National in Chicago
 

I know it's way early, but wondering where people stay when the National is in Chicago. I'm making some early plans for next year and it will be my first national. I'd like to plan it out so I can see the downtown area as well and maybe catch a game at Wrigley (assuming they are in town).

I've got some friends I'm trying to wrangle into coming to Chicago that same weekend and need to make sure they have things to do while I'm at the convention.

Where have you guys stayed in past?

various options
 

If you plan to spend more of your time at the National itself, you can stay at one of the nearby hotels in Rosemont (at "convention rates"). There's a Metra stop within easy walking distance of the conv. center which would take you into downtown without much trouble, or even to Wrigley if you transfer to a bus. That Metra also goes to O'Hare, which is very near the convention center. Or you can always drive into the city for the day if you have a car.

If you want to spend more of your time sightseeing, priceline or hotwire a room downtown and drive (or train) out to the convention. Parking in the Loop/Gold Coast has gotten REALLY expensive, however, whereas hotel parking in the burbs is pretty much free for guests, so bear that in mind.

Thanks Tim, Good advice. Seems like I'd like to stay close to get max time and ease at the convention and let the other folks travel into town.

My wife accompanied me to the last National in Chicago and despite her never setting foot in the show, had a wonderful time. We stayed at one of the hotels right next to the show and the hotel was nice and extremely convenient. We were able to join Tim and Mike for drinks before the Cubs game at Wrigley and my wife managed to travel around the area and see a lot of museums and places of interest. We also rode the train down to the Comedy Club one night to see Second City. The only time we used a car was when we joined several 54ers and went to eat at a restaurant. Great time...:)

Chicago
 

My kind of town!

cant wait till the next one.:D:D:D:D:D:D

Chy town here I come:D

I can't wait. I drove last time, but this time I'm going to fly.

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the smell of b.o. hasn't left the room of the last one, and people are already planning for next year? i mean baltimore just ended less than a month ago...you have to plan that far ahead?

Thanks, buzz killer. I think I'm going to be sick.

Perhaps Old Spice or Right Guard could be a sponsor and hand out a deodorant stick to each attendee at the door ?

Maybe on the website they could add some pointers for people planning to attend such as-

" Please take a shower or bath the week before the national, thanks "

So you noticed that too?

Appreciate it
 

Thanks for the feedback. I realized when I posted that I was jumping the gun a bit. I think I really regret not going this year so set my sights on next year. For me the planning is part of the fun.

Thanks for all of those that shared the enthusiasm. See you in Chicago!

As the show is at the Rosemont and is not actually in Chicago proper, seeing downtown will require that you hop the Metro, which is roughly 3-5 blocks from the Rosemont.
Ive been to about 4 Wizard World Chicago comic shows in the last 5 years. I always stay at the Courtyard Marriot O'Hare. They have a nice shuttle service that will take you to the Rosemont and many other places within a mile or two range. I have always found their rates reasonable and the hotel to be very nice.
There are a good selection of places to eat there in walking distance of the Rosemont. From the cheap, IHOP to the more expensive, McCormick and Schmidt's. Also there is a Shoeless Joe's near the convention center too. Also a Morton's where the CGC board would have our forum dinners.
Im thinking about going next year. Ive got a few comic buddies that live in Chicago and I would love to see a huge card show.

This is very good advice, so I'll quote it and add that although there is a convenient Metra stop, Metra doesn't run all that frequently on weekends (maybe every hour or so?). If you plan to stay downtown but spend a lot of time at the convention, you'll have very little time for sightseeing.

I will also add that there is only one baseball team and stadium in Chicago that's worth seeing, and they are not the Cubs or Wrigley.

Are the bars, nightclubs, and music venues downtown convenient to the metro ?

Alan you better find some way to pass the next 330 days. :D:D

I will also add that there is only one baseball team and stadium in Chicago that's worth seeing, and they are not the Cubs or Wrigley.

I agree with this statement on the surface, sadly the one team worth seeing, the ChiSox, don't play in the only stadium worth seeing, Wrigley. :D