Lodging

Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Hyatt Regency McCormick, Chicago

While I don’t recommend arriving in Chicago at 1:30 in the morning on a flight from San Francisco, it’s safe to say that I didn’t encounter any rush hour traffic. I was in the windy city to speak about travel writing at the BlogHer conference. This was only my second visit to Chicago and I was excited to be back in this museum filled city.

Unfortunately, my luggage, on a non-stop flight from San Francisco, didn’t arrive on my United Airlines flight. I should have known better than to check my bag, but I was attending a conference and knew my carry-on suitcase would not be able to hold the items I would take home with me.

The folks at Chicago Hyatt Regency McCormick were very understanding of my situation. I was given the key to an $850 Executive Suite and a fully-stocked toiletries bag was delivered to my beautiful hotel room. At least I had a wonderful view of downtown Chicago and the lake while I waited for my luggage to be delivered.

Executive Suite & Cool Jazz

Executive Suite 2933

My room was on the twenty nineth floor of the 33-story hotel. There were nineteen Executive Suites at the Hyatt Regency McCormick with one suite located on floors 14-33. For the convention goers, the 800 room Hyatt is connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center and Arie Crown Theater via a concourse pedestrian walkway and is a ten-minute drive from downtown Chicago. I appreciated the complimentary shuttle that dropped me on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, otherwise known as Michigan Avenue. Check with the hotel for shuttle service times or hop on the #3 bus, which will take you downtown to shopping and dining heaven or Millennium Park, between Randolph and Monroe streets. 

The hotel is hip on social media, is on Twitter and even has a blog, but still doesn’t offer wireless internet throughout the facility. Plans are underway to remedy the Wi-Fi situation. If you find yourself staying here mid-week in the summer, you can check out Cool Jazz Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., where a Columbia College jazz quartet plays music on the patio. Available at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts worldwide, the company is offering a collection of value-added packages such as Amour, Balance, Awaken and Explore. The “Field Explorer” package includes two tickets to the Field Museum and complimentary one-way shuttle service to the museum.

In case you were wondering. United Airlines did eventually deliver my bag to the hotel. If you ever find yourself separated from your luggage, I have some Lost Luggage Tips for you to consider.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (312) 567-1234

2233 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Macy

With the holiday season ahead, shoppers are pulling out their credit cards, creating their shopping lists and getting ready for a bargain-based shopping extravaganza.

Are you ready for Black Friday holiday shopping?  These shopping centers are known for the best selection, best deals and best name brand shopping in the USA. Of course, we included some of the best hotels with the best shopping deals on our list. Everyone is entitled to a good night sleep.

Check out our Top 10 Hotel List.  Did your hotel make the cut?

Mall of America,

Bloomington, Minnesota

The most visited shopping mall in the world, with over 40 million visitors annually, the Mall of America is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. With over 520 shops, restaurants, a park and a church, Mall of America has got it all. TIP: Minnesota doesn’t charge sales tax on apparel or shoes.

LODGING Guests of the Crowne Plaza in Bloomington, Minnesota, have access to free mall shuttle service.

Newbury Street, Photo courtesy of z.about.com

Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Shopping is one of the top reasons people visit Boston.  High-end Newbury Street, an eight-block stretch of cutting-edge and upper-crust shops, is sure to please.  For budget savvy shoppers, check out Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.

LODGING: The Fairmont Copley Plaza, overlooking Copley Square, is centrally-located one block from Newbury Street.  TIP: The century-old hotel offers a Midnight Madness Shopping package November 27-28, 2008 for Black Friday holiday shoppers.

Chicago, Illinois Magnificent Mile

Chicago, Illinois “Magnificent Mile” stretches along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River.  From Armani to Louis Vuitton, you’ll be able to shop-till-you-drop.  TIP: For a quick sugar high, stop by Garrett Popcorn shop, 670 N. Michigan Ave. (312) 944-2630, a 50-year-old landmark famous for its caramel corn.

LODGING: Chicago’s Omni All-suites Hotel is located on the Magnificent Mile and offers a Girlfriends Getaway package.  TIP: Join the free Select Guest reward program and get Wi Fi, express check-in and check-out, complimentary morning beverages and turn-down service.

Westin Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas, Texas

From dining with your American Girl to ice skating with friends, Galleria Dallas has over 200 stores to shop.

LODGING: For those who prefer to wake up, roll out of bed and proceed directly to shopping, Westin Galleria Dallas is located within the Galleria shopping center.  TIP: For shoppers wanting a little Mother/Daughter bonding, select the Westin’s American Girl getaway package.

Socialite Sabrina Parisi

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California

If you want to shop like a rock star, you’ll want to head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.  The real estate in Beverly Hills gets a little star studded between Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd.  Considered one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world, you’ll find French fashion, Italian designer boutiques and plenty of bling to keep you happy.

LODGING: Continue your rock star experience with a stay at Chateau Marmont at 8221 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, California.  Built in 1927, the Hotel of the Stars is the perfect getaway in the center of the city.  TIP: The Beverly Hills Hotel is close to the golden triangle of shopping and is also a celeb spotting location.

Fifth Avenue, New York

Fifth Avenue, New York

Located in the center of the borough of Manhattan, New York’s 5th Avenue is one of the premier shopping streets in the world. The shopping district between 49th and 57th streets is ranked as having the world’s most expensive retail spaces. Fifth Avenue originates at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and runs through midtown, along the east side of Central Park and ends at the Harlem River.

LODGING: Kimpton’s The Muse, a boutique hotel located blocks away from 5th Avenue, offers a “Head over Heels” shopping package for the sole. Trump Hotel offers the “Ultimate Shoe Lover” package with Bergdorf Goodman.

Macy's

Union Square, San Francisco, California

I left my heart and my wallet in San Francisco at Union Square. A 2.6 acre plaza, Union Square is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton Street. The area is also known for its hotel, dining and theater district.

LODGING: The Westin St. Francis, located on Union Square, offers a Macy’s Shopping Package with accommodations starting at $234 per night.  Hotel Nikko, located at 222 Mason Street, offers a Serenity Package at a nearby day spa for tired shoppers.

Thanks to Frank Lynch for his Flickr photo of Macy’s NY Black Friday. Thanks to Thomas Dyllan for his Flickr photo of Sabrina Parisi. Thanks to MikeO for Lights of 5th Ave.