Chicago, Illinois is a bunch of fun! Recently, I went for a weekend. It has been a few years since I last visited Chicago. I went solo and had a blast! I stayed:

The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile

Keep in mind, that this hotel is currently under construction. Upon arrival, I was not sure I was even at the right hotel as there is no sign indicating that this is the Chicago Hotel. I got out of my Uber and saw the door and it matched the address. I arrived around 9:00 pm at night. I noticed that this hotel does have a self-check-in. I was informed at check-in that I may hear noise around 8:00 am (yikes). Luckily, I had planned on waking up at 6:00 am so I was not too concerned. Incidentals were $100 per night and the resort fee was $60USD/night. I was a bit displeased with the resort fee as it is quite high for a standard hotel. This hotel has a 24/7 gym and complimentary beverages. I was given a bag that contained two water and two soft drinks.

My room was clean and quite spacious! The air and water worked just fine. The bed was also comfy! I booked this hotel last minute. Check-out is at 11:00 am. However, their lobby is quite large and has tons of space to work! The wifi was excellent. My favorite part about this hotel was definitely the location! It is a prime and ideal location, especially if you plan on doing some walking down the magnificent mile!

View

Places I went during my visit

Starbucks

I can confirm that it is worth the hype and wait! Roughly three blocks away from The Chicago Hotel. I am an avid Starbucks fan so going to the Reserve was a must on my list! I was already aware of how crowded it gets by researching it beforehand. I woke up at 6:00 am and left out around 8:00am. By then, I presumed it would be a line. As I was walking out, I noticed that it was raining heavily! It was no line outside but a line indoors (which moved quite fast). I managed to order and stand at one of the high top tables. The coffee tasted so good. In fact, I ordered another one to-go! Keep in mind the menu is quite different as this is the Reserve location.

Fresh pastries!

Museum of Ice Cream

This was so much fun! Whether you are an adult, teen, or a child this place is worth visiting! I paid $54 (including fees) for admission. When you enter, you are given a DOVE ice cream bar. As you go through each room, you will be prompted with new ice cream to try! To my surprise, this tour was quite informative! I learned a lot about ice cream. I did enjoy this tour because it was solo friendly. I was able to go at my own pace without a guide! I recommend getting tickets to ensure you can go as this place gets quite busy. I was in the first group at 9:30 am and it was about 15 of us!

Giordano Pizza

This pizza lived up to the hype! I was too full to try the other competitors. This location was only two streets away from my hotel. I ordered the personal pizza ($17 with taxes). It was very good!

Joe and The Juice

This place was my lifesaver! I went every morning and had great experiences each time. My beverages were fresh and made to order! In fact, one day I went twice! I went to Joe’s every morning I was in Chicago. It was very light and fulfilling.

Menu
Blue drink 10/10 omg so delicious!
10/10

Al’s Italian Beef

As seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, this place lives up to the hype! I went on a Thursday afternoon and it was no wait. I got the regular Italian beef and it was quite large!

The outside
Lobby and Menu
Regular size beef (added peppers and cheese) and order of fries

I consider myself a foodie and even the regular size was quite a lot for me. I could barely finish it ($13USD)!

Jeni’s Ice Cream

I am a big fan of Jeni’s ice cream! This was my first time going to a physical location. Typically, I purchase it inside of grocery stores! When I stumbled across it, I knew I had to go! I paid $7 (including tip) for this treat!

Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ice Cream

Stan’s Donuts

I got a maple long john and it was really good! Roughly 3$.

Here are some tips if you plan on visiting

  1. Do not wear flashy things. I stayed on the North Side and I felt safe the entire time. Regardless, it is best to blend in and dress practically.
  2. Prepare a list of things you want to do to ensure that it gets done! Time flies on trips!
  3. Take a bunch of pics and have FUN!

This concludes my trip to Chicago! If you are contemplating on going, do it!

About Author

I am a freelancer. Writer. Travel Blogger who likes to share my experiences with the world. I hope to inspire each and every visitor.

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