In this neighborhood, the Gold Coast that is, it is very easy to part with your money – sometimes more than expected. So, here are a couple ideas on how to maximize your fun and stretch that dollar a bit farther.
Shopping:
The shops on Michigan Avenue are world class and usually carry the price tag to match. Stop by the Concierge Desk and we’ll pass along any coupons and discounts we have to help you make the most those shopping dollars.
Food:
There are too many restaurants in downtown to count but a few in the area are great for the wallet. First, there is Tempo Café which is a 24 hour diner located four blocks from the hotel. Their breakfast/lunch/dinner menus are greasy, good, and inexpensive. Second, Quartino’s blends Italian and tapas for a very interesting menu. Besides the larger portions and flat bread pizzas, they offer a variety of small plates for table sharing. They also offer a fairly large selection of quarter bottles of wine so you can taste them all. Quartino is a great place to converse as well as eat inexpensively. Third, head to Chinatown for an ethnic experience. Give dim sum a try, light Chinese dishes served with tea. It is a great way to fill up on non-traditional foods and also pickup a fancy handbag on the way. Lastly, Santorini on Halsted Street, in the heart of Greektown, serves traditional Greek cuisine at a reasonable price. Their Dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with beef, Exohiko Lamb, small chunks of lamb combined with Greek cheese and wrapped in fillo, and seafood are the best in the city.
Entertainment and Attractions:
Chicago has a fairly large theatre scene with numerous Broadway and local performances. A useful tool is HotTix, half priced theatre tickets for the same day. Located in the Water Works building three blocks away and also by Millennium Park, they offer seats for the majority of the theatres at great prices. It is a good way to see a show without paying big prices. You can also take advantage of the Free Days and times at the popular museums. The Art Institute of Chicago, both modern and fine art, is free for 5pm-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays; The Chicago History Museum is free on Mondays; the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays; the Lincoln Park Zoo and Stained Glass museum are always free; The Field Museum will be free on September 9, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30th; and the Shedd Aquarium will be free on September 21, 22, 28, 29. Another great way to enjoy the sights without paying too much is by purchasing the City Pass. This coupon book will get you admission to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and either the Willis Tower or John Hancock Building – all for just $69 (versus $130 normally). This pass is available online or at any one of those location and is valid for 9 days after purchase.
Just a couple suggestions on how to get the best bang for your buck – but there are many more, so stop by and we’ll chat…
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