Chicago's Essex Inn - Chicago Illinois Hotels

Chicago's Essex Inn is situated on Michigan Avenue, steps from Grant Park, and approximately 12 miles from Chicago Midway Airport and 20 miles from O'Hare International Airport. Local attractions include Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Sears Tower, Art Institute of Chicago, and Soldier Field.

The Essex Inn is one of the only hotels in Chicago to offer a luxurious all-season rooftop swimming pool and fitness center. Located on the fourth floor, this architectural gem has a beautiful garden and views of Grant Park and Michigan Avenue. Onsite dining and drinks are available at the Savoy Bar & Grill. The hotel also offers room service, a 24-hour business center, valet parking (fee), laundry facilities, express check-in/out, 24-hour front desk service, and free shuttle service to the Magnificent Mile.

Guest rooms feature wireless internet availability (5.95 for 24-hour access), hairdryers, voicemail, irons, ironing boards, cable TV, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning. Many rooms offer spectacular views of the lakefront and of the sparkling city below. Although the hotel will make every effort to accommodate guests with special needs, there are no ADA-approved rooms on property. Hotel check-in time is 4pm CST.

Chicago's Essex Inn Property Information:

Rooms: 254
Floors: 15

Chicago's Essex Inn Service

First class
Dry cleaning
Free high speed internet
Data port
Dining
Meeting room
Nonsmoking
Family rooms
Fitness facility
Swimming pool
Business center

Chicago's Essex Inn Reservation Policies:

Check-In: 1500
Check-Out: 1100

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Chicago Events & Entertainment

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Arts and Entertainment

Bailiwick Repertory Theater / Bailiwick Arts Center

1229 W. Belmont, Chicago 60657

773-883-1090

Black Ensemble Theater

4520 N. Beacon, Chicago, IL 60610

773-769-4451

Cadillac Palace Theater

151 W. Randolph St., Chicago 60601

Oriental Theater/Ford Center for the Performing Arts

24 W. Randolph St., Chicago 60601

312-902-1400

The Shubert Theatre

22 W. Monroe, Chicago 60603

312-902-1400

Chicago Opera Theater

2936 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

773-292-7578

Chicago Opera Theater has been advancing the cause of opera as a vital, living American art form, developing the artists who create it and expanding the scope and diversity of the audience. Operas, which are performed in English, are presented at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

312-595-5600

Formerly known as Shakespeare Repertory Theater, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is Chicago's only professional theater dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. In a single decade, it has grown into Chicago's third-largest nonprofit producing theater,

Child's Play Touring Theatre

2518 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 60647

773-235-8911

DePaul Merle Reskin Theatre

60 E. Balbo Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

Box Office: 312-922-1999

Group Sales: 312-922-0999

e-mail: lgoetsch@wppost.depaul.edu

Emerald City Theatre Company

2936 N. Southport, Chicago 60614

773-935-6100

ETA Creative Arts Foundation

7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago 60619

773-752-3955

The Theatre Building

1225 W. Belmont, Chicago 60657

773-327-5252

For over 25 years, the voice of the playwright has always taken center stage at Victory Gardens. Home to more world premieres than any other Chicago theater, Victory Gardens enters each anniversary season with an unwavering commitment to new voices in American theater and Chicago playwrights.

Millennium Park
55 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
312-742-5222

The city's dedication to the arts and beautification of Chicago's lakefront and downtown continues with the Millennium Park project. The 24.6-acre park, which covers the area from Randolph to Monroe Street (north/south) and Columbus Drive to Michigan Avenue (east/west), will include: the McCormick-Tribune outdoor ice rink, the Peristyle, the Outdoor Music Pavilion, a garden, a public fountain, the Ameritech Plaza, a music-dance theater, a bike garage, a special-events tent and several restaurants. The ice rink is free to the public, faces Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets, and will be used as an outdoor restaurant and activity center during non-winter months.

More than a park, it is a breathtaking showcase for the visual and performing arts and a permanent homage to the vitality and creativity of our world-class city.

Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress Parkway
312-902-1500

Cadillac Palace Theater
151 West Randolph Street
312-902-1400

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 South Michigan Avenue
312-294-3000

Chicago Theatre
175 North State Street
312-443-1130

Ford Center for the Performing Arts
24 West Randolph Street
312-902-1400

Goodman Theatre
170 North Dearborn
312-443-3800

Lyric Opera
20 North Wacker Drive
312-332-2244

Shubert Theatre
22 West Monroe Street
312-977-1700

The Renaissance Society
Bergman Gallery, Cobb,
Tuesday—Friday: 10:00—5:00.
Saturday—Sunday: noon—5:00
Free admission
Established in 1915, The Renaissance Society is Chicago's oldest contemporary art museum and maintains an international reputation as one of the finest resources for contemporary art. It also sponsors concerts, performances, film and video screenings, and talks by noted artists and critics.

Sports

Beaches

Public beaches line Lake Michigan all the way up north into the suburbs and Wisconsin, and southeast through Indiana and into Michigan. The best known is Oak Street Beach, the location of which at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile

The most popular is North Avenue Beach, about 6 blocks farther north, which has developed into a volleyball hot spot and recently rebuilt its landmark steamship-shaped beach house and added a Venice Beach-style outdoor gym.

For more seclusion, try Ohio Street Beach, an intimate sliver of sand in tiny Olive Park, just north of Navy Pier,

Beaches are officially open with of lifeguards on duty beginning about June 20.

Biking

Biking is a great way to see the city, particularly along the lakefront bike path that us.

Ice Skating

The city's premier skating destination is the McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave. (tel. 312/742-5222). The location is unbeatable; you're skating in the shadows of grand skyscrapers and within view of the lake. The rink is open daily from 9am to 9pm November through March. Admission is free, and skate rentals are nominally priced.

Swimming

The Chicago Park District maintains about 30 indoor pools for lap swimming and general splashing around, but none are particularly convenient to downtown. The lakefront is open for swimming until 9:30pm Memorial Day to Labor Day in areas watched over by lifeguards (For more information, call the park district's beach and pool office (tel.

Baseball

Chicago Cubs. The Cubs haven't made a World Series appearance since 1945 and haven't been World Champions since 1908, but no matter how the Cubs are doing, tickets go fast. Most weekend and night games are sold out by Memorial Day.

Wrigley Field

1060 W. Addison St.

773/404-CUBS

Take the Red Line to the Addison stop or the No. 22 bus, which runs up Clark Street.

To order tickets in person, stop by the ticket windows at Wrigley Field, Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and on game days.

Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914 and has played host to Major League Baseball for over 90 years.

Wrigley Field has been the site of such historic moments as:

1. Babe Ruth's "called shot," when Ruth allegedly pointed to a bleacher location during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series ... Ruth then hit Charlie Root's next pitch for a homer.

2. Gabby Hartnett's famous "Homer in the Gloamin' " September 28, 1938, vs. Pittsburgh's Mace Brown.

3. the great May 2, 1917, pitching duel between Jim "Hippo" Vaughn and the Reds' Fred Toney ... both Vaughn and Toney threw no-hitters for 9.0 innings before Cincinnati's Jim Thorpe (of Olympic fame) drove in the only run in the 10th inning ... Toney finished with a no-hitter.

4. Ernie Banks' 500th career home run May 12, 1970, vs. Atlanta's Pat Arvis.

5. Sammy Sosa's 60th home runs in 1998, 1999 and 2001.

U.S. Cellular Field - home of the Chicago White Sox
333 W. 35th St.

312/674-1000 in the South
White Sox Park was originally built in 1910 by Charles A. Comiskey and soon became known as Comiskey Park. The park served as the home of the White Sox for the next 80 years until New Comiskey Park opened in 1991.

n 2003, the Chicago White Sox and U.S. Cellular forged a unique partnership, renaming the ballpark US Cellular Field. The agreement calls for U.S. Cellular to pay $68 million to the White Sox over the next 20 years in exchange for naming rights through 2025. All revenue from the deal will go directly to improving the "fan experience" at the ballpark.

This agreement created the opportunity for dramatic, fan-focused renovations and improvements to the park. A fully renovated U.S. Cellular Field is expected to be completed by Opening Day 2005.

Basketball

The United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.

312/455-4500

where the Bulls play, feels like an airplane hangar-size funeral parlor these days. For the time being, tickets, once impossible to come by, are worth about as much as the paper they're printed on. So grab yourself a courtside seat : there are plenty to go around.

Football

The Chicago Bears

Soldier Field

at Lake Shore Drive and 16th Street

847/615-2327

The Bears play at the newly renovated Soldier Field

stadium which replaced the original, built to commemorate the soldiers of World War I, which was badly in need of repair.

The original stadium's most distinctive feature: its classically-inspired colonnade, was retained, and a large addition was added on top.

Hockey

The Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks play at the United Center

1901 W. Madison St.

312/455-4500

The Blackhawks have a devoted following of fans that turn out to cheer for the team which produced past Hawks legends Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito.

Midway Plaisance Park Ice Skating
59th Street between University and Ellis Avenues
Recreational ice skating, ice skating classes, and ice hockey in the winter. Skate rental is available. Inline skating, outdoor movies, and concerts in the summer.

Chicago Wolves at Allstate Arena

847/724-GOAL

The team has been consistently excellent over the past few years, and the games are geared toward all ages, with fireworks before the show and a tradition of on- and off-ice entertainment.

Horse Racing

Arlington International Racecourse

2200 W. Euclid Ave.

Arlington Heights

847/255-4300

Thoroughbred racing

Hawthorne Race Track

3501 S. Laramie Ave.

Stickney

708/780-3700).

Thoroughbred racing

Soccer

Chicago's major-league soccer team, the Chicago Fire, plays at Soldier Field from late May through October

888/MLS-FIRE

Games have a family feel, with plenty of activities for children and affordable ticket prices.

Events

Annual Hyde Park Events

57th Street Art Fair

Every June, 500 exhibitors show their handiwork during the Midwest's oldest outdoor juried art fair.

Boulevard Lakefront Tour

A bike tour of Chicago's historic boulevards and scenic neighborhoods starts and finishes on the Midway Plaisance. More than 5,000 bicyclists participate each June. See www.chibikefed.org for more info.

4th on 53rd Parade

In this annual Fourth of July celebration, a parade of citizens and community groups winds through Hyde Park and ends up in Nichols Park, where family activities are held.

57th Street Children's Book Fair

Each September, books come to life for children and their families through storytelling, singing, bookmaking, and make-believe.

Chicago Half Marathon

Every September nearly 6,000 runners take part in the 13.1-mile run, which starts and finishes at the Museum of Science and Industry.

World Music Festival Chicago

The fall festival is part of a citywide celebration of music from around the world. Check out the artists and locations at

Thanksgiving Community Service

A project of the Hyde Park/Kenwood Interfaith Council in partnership with Rockefeller Chapel; the community service is oriented toward children.

January

Winter Celebration in Lights
View holiday lights and beautiful plants in the largest glass greenhouse in the U.S. Bring the kids and enjoy interactive events in the Elizabeth Mores Genus Children’s Garden. Located at The Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue through the first week of January. Call (312) 746-5100 for more information.

February

Around the Coyote Winter Festival
Attend this annual studio walk and view works from over 400 artists including art performances in the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. This event is sponsored by the resident artists and takes place during the first week of February. Call (312) 744-2400 for more information.

Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
Teams come out to compete at building a machine that takes an allotted number of steps to complete a certain task. Hosted by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Located at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, in the middle of February. Call (312) 527-1000 for more information.

Auto Show
Come to one of the country’s oldest expos of contemporary cars. Get a firsthand look at what’s new. Located at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lakeshore Drive, for two weeks in the middle of February. Call (312) 791-7000 for more information.

March

Chicago Bike Show
Check out the annual bike show where bike manufacturers and bike clubs come together in one location. Located at the Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, usually held at the end of March. Call (312) 595-PIER for more information.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Come out and join the fun at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For the past 40 years, the Chicago river has turned green in the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The parade begins at noon on Dearborn Street, between Wacker and Van Buren, then down the State Street Mall on March 17. Call (312) 744-3315 for more information.

Golf Around Chicago
Play miniature golf on this city like course with each hole depicting a Chicago landmark or Chicago's culture. All proceeds from the event benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Located in the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, 10 AM - 5 PM daily, later on the weekends. Usually held the second week in March. Call (312) 595-7437 for more information.

April

April Fools Day; Easter/ Children’s Museum
Join storytellers as they help the children get acquainted with what the museum has to offer. There are games, too. Located at the Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, April 1 and 15, 10 AM - 5 PM. Call (312) 527-1000 for more information.

International Antique Poster Fair
Enjoy this annual exhibition of vintage posters. Hosted by The Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. Usually held in the middle of April. Call (800) 856-8069 for more information.

Latino Film Festival
View the most current films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the U. S. at the Latino Film Festival. Hosted by the International Latino Cultural Center at Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan, starting the 3rd Friday April, from 6 PM - 11 PM each evening. Call (312) 431-1330 for more information.

May

Memorial Day Parade
Come out and honor our country’s veterans. Begin with a ceremony at the Logan Memorial (Grant Park, Michigan and 9th St.) at 11 AM. Then watch the parade starting at noon on Columbus Drive, between Balbo and Monroe Streets. Call (312) 744-5648 for more information.

Art Chicago
Visit 200 international galleries at this annual art fair. See contemporary and modern art. Located at Festival Hall, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. This event is usually held in the middle of May. Call (312) 587-3300 for more information.

Comedy Festival
Laugh the night away with comedians from all over the world as they entertain you through improv, stand-up and sketches. Located at several venues including the Vic Theater, Chicago Theatre and the Apollo Theater. This event is held the last weekend in May. Call (847) 304-6624 for more information.

June

Chicago Blues Festival; Chicago Gospel Festival
Hear the most talented blues musicians in the world at the biggest blues festival. THis festival also coincides with the Gospel Festival. Located at the Petrillo Music Shells at Grant Park, Lake Shore Drive and Jackson Boulevard, the second week of June. Call (312) 744-3315 for more information.

Internet Street Fair
See the latest in technology at this state of the art exhibition. This is the place for vendors, professionals and the public to view and discuss the newest technology. Enjoy live music and food from local restaurants. Located at Hubbard Street, between Noble and Armour Street, usually the third week in June. Call (312) 563-1750 for more information.

Pride Parade
Come out and watch the Annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, during the last week in June. In addition, during the month of June, PRIDEChicago sponsors several events in a variety of venues. Call (773) 348-8243 for more information.

July

Taste of Chicago
This ten day festival is packed with food, activities and entertainment. Over 60 restaurants showcase their food. This is a festival you don’t want to miss. Located in Grant Park (Lake Shore Drive and Jackson Boulevard), the last week in June through the first week in July, daily from 11 AM - 9 PM. Call (312) 744-2400 for more information.

Chicago Summerdance
Dance the nights away during this festival where approximately 40 different live bands will perform a variety of dance music and styles. Free dance instruction will be available. Located at the Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Avenue, between Harrison and Balbo. This event continues through the month of August. Call (312) 744-1424 for more information.

Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival
Walk through some of the loveliest gardens in the Gold Coast neighborhood during this annual garden walk. Enjoy food, music and fun for the kids, too. Located at Dearborn Street, between Division Street and North Avenue, usually in the middle of July. Talk with award-winning gardeners about their blooms. Call (312) 944-1521 for more information.

August

Air and Water Show
Join two million spectators as they watch military aircraft perform amazing aerial stunts. Located at the Lakefront, Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, beginning the 3rd Saturday of every August. Admission is free. Call (312) 744-3315 for more information.

Underground Film Festival
Experience the largest underground film festival in the country. View independent features, documentaries and experimental films by film makers with an independent vision. Located at the Fine Arts Theatre, 418 S. Michigan Avenue, starting the 3rd week of August. Call (312) 744-2400 for more information.

Annual Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
Come out and enjoy the Latin beat. Dance to tropical, merengue, salsa and much more. In addition to the music, you'll find traditional food and merchants selling authentic Hispanic items including artwork and jewelry. Located at Grant Park, usually the last weekend in August. Admission is free. Call (312) 744-5648 for more information.

September

Chicago Jazz Festival
Enjoy the world’s largest jazz festival featuring local, national and international musicians. This event is free and is sponsored by the Jazz Institute of Chicago. The event is located at Grant Park, on the first weekend in September. Call (312) 427-1676 for more information.

County Fair
Enjoy homemade jams, garden demonstrations, pony rides, pie-eating contests, face painting and live music. In addition, check out the Chapungu stone carving demonstration. Located in the Garfield Park Conservatory at 300 N Central Park Avenue, usually held the third week of September. Call (312) 746-5100 for more information.

26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
Come out and celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Watch the floats, street dancing and mariachi bands. In addition, enjoy mexican food and merchandise. Lcoated at 26th Street from Albany Avenue to Kostner Street, usually in the middle of September. Call (773) 521-5387 for more information.

October

SOFA Chicago
Ninety two international galleries and dealers will exhibit at the Sculpture, Objects and Functional Art Exposition, bringing the decorative and fine arts together. Located at the Navy Pier Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand. This event is usually held around the second week in October. Call (312) 595-5200 for more information.

International Film Festival
View a collection of amazing feature films from all over the world. See works from promising new directors. This event is located at the Chicago and Music Box Theatres and at Loews Cineplex during the first two weeks in October. Call (312) 425-9400 for more information.

Supernatural Tours
Join Chicago’s professional ghosthunter, Richard T. Crowe, as he reveals Chicago’s haunted sites, ghosts and other unexplainable phenomena. The tours leave from the Goose Island Brewery, 1800 N. Clybourn Road, in the middle of October. Call (708) 499-0300 for more information.

November

Pow Wow Tribute to All Veterans
Enjoy Native American dancing, authentic crafts and food at this three day festival. Located at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street, beginning on the 2nd Friday of every November. Call (312) 902-1500 for more information.

Pow Wow
Enjoy Native American singing, dancing and arts and crafts at the American Indian Center of Chicago’s annual Pow Wow. Located at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Pavilion, 525 S. Racine, in the middle of November. Call (312) 413-5740 for more information.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join thousands as they watch the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. See the 85 foot Christmas tree covered with hundreds of lights, beautiful ornaments and fancy, holiday bows. Check out the holiday marketplace and Santa Claus. Located at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, during the last week in November. Call (312) 744-3370 for more information.

December

Caroling to the Animals
Join local choral groups and sing to the animals at the zoo's annual Caroling to the Animals event. See Santa feed the animals, too. Located at the Lincoln Park Zoo, at 2200 North Cannon Drive, during the first week of December. Call (312) 742-2293 for more information.

Christkindlmarket
Visit this outdoor European village with over 44 original timber booths offering holiday items. Located at the Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, a few weeks before Christmas. Admission is free. Call (312) 644-2662 for more information.

Handel’s Messiah
Listen to the Apollo Chorus as they sing their version of Handel’s Messiah. Located at the Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue, the week before Christmas. Call (312) 427-5620 for tickets or for more information.

Christmas Around the World
See how the world celebrates Christmas with Christmas displays from around the world. Located at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, through the first week of January. Call (312) 346-3278 for more information.

Winter Flower and Train Show
Check out the amazing flowers or take a train ride through a Christmas town at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2400 N. Stockton Drive, through the first week of January. Call (312) 742-7736 for more information.

Chicago Destination Overview

The Chicago skyline marks the gateway to culture and to an incredible adventure for visitors of all ages. Approach Chicago from any direction, and marvel at the incomparable view. Explore nearly thirty miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in this water enthusiast’s paradise. Savor the aromas and flavors of the wide variety of dining choices. Visit museums, art galleries, and parks.

Enjoy a ballet, a symphony, an opera, a leisurely day of shopping the Magnificent Mile, and a stroll along the waterfront. The skyline dominates the view along Lakeshore Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. In the foreground, is one of the finest aquariums in the world, the John G. Shedd Aquarium. To the right of the skyline, reaching out into Lake Michigan, is the impressive 3000 foot-long Navy Pier.

The large globe-like structure on the hill is the Adler Planetarium. Millennium Park, an ambitious and sometimes controversial addition to Chicago's downtown lakefront has opened. The centerpiece of the 24-and-a-half-acre park is the Pritzker Pavilion, a 120-foot-high outdoor music stage framed with a signature Gehry sculpture. The pavilion will be the new home of the Grant Park Music Festival, a 70-year-old summer series of classical concerts. A pedestrian bridge, also designed by Mr.

Gehry and spanning Columbus Drive, provides access to the pavilion and links Millennium Park to the rest of Chicago's lakefront park system. A fountain, by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, features the faces of 1,000 Chicagoans projected onto two 50-foot glass towers, while artist Anish Kapoor's 110-ton, steel sculpture reflects both the faces of those who approach it and the city's famous skyline. The Kapoor sculpture and the Plensa fountain are sure to be the topics of animated conversation for years to come. Other park features include a free November-to-March ice rink, a three-block-long promenade for outdoor festivals, a replica of the 1917 neo-Classical peristyle that once stood on the site, a perennial garden with more than 240 plant varieties, and the 300-seat Park Grill restaurant. Chicago‘s architectural achievements include the Sears Tower and the Tribune Tower, whose base includes stones from famous buildings throughout the world.

The Art Institute of Chicago houses a world-class collection, from Impressionist masters to more contemporary works in photography and ethnic art. From there, many of the city's major cultural and tourist attractions are within walking distance, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Hancock Tower. Chicago is home to world-champion Chicago Bulls and the well-loved Chicago Cubs. Chicago sports fans are known around the globe for their undying devotion in the bitter winter to the Bears, and through the warm summers to the Cubs, as they cheer from the bleachers at Wrigley and Comiskey (now US Cellular) parks. Chicago offers an endless variety of places to explore and things to do.

There are museums of every kind; avant-garde art galleries; dance, theater, and music venues, and ethnic and cultural delights in food, music, and shopping. What would Chicago be without the blues? The original House of Blues is located on Dearborn Street and hosts the current masters of this music. The heart of downtown, formed by the "Loop" of elevated train tracks, has additional energy these days, invigorated by the renovation of the grand old theaters, the opening of Millennium Park, and the enhanced nightlife options that are breathing new life into this fabulous city.