Travel
Travel Note
ESTAs
If you are traveling from abroad, you will need to apply for an ESTA to allow you to enter the USA. Please go to the following website to apply: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov Applications are generally quite quick to process, but I would recommend doing it about a month in advance.
Travel Note
Travelling from the Airport
From O'Hare by Metro Take the Blue Line towards the Loop. Trains are under the parking garage of Terminals 1,2, and 3. Follow the signs for the 'CTA'. From Midway by Metro Take the Orange Line towards the Loop. Follow signs inside the airport for the 'CTA'. You will have to exit the baggage claim area following these signs, take the elevator (lift) and then walk down a set of corridors to get to the Orange Line.
Travel Note
Hotel Recommendations
There isn't a hotel block for this weekend however, we have some recommendations which are in the near vicinity: Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop - https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/chicago/chish/hoteldetail Hyatt House Chicago / West Loop-Fulton Market - https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-house/en-US/chixl-hyatt-house-chicago-west-loop-fulton-market The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop - https://www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/il/chicago/allegro-royal-sonesta-hotel-chicago-loop
Travel Note
Areas to Stay
Chicago can be a bit hit or miss with neighborhoods to stay in. We generally look to stay in areas around West Loop, West Town, Wicker Park, Gold Coast, Lakeview, Roscoe Village and Lincoln Park. There are plenty of other good places to stay though, if you're in doubt or want to check before booking then just ask!
Travel Note
Getting Around Chicago
CTA The Chicago Transport Authority operates both the Bus and Metro (also known as the 'L') networks. Tickets and day passes can be bought at metro stations - see the payment section for information on using UK cards. A single day pass is $5. There will usually be a bus for the route you want, however, it can be hard to find that route. You can find the best bus or metro route for your journey by using Google Maps. The timings for these journeys is usually a little off, so be patient, it usually isn't a horrible wait. Generally the CTA is best to use during the daytime. Routes will stop running around 11pm - midnight. Rideshare Uber and Lyft are the main rideshare apps. For people traveling from the UK, there shouldn't be any need to download the US version of the app.
Travel Note
Payment
Tipping The general rule of thumb seems to be 18%. I do 20% because maths is hard and then people don't get upset. I'd definitely recommend not going below 15%. Tipping is generally limited to bars, restaurants and independent cafes. Any place where there are 'servers' (waiters) specifically serving you. If in doubt I find that it's best to just do it. Payment Machines This is especially appropriate when using a UK card (Monzo etc) to pay for the CTA. Sometimes a machine will ask for your 'Zip Code' - just put in 0 when using an international card. It took me over four years to learn that.