Chicago is one of the best cities for business travelers. Most of the restaurants and hotels near the downtown area and waterfront are attuned to the needs of business travelers. With the number of businesses and large companies headquartered here, it’s already got a great infrastructure and culture oriented around working hard and playing hard.
For those who are headed to Chicago for business this year, we’ve put together some reasons why we love this city and how to make the most of your next trip to the Windy City.
Pick a Techy, Business Traveler Hotel
If you want to stay near the water, there will be plenty of fancy, boutique hotels that want to sweep you off your feet. But what if you could have an upscale luxury boutique feel with the consistency of a national chain you’re familiar? The Hyatt Regency Chicago has the “Hyatt Has It” program that ensures you have access to all the amenities you’re used to as well as access to gadgets and free WiFi. If you need a boardroom or a place to meet with clients, there are plenty of professional spaces to choose from as well. You can also get limo service or quick taxis to anywhere in the city. It’s one of the most popular business travel hotels in the city for good reason. Visit their website to see more and even book your room today.
Know Where to Go and Explore
For those who have time to check out the city or just want to learn about where they’re traveling to, here are some of the terms and areas around the Windy City. The downtown central business district is known as the Loop. This is where the river borders the city to the north and west, and you’ll find Roosevelt Road down to the south.
If you want to understand traveling around Chicago, just remember that they take the “El” train. This express train goes quickly from O’Hare to downtown areas and any other stops around the downtown city without having to wait for an Uber. It’s just as fast, more reliable, and less expensive than New York City’s vaunted subway system!
In addition, most of downtown Chicago changed after the Great Fire in 1871. When rebuilding the city, planners made sure that the city was laid out for quick travel. If you remember that Lake Michigan is always to the east, you’ll never get lost. The grid system also makes it a lot easier to know where everything is. Just remember a few basics such as the center of the city located at State and Madison in the middle of the Loop.
In addition, as address numbers get higher, you get farther from the center of the city.
What’s the Weather Like?
A sunny day in Chicago can change quickly into a downpour. There are also long periods of cold weather from November to April. If you’re not already used to checking your weather app every day, you should get into the habit of seeing what kind of temperatures and precipitation are in store when you head up to the Windy City. It’s not uncommon to experience sudden temperature drops and afternoon showers out of nowhere. Umbrellas, rain jackets, and a good hat will help you stay warm and dry. However, it’s not called the Windy City for nothing, so be sure to hang onto your hat when you head into the central areas of downtown where the skyscrapers funnel the wind through the streets.
Research Restaurants by Neighborhood
Need some help looking all of the different areas of Chicago? This handy, cool neighborhood guide to Chicago will make it easy to pick out the neighborhoods you should explore on your extra day off if you have some time to spare!