Coverings 2009! - Page 9 - Ceramic Tile Advice Forums

John Bridge · 02-15-2009, 07:18 AM

Greg,

I mean you can lodge in a cheap motel 20 miles from the hall and drive in. Better check with Doitright, though. Traffic might be a problem.

HS345 · 02-15-2009, 07:29 AM

Thanks John,
I have heard traffic is bad there, just like it is in most big cities.

There are a couple of less expensive hotels downtown, just hope they're not too bad.

Parking is another problem. That's why I live in the country.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

John Bridge · 02-15-2009, 08:07 AM

Parking is a huge problem anywhere near the downtown/lake shore area. Check with your hotel for parking rates. That's your best bet. Parking at Coverings is plentiful but it's been running ten bucks or better per day. Maybe leave the car at a secure lot on the fringe and use public transportation, which is good . . . trains and buses. Do get hold of our moderator, doitright, for local info. That's his username. His name is John.

muskymike · 02-15-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg

I have heard traffic is bad there,

Well if the traffic is flowing, you better be doing at least 80mph or you are a hazzard.

doitright · 02-15-2009, 11:28 AM

Hi Guys

A lot of road construction will be back in full swing by April. Much has already been completed. A private firm has just taken over a deal with the City of Chicago and all street parking rates have increased significantly.

Private parking garages are usually the best bet along with public transportation. Parking at the show is reasonable, but eventually you have to get your car out of the facility.

I commute from the far north side. It's usually between 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on the time. Trying to make the early morning classes is tough (as rush hour is in full swing). Traveling after AM, traffic is usually much smoother.

I'll probably be making the daily commute daily, and be there for the week.

Tool Guy - Kg · 02-15-2009, 05:03 PM

For those of you that don't already know, Coverings is held at McCormick Place. And their parking structure was $17/day the last time I was there for a trade show.

I just confirmed that the current rate is still $17 a day. Not a bad deal compared to other lots, but parking in Chicago is flat out spendy. I think I spent over $20 for parking while I had pizza one night.....and $25/day for parking in the hotel's parking lot.

ddmoit · 02-15-2009, 05:17 PM

Having a car in Chicago is more of a burden than anything. I train it in whenever I can.

For the cost of parking a car, you can get around quite easily on foot or on the public trains.

Shaughnn · 02-15-2009, 05:21 PM

Attendees to the trade show get a free pass to the tram that connects McCormick Place with the other end of Grant Park, at the intersection of Randolph and Michigan. It might even take you up the Miracle Mile, but I didn't ride it that far to know. Parking might be easier and cheaper elsewhere and just take a taxi to where you need to be, when you want to be there?
Don't forget about the House of Blues party!!!!
Shaughnn

ddmoit · 02-15-2009, 05:24 PM

Unless you've got bad tilesetter's knees, The HOB is a reasonably easy walk from Randolph and Michigan.

John Bridge · 02-15-2009, 05:46 PM

At Coverings '07 Patti and I walked from the House of Blues to where we were staying at the Downtown Hilton on Michigan Ave., a distance of a couple miles. It's pretty usual for people to walk around town. Pedestrians everywhere. Part of the problem with us was we never could figure out where all the trains were headed, so we'd just hoof it.