Hotels

We've reserved blocks of discounted rooms at four hotels--see info below. All hotels are on the western edge of Grant Park, and they are just a few blocks apart.

The Renaissance
The Renaissance is on the Chicago River a few blocks from Grant Park (and about a mile from the other hotels). You can book rooms at our wedding block rate ($129/night) from July 6th through July 17th.

Chicago's Essex Inn

The Essex Inn is at 800 South Michigan Ave and has a roof-top pool! It is $209/night plus tax. To make a reservation call (800)621-6909 or (312)939-0526 and ask for the Archie/McLachlan wedding block. You will need to reserve your room by July 10 to get the discounted rate.

The Best Western Grant Park Hotel

The Best Western is at 1100 South Michigan Ave and costs $169/night plus tax for double occupancy. For reservations, call (800)472-6875 or (312)922-2900 and mention the Archie/McLachlan wedding block. You will need to reserve your room by July 11 to get the discounted rate.

The Chicago Hilton

The Chicago Hilton is at 720 South Michigan Ave and is very beautiful. We didn't reserve a block of rooms here because the prices seemed a bit steep (~$270/night), but it's certainly a great option.

The Congress Plaza Hotel

UPDATE 6-8-09: The Congress Hotel is at 520 S Michigan Ave and is the least expensive option at $99/night, but we've just learned that it is the subject of a longstanding labor dispute and is being picketed. Recognizing that some wedding guests have already booked rooms at the Congress, we are not canceling our block of hotel rooms. However, the Blackstone, the Essex, the Hilton and the Best Western are all good alternatives.

The Blackstone Hotel

UPDATE 7/4/09: Our block of rooms at the Blackstone is now booked. We've arranged a similar deal at their "sister hotel" (great concept), The Renaissance (see above).
The Blackstone Hotel ($129 per night plus tax) is at 636 South Michigan Ave, has an elegant atmosphere and was recently "renovated to its original grandeur." Check out the website for photos. The Blackstone is likely where we are staying.

To make a reservation, call either (800)468-3571 or (312)447-0955 and say that you would like a room in the Archie/McLachlan wedding block. The rate will be $129 per night (plus 15.4% tax) for Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1. They should extend the discount for additional days if you ask. To get the discount, must make a reservation by July 10.

Directions to the Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive on Chicago’s Museum Campus. See the map on the right hand side of this page for more information. Please arrive at the "group registration entrance" on the south side of the building around 6:10PM. Aquarium staff will direct you to the wedding location (on the Lake View Terrace, weather permitting).

Walking to the Shedd from the hotels. The Shedd Aquarium is approximately one mile from any of the hotels. To get there, walk east, across Grant Park, towards the lake. Once you reach the lake, turn right (south) and walk along the shore to the Shedd (see the map on the right hand side of this page, the red lines are pedestrian paths).

By car. From Lake Shore Drive, exit at 18th Street. Follow Museum Campus Drive around Soldier Field. Signs will indicate visitor parking--wedding parking is in the East Museum Lot. The Shedd is just north of the East Museum Lot and the Field Museum.

Directions to hotels by air or car

Both hotels are located one block apart on the western edge of Grant Park. The street address of the Congress hotel is at 520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. The Blackstone is at 636 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL.

By air. Chicago’s two main airports, Midway and O’Hare, are accessible from The L, Chicago’s public train. The Chicago Transit Authority has information on Chicago's public transportation options.

From O’Hare, take the Blue Line to the Jackson stop. Walk three blocks east along E Jackson Drive, then turn right at Michigan Ave, and walk a few blocks south to your hotel.

From Midway: Take the Orange Line to the Library stop. Walk two blocks east along Van Buren St., then turn right at Michigan Ave, and walk a few blocks south to your hotel.

You can also take a shuttle from either O’Hare or Midway. To make a reservation, call Airport Express at (800) 654-7871. Fares will be approximately $23 per person, each way.

By car, from the south on the Dan Ryan expressway. Take I-80/I-90 west. I-90 will become I-90/I-94. Take exit 51H to merge onto I-290 east, which becomes the Congress Parkway. Turn right on South Michigan Avenue, all the hotels will be on your right.

We have reserved free parking for the wedding at the East lot of the Soldier Field Parking Lot. We will post directions soon!

Registry at Freedom to Marry

We appreciate all your love and support. Many of you will be making long trips to attend this wedding, and that is all we could ever ask. If you would like to give us a gift, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity or to Freedom to Marry, who work to win marriage equality nationwide. The link to our registry is here.