What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
Creating custom itineraries for those that may be accompanying the group attendees is fun for us. If guests of the participants have a day to explore, we can talk to the individuals or a group that wants to travel together, discuss their interests, and help them plan unique tours, shopping excursions, visits to attractions near Chicago, and more. We also have exceptional networks we can call on to expedite getting guests into restaurants or bars that are in hot demand.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
Rooftop bars are really popular. Some include The Roof at the Wit Doubletree; III Forks; Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel; C-View @ the Affinia Hotel; Terrace @ the Trump; J Parker @ Hotel Lincoln; Sushi Samba Rio Restaurant and the Paris Club. Other notes for great atmosphere with water views include the bars at Japonais Restaurant, Chicago Cut, The Bridge House Tavern and Smith & Wollensky. And a newcomer: Drumbar at the Rafaello Hotel, has a clubby vibe with seating inside and out.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Anywhere along the lakefront is a nice stroll, easy to get to from the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile. There are gorgeous walking paths and beautiful views of the lakefront skyline. Any walking through Millennium / Grant Park is a great experience, with a stop at the reflective Anish Kapor Cloud Gate (also called “The Bean”), BP Sky Bridge, the Laurel Gardens & Fountain, Buckingham Fountain and the museum campus further south. We are just a few blocks from Navy Pier, so for those that want a fantastic view of the city and lakefront, and entertainment and dining in that location, Navy Pier fits the bill.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank is perfect offering interesting tidbits on our money system. As a bonus you get $100 worth of shredded money! In addition, although it sounds morbid, our Graceland Cemetery up north (near Wrigley Field) was designed as a “garden cemetery” for deceased wealthy Chicagoan’s who wanted to be buried in the style they lived. This oasis includes a man-made lagoon.
And finally, the Bahai Temple in Wilmette, IL has an incredibly beautiful, and very intricately designed temple which is surrounded by fountains rose gardens and trees near Lake Michigan. The Bahai is an independent religion that welcomes all visitors and the Temple has a really interesting museum in the lower level describing the history. They have one Temple per continent, and this is the North American location.
What is an unusual request from a group you’ve had?
I once had to locate Scarlett red wigs for a group of women in a trade show where one person had a pink wig! They all had to be the same color. For another group, I helped design a team-building scavenger hunt.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
The “last minute” phrase is meaningful. Some restaurants such as the new Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse have semi-private rooms or and large booths to accommodate big groups, and depending on the day of the week, they may be able to accommodate a last-minute seating for a group of this size. Most restaurants nowadays don’t have large tables or rooms to accommodate groups at the last minute. Depending on what type of cuisine and atmosphere the group is looking for, and depending on whether they are willing to travel a little, we can find accommodations quickly.
We are always happy to place guests at The Markethouse Restaurant located inside our hotel. It has sectioned areas that allow small groups to gather without feeling like they are in the middle of the room. The farm-fresh seasonal fare is great comfort food, and delicious. The group may need to be willing to sit with six per table to be accommodated in most locations easily.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
Indian weddings! With lots of bright gold and red color fabrics and colorful clothing on the guests and wedding party. There is a lot of gold jewelry and unusual ceremonial traditions going about as the wedding party and guests walk through the hotels’ doorway. The traditional ceremonial protocol is very interesting and always needs some explanation. The groom also arrives on a horse, and the ceremony is a very long and elaborate wedding.
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