Caviar Chicago on a Beer Budget

A great way to enjoy the "Rich Life" in Chicago is to take a day trip into Chicago's Gold Coast. Travelers visiting the city can choose to stay at one of the cities less expensive hotels and they can expect the total cost of this day trip to be around $100 to $200 per person. Tourists must remember to wear comfortable shoes, and make advanced reservations prior to their tour to ensure access to some of the places recommended.

We begin our day at the Four Seasons Hotel on East Delaware Place where we visit their spa and fitness center, which was nominated as one of the best urban spas in America. This luxurious treat, is well worth experiencing and its cost is quite reasonable for the area. A classic manicure is around $45 dollars while a pedicure is $60. Visitors can get a basic facial for $65.00. After an enjoyable spa treatment, patrons are encouraged to relax in the spa's lounge and enjoy the complimentary refreshments including juices, fruits, and water.

The more budget conscious tourists can enjoy a trip to the hotel conservatory for a cup of tea as they soak up the room's elegant atmosphere and people watch.

After your lovely morning at the Four Seasons Hotel, stroll down Michigan Avenue to one of Chicago's landmark institutions, The John Hancock Center. Once there take the elevator up to the Hancock's newest resident Café Espression by Lavazza. The panoramic view of Chicago and the lake is spectacular and the coffee is so good that in 2006 Time Magazine named Lavazza coffee a best invention. Take some time to relax and enjoy the view.

After you have your fill of great coffee and the Chicago skyline, walk down Oak Street and enjoy some window-shopping. Dreams of buying Jimmy Choo pumps and Chanel suits as you walk towards Michigan Avenue and another famous institution the Pump Room at the Ambassador East Hotel.

The Pump Room has been a celebrity mainstay since its inception in 1938. As patrons walk in they will see a wall of photos highlighting the numerous celebrities who have visited. Celebrities, such as Oprah, Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra David Bowie, the band Fleetwood Mac have all eaten here.

When you make your reservation try to get one of the booths and the get the full experience of eating at the Pump Room. Dinner is expensive, here, but an appetizer or salad for lunch is an inexpensive way to enjoy this historical landmark.

After eating lunch, its time to see one of Chicago's most architecturally beautiful avenues called Astor Street. The historic street features Art Deco, Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and other architectural styles. These wonderful homes have housed some of Chicago's most prominent families. This wonderful tour of one the Chicago's most beautiful areas is a treat to the senses, a pleasure to walk, and a great way to end a day on the Gold Coast.

References:

Four Season's Hotel

John Hancock Center

Chicago Landmarks