Tall Ship Windy

We chose the firework sail on a Wednesday Night with the VIP package.

The VIP allows you to board early, I’m not sure if it was worth the extra $15.00 as the seats are all about the same, we went down to get a drink and by the time we started looking for a place to sit everything was pretty full, lots of kids laying down taking up several spots.

The bartender Adam was great and answered a lot of questions for us about the area and the ship. I wish the rest of the crew had been as interactive and we had not had to go below to get information about the ship. We had the opportunity to help hoist the sails, which was hard work but lots of fun, it gives you a new respect for how hard those guys work to keep the boat on course.

The views of the city were breath taking and the music was fun. From where we were sitting it was hard to hear the gentleman who was speaking.

They did have a great vantage point for the fireworks probably closer then any other boat on the water.

Green Mill

Located uptown, drawn in by the green flashing lights and the promise of good music and some fun history and we were not disappointed.

From the moment we stepped in, we felt as though we had been transformed back to an old movie. We sat at the bar careful to follow the 3 rules of entering. 1. No talking during the show 2. No flash photography during the show 3. No cell phone usage during the show.

There was a $7.00 cash only cover charge to get in, and it was money well spent to be able to listen to the fabulous and extremely talented jazz band that was playing.

At intermission we were able to talk to our bartender Gene who told us stories of the days that Al Capone would frequent the place.

If you love jazz I highly recommend this place. If you come be sure to bring cash, they don’t accept any credit cards, its an all cash bar.

Omni Chicago

The Good

Beautiful Hotel located right near the Magnificent Mile. The rooms were good size, very clean and the beds were comfortable.

The staff was wonderful, especially the valet guys who were always there to help you with a friendly smile. I don’t think my hand ever touched a door handle. The moment I approached the door one of them was there opening it for me.

Lots of great places to eat, drink or shop nearby.

Parking is $72.00 a night. So many things are close by and there is a great public transportation as well as Uber, Lyft and cabs, you really don’t need a car if your visit is to the city.

Very impressive workout area, check out the garden boxes outside, chock full of leafy green vegetables, as well as the seating if you want to take in some sun on a nice day.

The Bad

The room was very noisy, we were right next to the service elevator and you could hear every conversation in the hall. In the morning there were several housekeeping items outside our door making it difficult to get out of the room. Chicago, like any big city has it’s share of emergency vehicles on the streets during the night. We were on the 25 floor but the sirens were still loud enough to wake us several times.

We asked for and were given a late checkout and had our DND sign on the door, but were startled by housekeeping asking when we were checking out.

We normally get an amenity due to our status, which is usually something nice like a local cheese assortment or a bottle of wine, but here we were sent three little bowls with pretzels, peanuts and chips. Everything I could have picked up at the gift shop. When we ordered room service in the morning they sent us paper cups, not ceramic mugs or cups for our tea.

The pool was a little quirky you had to enter through the restroom so if you arrive as a single parent with children they may have to enter from a different door then you, the ladies room door is very heavy and hard to open so a young girl may have to go with her father through the men’s room (past the open urinals.)

Not the best Omni experience we have had, but still a nice hotel.