posted
Just carrying this over from the previous page:
Originally posted by Exnihil:
Okey-doke...
I did a little weekend reconnaissance of the proposed lodging (called the North Side Suites) and here's the skinny:
1. Location:
Though the building is fairly close to Lincoln Park, it is actually classified as being in the neighborhood called, "Old Town". It is on the corner of Sedgwick and Eugenie streets in a very quiet neighborhood (it's across the street from a playground). If I had to describe what I think the neighborhood most looks like I'd say, "Sesame Street" - that sort of series of adjacent brownstones, but very clean.
It is a block away from North Ave - which is a main drag - and walking around a two block radius from there, I saw quite a few restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores - so sort of a mid-level city street (that is to say, not downtown, but bordering).
Although I was correct in saying that this was the area my wife and I had lodged, I think I might be overstating the "walkability" to the downtown area. It is not so much the distance (as stated before, about two miles to Navy Pier) but more the constraints of weather. I think my wife and I had gone in late October, so it was quite a bit cooler. When I was there Saturday it was about 85 degrees and, strolling around the neighborhood, it definitely felt it. Add on another month (if we are talking mid-August) and I don't think anybody's going to be wanting to do a two mile city hike.
That being said, this location is just two blocks from a Metro stop and right on a bus line. Add the fact I was planning on having a vehicle, anyway, and I think transport to the tourist sites is not a problem. Speaking of vehicles, that brings us to:
2. Parking
On street parking, in plain view of all of the suites. I had no problem parking right in front of the building at about 4PM on a Saturday. As I mentioned before, the playground across the street seems to open up quite a few spots, as there is an entire corner of non-residential space.
3. Set up and Ameneties
So, what it is is basically a 4 story apartment suite. There are 4 units, the previous discussed "sleeps ten", and then 3 other "sleeps six".
All of them have cable and wifi, and there is a shared laundry room. All of them have full kitchens and outdoor patios with grills. The individual suites vary on the number and size of the beds, so here are the individual breakdowns (Q = queen, D = Double, SS= Pull-out Sofa) along with the specific web pages:
So, overall, max capacity of 28. If we wind up deciding that this is the place for us, dependant on how many folks wind up commiting - and what their comfort level with sharing a room - it will likely behoove us to get multiple suites.
Obviously, if there is a female contingent (I know FC and Fanfie had mentioned they were possibilities) I would suggest either unit 2 or 3 specifically for them.
Sheep are not allowed (Sorry, Cobie).
4. Planning Schedule
So I spoke with the Management regarding reservations, and he said that booking for next August wouldn't open up until this coming November.
All four suites were currently occupied when I was there this past weekend. I actually ran into a family who was currently booked - A mother, father and two kids, on their way back from shopping. I chatted with the father for a bit and he said he was very satisfied with the lodging - remarking that it was quiet and very clean.
The Management said that although this month was fully booked, next month had several open weeks. I don't know if that is predictive for next August - but I imagine it would likely be a similar situation.
5. Next Steps
So, as I say, this was just an intial forray into one possibilty. Since we have about three months before intial bookings even begin for August, I figure we should open up the discussion again about whether this is the route we'd like to go.
It does seem conveniently located - close enough to downtown while still maintaining a nice separation, and very reasonably priced for the ameneties when divided across multiple people. Dependant upon personal preferences, the downside is the sort of "shared living" for a few days with other people, but, of course, moving in this direction is no preclusion to anyone opting out of the group plan and just getting their own hotel.
So...
You all have the floor, what are your thoughts?
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I like it, and at this time, short of actually having dates and committing to them, I plan to be there.
Have we started talking about how many nights yet? I would like to arrive on a Thurs to spend at least three nights, though I can find another place for the first night if we don't all want to spend that much time in Chicago.
For me, I don't want to fly anywhere for only two nights. If it's someplace I've already been to and all the kinks are worked out fine, but otherwise two nights is essentially one day, with one day arriving and the other departing.
[ July 24, 2012, 12:50 AM: Message edited by: Shining Son ]
From: Manhattan, NY | Registered: May 2011
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posted
Three is a resonable number. I might consider longer, as well.
Even if most people wind up deciding on three nights and we rent all four units, there is nothing to stop a handful of us who might want to make a week of it from renting one of those units for a longer bit.
I for one want to hit the Darcy McNickle library, but i do not imagine everyone does, or that it would be part of meet-up time.
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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posted
Hey Lash, Boys Town is just 2 miles north of the apartment, so at least one drink has to be there.
From: Manhattan, NY | Registered: May 2011
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quote:Originally posted by Kent Shakespeare: I for one want to hit the Darcy McNickle library, but i do not imagine everyone does, or that it would be part of meet-up time.
I thought the reason we picked Chicago was because of the Darcy McNickle Library.
-------------------- Five billion years from now the Sun will go nova and obliterate the Earth. Don't sweat the small stuff!
From: Boston | Registered: Aug 2003
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-------------------- Five billion years from now the Sun will go nova and obliterate the Earth. Don't sweat the small stuff!
From: Boston | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
I googled it but can't say I understand the attraction to the D'arcy McNickle Library for this group as a whole. Did I miss something comic, Legion, or future-related there?
From: Manhattan, NY | Registered: May 2011
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-------------------- Five billion years from now the Sun will go nova and obliterate the Earth. Don't sweat the small stuff!
From: Boston | Registered: Aug 2003
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No worries. Internet communiction is all about the disconnect between a writer's intentions and how it is interpreted!
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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posted
This place looks amazing, and three nights would give us the chance to sample some local cuisine but also cook in-house to save money. Did you happen to see what kind of cooking utensils (pots, pans, roasters, etc.) are there?
If we have enough people to rent out the whole place, it should be a total blast.
-------------------- Geek Watch
From: Standing beside you in Ferndale, MI | Registered: Aug 2003
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