When you head to Chicago on business, it doesn’t have to be all about the work. In fact, it’s almost disappointing to forego exploring the Windy City since it has some of the top restaurants, hotels, and other activities in the whole country. You can easily boost your productivity and motivation, while also making it easy to relax. With its picturesque skyline, beautiful parks, and tons of entertainment, there are a lot of things to get into when you travel here, as well.
This guide gives you some quick, necessary tips that will make your business trip to Chicago a breeze.
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Choose the Best Hotel
When you merge business with pleasure, you need to stay at a hotel that has it all, including amenities and a great location. Located in the heart of convention and conferences, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is one of the most popular places where business travelers stay when they want the best in accommodations. At this centrally-located Hyatt, you can take advantage of business center tools, board rooms, meeting halls, and free Wi-Fi. If you are looking for hotels near the main attractions of Chicago, then this is the best place to take your laptop and get a classy VIP lounge to enjoy working when you’re traveling.
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Head for Lunch at Sapori Ristorante or Monnie Burke’s
These nearby restaurants boast the best of Italian and American food fare. With delicious entrees and a fresh approach to dining, both of these restaurants have that great Chicago atmosphere with an upscale aesthetic. You can easily get to these restaurants from McCormick Place and enjoy lunch with potential clients or colleagues.
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Take a Trip to The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant for Dinner
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Chicago, serving signature lobster bisque, crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller, and delicious steaks. However, you may be remiss not to try the lobster puttanesca or the farro risotto, two Italian-inspired dishes that are popular with locals and visitors, alike. Located just down the way from the convention center, this is a favorite for high-end business dinners, client meetings, or just a nice place to network with others enjoying the conference.
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When You Have Extra Time, Head to Evanston
You may have a day where you need to unwind and really explore. For that, there is the lakefront walkway known as Evanston. You can take the L train to the north of downtown Chicago, which is home to Northwestern University. On Saturdays, there’s a fun farmer’s market to enjoy, where they sell local goods, and you can head out to one of five beautiful swim spots nearby during the summer, too. Need to pick up some wine? The local Vinic Wine is a great place to taste and choose a local favorite.
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Take the L Train To and From the Airport
It’s fast and easy to take this express train from O’Hare to downtown. If you are a business traveler with light luggage and a need to save time, this is the best way to get to your hotel. You can also use this as an opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Chicago as you head over downtown on your way to the hotel. You can get a three-day or seven-day CTA pass, saving on fares as you explore Chicago during your stay.