Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Do I need to read Shadows of the White City in order to enjoy this trip?
Reading the novel would definitely enhance your experience, since we’ll be exploring the sites in the pages. But you’d still enjoy yourself without having read it ahead of time.
When and how do I register?
Registration is open now through this Google Form.
When is the registration deadline?
Registration deadline is September 30.
Is this trip for women only?
Nope! Men are welcome, too.
What’s the weather like in December in Chicago?
Winter in the Midwest is cold, but don't let that stop you! Check out the itinerary page and you'll see that I'm bringing programs into the hotel, and providing shuttle transportation for several activities. You don't need to spend a lot of time walking outside to enjoy this weekend.
Will we have to wear masks in Chicago because of covid?
It’s impossible to predict what restrictions will be in place during December 2022. Currently, masks are not required. Check the up-to-date status here. As guests of the city of Chicago, we will plan to comply with their guidelines.
I eat gluten-free. Will there be enough food choices for me?
Yes. The group meal we’ll have together will have GF options, and most restaurants in the city have these options as well, although it doesn’t hurt to look at their menus online before you go.
How big will our group be?
The limit will be 20 readers, plus myself and my husband Rob.
HOTEL
How do I book my hotel room?
After you have paid your full registration fee to me, you’ll receive those instructions. I'll send you a link through which you will reserve your hotel room at our discounted group rate directly with the hotel. Ideally, you would know if you were sharing a room at the time you reserve it so you could add that information as well. But you can edit your reservation later, too. Your card will not be charged by the hotel until the actual stay.
How do I find a roommate, though?
If you don't already have a roommate arranged and would like to find one to help share the cost of the hotel room, you can indicate that on your registration form, along with your permission to share your email address for this purpose. I'll put those people in touch with each other via email.
How many people can share one hotel room?
Some rooms have king beds, and others have two double beds, so you can choose your preference. So either will comfortably sleep two people. You can add a third or even fourth person to one room, for an additional charge of $25 per night plus tax for the third person, and another $25 per night plus tax for the fourth person.
I’m driving to Chicago. Is there parking at the hotel?
The hotel offers two parking options, described on their web site here. But you would likely be able to find cheaper options using Spothero.com, or the SpotHero app.
What time is check-in and check-out?
You may check in to your room at Palmer House after 3pm on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. Checkout is 11am on Sunday, Dec. 11.
Is there a fitness center or pool at the hotel?
Both are available for your use.
Is there Wifi at the hotel?
There is free Wifi in the hotel lobby, and Wifi access from the guest rooms. The Wifi is free in guest rooms that are booked by a Hilton Honors member.
Where can I get coffee or tea while at the hotel?
There is a Starbucks inside the hotel, as well as a coffeeshop called the Lockwood Express in the hotel lobby, open from 6:30am to 9pm daily. In addition to beverages both hot and cold, snacks, sandwiches, pastries, salads, and snacks are also available for purchase. (Brace yourself, now: there is no complimentary coffee/tea in the guest rooms.)
Next to the hotel is also Corner Bakery (35 E. Monroe), open from 7:30am to 3pm daily. (Starbucks shops abound in Chicago, but there are other local places to get coffee or tea, as well. See the Dining Options page for more ideas.)
ITINERARY
How much walking will be involved?
Not very much on this trip! If you want to eat at the Walnut Room inside Macy's, that's two and a half blocks from the hotel. The Christkindlmarket is a block away from Macy's. So you could plan to walk to those if you're up for it. But there will not be any walking tours on our December trip.
How much free time will I have?
Once you arrive in the city on Thursday, your time is your own until we meet at 4:00pm for our Welcome Meeting, followed by our tour of the Glessner House and catered dinner there. This evening’s event is completely optional, so if you’d rather have more free time instead, that’s fine. You can indicate your choice on the registration form. Those who participate in the tour and dinner will return to the hotel before 8pm. The rest of the evening is yours.
Friday afternoon and evening are free, and Saturday afternoon is free as well, although we will provide transportation to and from a few key places. If you find that you're tired and need to rest, you can absolutely opt out of any group activities, too.
What do I do with my free time?
Here are some great ideas!
During our free time, how will I get around the city?
Many attractions are within a short walk of our hotel, including: The Art Institute, Millennium Park (for ice skaing); Macy's, Christkindlmarket and several restaurants. On Saturday, we'll provide transportation via shuttle to and from the Museum of Science & Industry, the Driehaus Museum (and neighborhood restaurants), and the Lyric Opera House for the Nutcracker ballet. If you need to arrange other transport, hail a taxi or arrange for an uber. If you don't know how, we can help.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
What if travel restrictions change and the entire trip has to be cancelled?
If the entire trip must be cancelled for the entire group due to new travel restrictions, you will be refunded all payment.
What if I have to cancel my trip due to illness, family emergency, or some other reason?
This trip is a big (and expensive) undertaking that relies on knowing exactly how many people will attend. I am booking tours and transportation for the group based on the number of registrants. If you cancel by October 1, I can give you a refund for your trip, minus a $100 fee to cover those costs. The closer we get to the event, the more non-refundable expenses the trip will have finalized. If you cancel between Oct. 2 and Nov. 1, I can refund your cost minus a $200 fee.
No refunds will be possible after Nov. 1 except the cost of your hotel room,* even for illness or family emergency. While we know that not all risks can be eliminated, we hope you will take any precautions needed to stay safe and healthy before the trip. Thank you for your understanding!
*Because you are booking your own hotel rooms with the Palmer House Hilton, you will also be responsible for cancelling your reservation with them in the event you need to cancel your trip. You may cancel your hotel room up until Dec. 3 without penalty. If you are sharing a room, please give your roommate as much notice as possible so she can make other arrangements.
If I can’t go at the last minute, past the deadline for refunds, could I “gift” my spot to another person to go in my place?
You bet. The spot has already been paid for, so we would welcome someone having the opportunity to take it. If the person you gift your spot to would like to compensate you directly for the spot, that’s something the two of you can work out together. Please be sure to adjust your hotel room reservation to reflect that someone else will be staying in your spot.
For more detailed information, see these pages: