new President of Les Clefs d’Or, Regena Falling of the Fairmont Olympic in Seattle. She will be doing a fantastic job over the next two years, along with her board of Directors.
One of the board directors is Jerome Jeannest, Director of Membership. Jerome is at the Intercontinental Los Angeles. I mention Jerome, as I too am part of the membership process. I am the Chairman for the Central Region Membership.
This means, I help in the process of our newest applicants, hoping to become members. This is the fourth year I am doing this, and it is something I truly enjoy! New applicants must go through quite a rigorous process in order to get this coveted and prestigious recognition.
The other board members do equally important work, and are definitely dedicated to making sure the hotel concierge, the original concierge, the true concierge, is above reproach.Next time you stay at a hotel, any hotel, look for the crossed keys, we are here to assist you in our own city, or with our networking capabilities, around the world.

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With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, and then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a late night visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago History Museum. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Discover vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, delicious restaurants and world-class hotels. From the top of the John Hancock Observatory (we have tickets!) to the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers so much to do; visitors keep coming back for more.
Take an architectural boat cruise along the river (I’ll show where I live!) or a combined lake and river cruise, and see our beautiful skyline from the Lake
One of the other top attractions listed below is Bobby’s Bike Hike, which in my opinion is also one of best ways to get a fantastic overview of the city, and it’s fun too!


Top Attractions:
Navy Pier
Millennium Park
John Hancock Observatory
Sears Tower
Chicago Architecture Tours (boat, bus walk)
Bobby’s Bike Hike
Art Institute of Chicago
Shedd Aquarium
Field Museum of Natural History
Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago History Museum

Popular Neighborhood Destinations
Gold Coast
Magnificent Mile
Chinatown
Lincoln Park
Bucktown/Wicker Park
Boystown
River North
South Loop/Museum Park
Hyde Park

All these neighborhoods offer something a bit different.

The Gold Coast is home to some of the priciest real estate in the city. Some of the old mansions have made way for high rises, but many still stand, including the McCormick mansion, the Cardinal’s residence and the “Playboy” mansion.

Magnificent Mile is of course home to the Avenue hotel Chicago and some of the finest shops from the world over.

Chicago’s Chinatown may not be the biggest, but it offers many fine restaurants and great bargain shopping.

Lincoln Park is one of most densely populated areas of the city. Offering one of kind restaurants and shopping, it also has many, many fine drinking establishments.

Bucktown/Wicker Park is the more Bohemian side of the city. Walking through the neighborhood might remind you of New York City’s SoHo area with its eclectic shops and off beat restaurants.

Boystown is the official name of the area in East Lakeview with its officially designated rainbow pylons. It is home to the Center on Halsted, the first of its kind to serve the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender youth community, as well as many bars, restaurants and shops.

River North, one of Chicago’s newer named communities, and one of the most popular. Many restaurants call River North home. Also home of varied art galleries and other activities.

The South Loop/ Museum Park is like a whole new Chicago! Once home to railroad yards and dilapidated buildings, now home too many fine shops, restaurants, million dollar homes and the beautiful Museum Campus.
A bit further west you will find Best Buy, Target, Home Depot and all the comforts, for better or worse, of the suburbs.

Hyde Park is one of most successful racially diverse communities in the U.S. Home to the world famous University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry (currently exhibiting the world of Harry Potter!), DuSable Museum and the Oriental Museum, Midway Plassaince is one of the most beautiful drives.

There are also smaller pockets in the neighborhoods. Devon Avenue is a wonderfully diverse street of Indians and Pakistani’s, Kosher Jews and Russians.

Broadway, just north of Lawrence, you will fine Little Korea and Little Vietnam and other small Asian communities.

South of the city, Bronzeville is full of Chicago’s Black history

All of these attractions and neighborhoods are just beyond the Avenue hotel’s front door.

To paraphrase a Chicago saying, make your reservations early and often!

Happy Travels, see you next time!

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The IOC and Me

The IOC (International Olympic Committee) has come and gone. Despite a bit of clouds in the sky, Chicago showed the committee members a fantastic time! Still, we are all anxious to hear the results in October.
During their stay, I had a guest staying with us at the Avenue who was from Spain.
He and I were discussing the Olympics, and he conceded Chicago has a great chance in securing the 2016 Olympics. Chicago is a beautiful city with world class offerings and amazing architecture.
One of the best ways my guest was able to see the city was through one of the wonderful architectural cruises along the Chicago River.
He and his son marveled at the array of architectural styles from the flying buttresses of the Tribune Tower to the starkness of the Mies van der Rohe buildings.
I let him in on a secret that the building I live in is included on the tour, and he was quite impressed!
Come stay at the Avenue hotel Chicago, save time for an architectural cruise, and I may let you in on the secret as well!
Until next time, Happy Travels!

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