Chicago

by Karla Zimmerman, Lisa Dunford, Nate Cavalieri

This new edition includes excursions chapter covering Great Lakes getaways, and a pull-out map for handier navigation.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently attended the Midwest Political Science Association in Chicago. So, this volume has some real interest for me, as I check out its recommendations and compare with my experience over time. I stayed at the Intercontinental (the conference hotel, the Palmer House, was sold out). Both hotels are accurately reviewed here. The refurbished lobby of the Palmer House is a delight! I was used to the decayed beauty for many years and find the new lobby wonderful!

But this volume is about more than hotels. There is a serviceable history of Chicago. I love the juxtaposition of Richard Daley pere et fils. Recently, Richard M. Daley became the longest serving mayor in Chicago history, beating out his dad, Richard J. Daley!

Chicago, as other large cities, features many neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Among these: The Loop, Near North and Navy Pier, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and Old Town, South Loop and Near South Side, and so on. The book explores the neighborhoods and gives a sense of their unique features. It then notes shopping, eating, drinking, and hotels neighborhood by neighborhood. In addition, the book covers nightlife, the arts (of which there is an abundance--from high art [the Art Institute, Symphony Hall:] to more popular art), sports (Duh Bears! The Cubbies, the White Sox, the Bulls, Black Hawks, and so on), and day trips.

As with all such volumes, one can debate. There are eateries not mentioned here that easily could be (for instance, I've always liked Stetson's at the Hyatt Regency, for its delectable beef). But that's part of the fun with a book like this.

Anyhow, going to Chicago? This is one useful travel guide. . . .

[Celine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited Chicago for the first time (ever!) recently and I used the Lonely Planet Guide - Chicago, 2008. As always with Lonely Planet guides, it was an excellent resource: stuff to check out by neighborhood, food choices, & routed walking tours. It also had a section on "day trips" which was incredibly useful since I was joining Daniel to Michigan City, IN for his friend's wedding on the same trip to Chicago and we stopped at the Indiana Sand Dunes thanks to a rec by the LP guide.

[kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content seems accurate and reliable in my limited one-week experience relying on this book, but the writing was at times on par with SkyMall magazine.
Some of the best restaurant recommendations in here were Paris Club and Green Zebra. Be warned: Chicago food is greasy and heavy.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful, even though I only ended up visiting a small proportion of places in the guide during my first trip to the city.

[Simen Næss Berge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this copy before and during my first trip to Chicago. It has lots of useful information.

[A. B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for the millennial generation. It is feminist and has a section dedicated for gays. Its ethnically and racially diverse! It's honest about crime. It Has an incredible amount of information and a great attention to detail. It is organized wonderfully. The graphics and maps from the eyewitness travel book is better. But the details in this book is best. It even tells people HOW to plan for the trip (which I didn't need but many people are terrible planners so that is great.) I am so happy it listed the Nando's restaurant because I will definitely be visiting. I've missed nandos from London! The book even included some of chicagos history. It advises apps to download and websites to visit. Perfect for the modern day tourist.