Cheaper rates than the coference hotels

[Chef Bobby]

Last year we stayed at the Essex Hotel which is on the other side of the street from the Chicago Hilton where the buses park. The rates average $126 a night for wave one for a standard double or king. I'll be there again this year.

[DessertDivaFL]

This is my first time going to NC and I am going with directors and above in my cluster who have been there before. I suggested we get a hotel that is cheaper yet close to one of the designated hotels. They said it is much easier to stay at one of the PC selected hotels. We are staying at the Chicago Hilton which is fine because we are getting that 2 bed 2 bath room. Wahoo! Ladies need their bathroom space! LOL

[pkd09]

The first 3 years we did not stay at a conference hotel....this year we are. I looked at the website for the Essex and it looks really nice. About $40 cheaper per night.

[Chef Bobby]

This is my first time going to NC and I am going with directors and above in my cluster who have been there before. I suggested we get a hotel that is cheaper yet close to one of the designated hotels. They said it is much easier to stay at one of the PC selected hotels. We are staying at the Chicago Hilton which is fine because we are getting that 2 bed 2 bath room. Wahoo! Ladies need their bathroom space! LOL

Two years ago I stayed at the Chicago Hilton and had two beds and two bathrooms to myself. I didn't need that much space, but it was my first time.

Unless you are wealthy, don't eat anything in the Hilton's dining room across from the check in counter.

[raebates]

Yeah, there are plenty of places within a few blocks to get something to eat.

[chefann]

I stayed at the Essex a few years ago, and unless they have greatly cleaned up their act (literally), I would not recommend them. They are directly across the street from the Chicago Hilton, so it's convenient for the shuttles. But when we were there, several members of our party (several rooms full - we were a large team under an Exec) developed breathing problems from mold growing in the air conditioners, and one of my roommates was hurt when our showerhead fell off and bonked her on the head during a shower. There were also mysterious hairs that appeared in the showers and beds AFTER housekeeping went through and supposedly cleaned.

[raebates]

Eeeeewwwwwww!

[nikked]

My crew has always stayed at the Embassy Suites. Just about a block from the shuttles. Free FULL breakfast in the morning, free drinks and appetizers at night. One year, we fit 7 in our room...2 queen beds, 1 pull out for 2, and one on an airmatress! It worked well, and even though the room was a little more per person elsewhere, the perks more than made for it.

[DessertDivaFL]

Unless you are wealthy, don't eat anything in the Hilton's dining room across from the check in counter.

We aren't wealthy so thank you for the dining room tip. I am sure we can find lots of places to eat around the hotel. I went to Trip Advisor and searched for restaurants. There seems to be some good choices nearby.

[raebates]

There are lots of places nearby. The Hotel will give you a list, too.

Last year we had restaurant issues. (Don't ask.) We finally wound up ordering a Chicago-style pizza delivered to the room.

[ChefGwendolyn]

I've never had a problem at the Essex. That's where I'm staying! I was able to get it for $99 Wed & Thurs, $149 Fri

[pkd09]

If you get hungry for a realllllly good hamburger go to Boston Blackies. Soooo good. I believe it is near/on Ohio Street?

[ChefGwendolyn]

Yep and soooo good!

[christinaspc]

I am thinking on going... I am starting to plan the trip. Finding my options. Looking for hotel and I found out they don't have a opening for arriving at the 8th and then the 9th through the 11th is fine.

[Chef Bobby]

We aren't wealthy so thank you for the dining room tip. I am sure we can find lots of places to eat around the hotel. I went to Trip Advisor and searched for restaurants. There seems to be some good choices nearby.
We found a nice sandwich shop on the street behind the Hilton.
My first time to Conference, I got to the hotel after midnight and the hotel gave me a phone number to a place that would deliver a late night pizza. It was delicious.

[christinaspc]

Okay so I have talked with my hubby and he said of course you should go and have a good time so I am going to go to conference. :)