need help for Chicago

I am coming to Chicago in Sept to have WLS at University Of Chicago Medical Center, I am checking into making reservations at Residents Inn, I am looking at Rosemont Illinois and Oak Brook Illinois which one would be best traffic wise to the Hospital ? and distance I would appreciate any advice the Residents Inn In Chicago are to expensive that is why I am looking in the suburbs.

Thank You Sandy

Hi Sandy,  UIC is where i will have my suregery too, Dr. Vitello. Oakbrook would be a straighter shot into the city, you would take I88 east to 290 east to Damen(?) or Ashland (?)  have to look it up, haven't been there since May,  but I heard from someone else on this board that they & family  were able to stay at UIC appts while they were here. Can't remember who it was but I think she was from Effingham Il.  I look back at posts to see if I can figure out who.  Paulette


Edit:  It was Kimberly B from Effingham, she had her surgery just recently.  Paulette

Thanks Paulette.
Sandy

Hi Sandy,

Are you flying in to Ohare or driving up?
I don't know about the accomodations at UIC that was mentioned, but if I had the choice, I'd stay at the Oak Brook location since it is near to the mall there and that's a great place to walk around once you start to feel better.  It's about 30 min due west out the loop and a nice area.  The Rosemont location is nice too, but that area is built around conventions mostly, though it is very close to Ohare airport. 

I'll be having my DS in the middle of August so I'm not sure how I'll be feeling as I do have to go back to work after only a couple weeks, but if you do stay in Oak Brook, I could run errands for you as I'm about 15 minutes away from there. 

Norm

Sandy,

Hi!  Wow, you are coming all this way just to have the surgery?  You must have found a great surgeon that is worth the traveling!

Are you having the surgery at University of ILLINOIS or University of CHICAGO?  One is farther than the other. 

Either one, I have an idea for you:  when my dad had to have surgery at Evanston/Northwestern ( which is about 45 mins from my house) I found out that they had a concierge desk in the hospital.  One of their functions is to help people find a place to stay when their family members are in the hospital.  They helped me find a great room for a great price.  They had special hotels that they were affiliated with and had a contract with for discounts.  The price was much cheaper than any internet deal I could get.  

Especially with either of the above hospitals being 2 of the best hospitals in the country, and lots of people traveling there from all over the country, they probably have the same service.  You can look on their sites on the internet or call their main number directly and ask.  It would be worth it to be able to stay closer to whichever campus you are going to, especially for follow ups.  

Im not sure how long you need to stay here post op, but if it is a long period of time, you may be able to get housing right by the hospital.  Is someone going to stay with you and help you?  

If I can be of any help, please let me know.  I grew up in Chicago, and know both areas very well.  I worked at UofC for awhile and my son has spent alot of time at Rush Med Cntr right next to UofI.  

I will try to look on both their sites for you and see if I can find any info for you and write you back if I find any.

Good Luck to you!  Welcome to one of the greatest cities in the US!

Eileen 

Hi,

It's me again, I just looked up your surgeon and it says UofChicago.  I went on their website and under patient and visitor information there is a link to hotels that they have a deal with.  You could also call the surgeons office directly, and maybe they have some info too.  I also just read your profile and found out that you and your husband are having surgery on the same day!  WOW!  You guys are brave!  Is someone going to take care you you post op?  IF you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask.

Good Morning,
You are so kind, The Hospital has a list of Hotels, But even with there discount they are real expensive, I think we have decided on Oakbrook Residents Inn Thank you for your research, And yes my Brother In Law is suppose to come with us, I will keep you updated, Again thank you.

Sandy

Hi, Sandy! Hurray! Your (and your hubby's) surgery date is just around the corner!

If you haven't already, you may want to send a PM to JustAmy from the DS forum. She was just here a month ago for part 2 of her DS with Dr. Alverdy and she might have some good advice for you guys. She stayed in Bolingbrook, which in my opinion is pretty far out of the city. For the first part of her DS, she stayed in Lansing, also far out.

I think Oak Brook is the way to go. It's a clean, nice suburb with a big mall and lots of restaurants. It's convenient to highways, so you can jump on them and head into the city or out to University of Chicago to see your doc. It's near Brookfield Zoo, a world-class zoo and a lovely place you may want to visit when you want to walk and see something other than your hotel room! (I know Amy went--I gave her free passes and I can give you some free passes, too!)

The Hyde Park neighborhood where you doc is is NOT a great neighborhood for walking and hanging out. My nephew is a grad student there and he has been mugged twice--in broad daylight-- in the last year in the neighborhoods just north and just west of Hyde Park.  It is home to one of the world's best museums, the Museum of Science and Industry (I went a couple of days ago with my kids). But you can drive there and park for $14.

I'd love to swing by and visit you guys or meet you out for a meal while you're in town. I will PM you my contact info.

Nicolle