Travel and Lodging Information
Directions to Conference Site
Lodging
A block of rooms for the PTO Conference has been reserved at the Doubletree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile (www.doubletreemagmile.com). While this hotel is not located in walking distance to the conference site, it was chosen for a variety of reasons:
1) It is close to an "L" (elevated train) stop that you can use to get to the conference site, and it is in the heart of Chicago's Loop, where one can relatively easily access trains to many different parts of Chicago and its airports. Anyone for whom "L" transport is impossible will have the option of signing up for transportation between the hotel and the conference site in the morning and the evening. We are also in the process of procuring a shuttle that could be available to all. Details to follow shortly.
2) Though the hotel's rate is likely more than would be preferred by many of us, the conference rate we have negotiated is actually quite cheap in comparison with most other Chicago hotels that are actually anywhere near the conference and/or many popular tourist attractions. Two room options exist as part of our hotel block: 1 king or 2 queens. For both options, the cost is $150 per night with 1 or 2 people per room, $160 per night with 3 people per room, and $170 per night with 4 people per room. That rate makes it possible for individuals to pay $45 per night if you share a room with four people.
3) We also chose the site partly influenced by a list of hotels given to us by collaborators familiar with local labor organizing; that list divided area hotels into sites that are currently/recently involved in union disputes and those that aren't. The site we chose was not identified as a problem site by union organizers. We wanted to honor PTO's ethos of supporting collective organizing.
Shuttle service will be available between the hotel and the conference site, but only at the beginning and the end of each of the 4 days of the conference. Those wishing to travel between those sites during the middle of the day will need to arrange transportation.
To make a room reservation via telephone you may call our specific Doubletree Hotel at the following number: 1-312-787-6100. To get the PTO group rate, you'll need to give them our group code, which is the following three letters: PED. You can also make reservations at www.doubletreemagmile.com. Be sure to look for the space on the reservations page that allows you to enter your group code. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.
This year's conference will not be affiliated with any dorm housing option, but we we are fortunate that a city like Chicago does offer some alternative options for those who wish to make those arrangements individually. We are working on putting together a network for those interested in homestays; of course the availability of that option will depend on us securing able hosts. We will post more information about homestay options as they become available.
Links to Low-Cost Housing
Below are some low-cost housing options you can contact individually to make a reservation. Please note that a great deal of space remains at both of these low-cost housing options, but spaces will likely get taken quickly. In other words, make your reservations today! Individuals who reserve a space at one of these low-cost housing options but who have personal situations that prevent them from walking to the conference site or (for the second low-cost option) to the necessary public transportation can contact us at pto2011chicago@gmail.com, and we’ll get you paired with someone who can pick you up where you are staying and transport you to the conference.
Chicago Getaway Hostel
www.getawayhostel.com
(5 and a half block walk to conference site; significantly closer than 2nd low-cost option)
Prices are as follows: (PTO participants will recieve an additional 10% off these prices)
- Dormitory style rooms: $29-$35 per person. Prices are based on bathrooms: shared floor bath vs. private.
- Private Rooms: 2-6 people, $69-185 per room. Prices based on bathrooms (shared or private) and bed occupancy
IMPORTANT: In order to receive the 10% discount, please download this form and return it to Mat Meadows, General Manager at Chicago Getaway Hostel.
Hostelling International Chicago
http://www.hichicago.org/