Families have started making their hotel reservations for TAFRU and I'm excited to see how things are coming together.
Every two weeks I receive a reservations list from the Marriott. It was discovered this week that one family who made their reservations were not included on the list and I wouldn't have known of the discrepancy if the family had not informed me that their reservations had been made. This leaves me a bit concerned that other families have reserved rooms that are not showing up on our group list which means they are probably not getting the group rate either. Therefore, I'm asking families to either leave a post on the Facebook TAFRU events page or email me - debweeks@mchsi.com when hotel reservations have been made. I don't need a lot of detail, just a quick note telling me you made reservations and how many rooms you reserved. Also, if any family reserves a suite at the Marriott Suites, please let me know that as well.
As I'm sure all of you know, putting together an event like this costs money. The planning committee is trying to keep costs as low as possible. After all, we don't want our own families to have to spend more than is absolutely necessary. Once we have finalized all the plans for the reunion, we will make registration forms available. We do know that the fees will include the cost for the Meet-n-Greet Friday night, which will include dinner; dinner Saturday night; lunch Sunday; and any group outing on Saturday. We hope to have all the plans finalized, fees tallied and registration forms available within the next 6 weeks and will post the information here when available.
If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment here, post something on the Toukoul Families FB page or email me.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Couple Pieces of Info
To make reservations at the Marriott, you can also click on this link - Marriott - and make your reservations on-line. Of course you can also call the phone numbers listed on the February 15th post. All other details can be found on the February 15th post as well.
Also, I need to make a correction to yesterday's post. Cancellations do not need to be made by June 23rd. You have until 6:00 p.m. the day of your arrival to cancel without penalty.
Also, I need to make a correction to yesterday's post. Cancellations do not need to be made by June 23rd. You have until 6:00 p.m. the day of your arrival to cancel without penalty.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hotel is Ready for Reservations
We finally have everything at the hotel set up and ready for reservations. Here are the details.
Chicago Marriott O'Hare
8535 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiap-chicago-marriott-ohare/
We currently have a block of 15 rooms set up for TAFRU. The rate is $89 per night and $12 per night parking fees.
Reservations should be made directly with Marriott reservations by calling:
1-800-228-9290 or 773-693-4444
When making your reservation, tell the you are part of the TAFRU group.
Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card, but no charges to the card will be made until your stay. You will have until 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2011 to make your reservation and any cancellations must also be completed by 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2011. There will be no charges for cancellations.
Any rooms remaining in the block will be released for general sale at the regular room rate. We are encouraging families who plan to attend TAFRU to make their reservations as soon as possible. Not only will you be assured room availability, but it will also assist us in determining if additional rooms need to be added to the block.
The rooms are being made available for the evenings of July 15 and 16. However, any family who wishes to extended their stay in Chicago can reserve their room for 3 days prior or 3 days after the event for the negotiated rate of $89 per night and $12 per night parking fee. The additional nights are based upon availability, so we again encourage you to make your reservations in advance if you plan to extend your stay.
For those families requiring or wanting more space, you can contact the following hotel:
Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare
6155 North River Road
Rosemont, Illinois
1-800-228-9290
Unfortunately, due to the booking requirements of the Marriott Suites, we were unable to obtain a group rate. If, however, we have at least 10 families confirm their stay at the Marriott Suites, we can approach the hotel and request a lower group rate. Therefore, if you do book a room at the Marriott Suites, please let one of the planning committee members know so we can keep an eye on the number of reservations made. We again ask that you make your reservations as soon as possible as this is strictly based on availability.
Also, there is free shuttle service between the Chicago Marriott O'Hare and the Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare, so transportation between the two hotels will not be a problem.
For those traveling to TAFRU by air, the Marriott will provide free shuttle service from and to O'Hare International Airport.
Another note about the hotel location - There is an El station just across the parking lot from the Chicago Marriott O'Hare. It is about a 30 minute ride into downtown Chicago and tickets can be purchased at the station. So for those wanting to extend their stay in Chicago to take in the sights, you will not need a vehicle and we would recommend that you take advantage of the wonderful public transportation system in Chicago during your stay.
If anyone has any questions, please leave a comment and one of the committee members will respond asap.
We are working on some exciting things for TAFRU this year and hope to meet many of you this summer.
Chicago Marriott O'Hare
8535 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiap-chicago-marriott-ohare/
We currently have a block of 15 rooms set up for TAFRU. The rate is $89 per night and $12 per night parking fees.
Reservations should be made directly with Marriott reservations by calling:
1-800-228-9290 or 773-693-4444
When making your reservation, tell the you are part of the TAFRU group.
Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card, but no charges to the card will be made until your stay. You will have until 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2011 to make your reservation and any cancellations must also be completed by 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2011. There will be no charges for cancellations.
Any rooms remaining in the block will be released for general sale at the regular room rate. We are encouraging families who plan to attend TAFRU to make their reservations as soon as possible. Not only will you be assured room availability, but it will also assist us in determining if additional rooms need to be added to the block.
The rooms are being made available for the evenings of July 15 and 16. However, any family who wishes to extended their stay in Chicago can reserve their room for 3 days prior or 3 days after the event for the negotiated rate of $89 per night and $12 per night parking fee. The additional nights are based upon availability, so we again encourage you to make your reservations in advance if you plan to extend your stay.
For those families requiring or wanting more space, you can contact the following hotel:
Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare
6155 North River Road
Rosemont, Illinois
1-800-228-9290
Unfortunately, due to the booking requirements of the Marriott Suites, we were unable to obtain a group rate. If, however, we have at least 10 families confirm their stay at the Marriott Suites, we can approach the hotel and request a lower group rate. Therefore, if you do book a room at the Marriott Suites, please let one of the planning committee members know so we can keep an eye on the number of reservations made. We again ask that you make your reservations as soon as possible as this is strictly based on availability.
Also, there is free shuttle service between the Chicago Marriott O'Hare and the Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare, so transportation between the two hotels will not be a problem.
For those traveling to TAFRU by air, the Marriott will provide free shuttle service from and to O'Hare International Airport.
Another note about the hotel location - There is an El station just across the parking lot from the Chicago Marriott O'Hare. It is about a 30 minute ride into downtown Chicago and tickets can be purchased at the station. So for those wanting to extend their stay in Chicago to take in the sights, you will not need a vehicle and we would recommend that you take advantage of the wonderful public transportation system in Chicago during your stay.
If anyone has any questions, please leave a comment and one of the committee members will respond asap.
We are working on some exciting things for TAFRU this year and hope to meet many of you this summer.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Chicago Marriott O'Hare
I know I haven't been passing along a lot of information to the group lately, but wanted to let you know that although it's been quiet, there is work being done behind-the-scenes. Fortunately, we are making progress and starting to put some things in place so I wanted to give you a little update on what's happening.
I have been working with the Chicago Marriott O'Hare since October and am happy to say they have given us a pretty good rate of $89 per night. For those who live or have stayed in Chicago, you know that parking can be pretty expensive as well. For a matter-of-fact, I know of no hotel in the Chicago area that doesn't charge parking fees which can really add up. The Marriott is no different, however, they have agreed to reduce their self-park fees from $24 per night to $12 per night for our group. Again, a pretty good rate.
Also, the Marriott will be offering this rate to TAFRU families for up to 3 days prior and 3 day after TAFRU for any family who would like to extend their stay in Chicago.
Another nice feature of this hotel is location.
For those flying into O'Hare to attend TAFRU, the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from and back to the airport.
For larger families who plan to attend TAFRU but need more room, there is a Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare about 2 miles down the road. Complimentary shuttle service is offered between to the two hotels. Unfortunately, the Marriott Suites has a requirement that we were unable to fulfill at this time. However, if there are families that would like to book a room at the Marriott Suites, please let me know as soon as possible by leaving a comment here or contacting me via Facebook. If there are enough families who want/need the additional space provided at Marriott Suites, I will go back to the sales team and try to get it set up.
Chicago offers a great public transportation system, however, hotels out by the airport don't always have easy access to the system. The Marriott is an exception as one of the El stations is about a 3 minute walk across the parking lot. It is a wheelchair accessible station, which also means those who have children in strollers can easily access the El. Score!
A sales agreement is being sent to me and once the Marriott receives the signed agreement their events team will get our group finalized and we can begin making reservations. I will post the details here once received. In the meantime, if you want to check out information on the hotel, you can click on the photo in the right had column of the blog page.
Also, if you are a member of the Toukoul Adoptive Families Facebook page, please go to the events page and take a minute to let us know if you will be attending, may be attending or won't be attending TAFRU. This information is so very helpful to the planning committee as we make decisions regarding TAFRU.
If you are not a member of the Toukoul Adoptive Families Facebook page, please feel free to leave a comment here.
As always, please stay tuned for more information. Thanks.
I have been working with the Chicago Marriott O'Hare since October and am happy to say they have given us a pretty good rate of $89 per night. For those who live or have stayed in Chicago, you know that parking can be pretty expensive as well. For a matter-of-fact, I know of no hotel in the Chicago area that doesn't charge parking fees which can really add up. The Marriott is no different, however, they have agreed to reduce their self-park fees from $24 per night to $12 per night for our group. Again, a pretty good rate.
Also, the Marriott will be offering this rate to TAFRU families for up to 3 days prior and 3 day after TAFRU for any family who would like to extend their stay in Chicago.
Another nice feature of this hotel is location.
For those flying into O'Hare to attend TAFRU, the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from and back to the airport.
For larger families who plan to attend TAFRU but need more room, there is a Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare about 2 miles down the road. Complimentary shuttle service is offered between to the two hotels. Unfortunately, the Marriott Suites has a requirement that we were unable to fulfill at this time. However, if there are families that would like to book a room at the Marriott Suites, please let me know as soon as possible by leaving a comment here or contacting me via Facebook. If there are enough families who want/need the additional space provided at Marriott Suites, I will go back to the sales team and try to get it set up.
Chicago offers a great public transportation system, however, hotels out by the airport don't always have easy access to the system. The Marriott is an exception as one of the El stations is about a 3 minute walk across the parking lot. It is a wheelchair accessible station, which also means those who have children in strollers can easily access the El. Score!
A sales agreement is being sent to me and once the Marriott receives the signed agreement their events team will get our group finalized and we can begin making reservations. I will post the details here once received. In the meantime, if you want to check out information on the hotel, you can click on the photo in the right had column of the blog page.
Also, if you are a member of the Toukoul Adoptive Families Facebook page, please go to the events page and take a minute to let us know if you will be attending, may be attending or won't be attending TAFRU. This information is so very helpful to the planning committee as we make decisions regarding TAFRU.
If you are not a member of the Toukoul Adoptive Families Facebook page, please feel free to leave a comment here.
As always, please stay tuned for more information. Thanks.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
TAFRU Update
Just a quick update regarding plans for TAFRU 2011 - Chicago.
First of all, I want to thank Meg DeZutti and Jeanne Okrasinski for volunteering their assistance in helping plan TAFRU 2011. The three of us have been tossing around some ideas for TAFRU and as plans are confirmed I will be sharing them here.
Right now our priority is finding a hotel to accommodate our group. I started contacting hotels back in September and quickly discovered two things.
1. Hotels in Chicago book quickly.
2. Hotels in downtown Chicago are pricey.
Okay, I knew that downtown Chicago hotels were pricey, but I was hoping I could find us an awesome group rate. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, so it was on to Plan B which appears to be working out much better as we have found a hotel out by O'Hare that can not only accommodate our group, but can do so for a good rate. It is also a much better location for any family that happens to be flying in for the event as they provide shuttle service from the airport to the hotel and back. Downtown Chicago hotels don't provide that service, so this is a huge bonus in my book.
As soon as we have the hotel confirmed, information will be posted and a link to the hotel provided so families can make their reservations.
In the meantime, I want to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season.
First of all, I want to thank Meg DeZutti and Jeanne Okrasinski for volunteering their assistance in helping plan TAFRU 2011. The three of us have been tossing around some ideas for TAFRU and as plans are confirmed I will be sharing them here.
Right now our priority is finding a hotel to accommodate our group. I started contacting hotels back in September and quickly discovered two things.
1. Hotels in Chicago book quickly.
2. Hotels in downtown Chicago are pricey.
Okay, I knew that downtown Chicago hotels were pricey, but I was hoping I could find us an awesome group rate. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, so it was on to Plan B which appears to be working out much better as we have found a hotel out by O'Hare that can not only accommodate our group, but can do so for a good rate. It is also a much better location for any family that happens to be flying in for the event as they provide shuttle service from the airport to the hotel and back. Downtown Chicago hotels don't provide that service, so this is a huge bonus in my book.
As soon as we have the hotel confirmed, information will be posted and a link to the hotel provided so families can make their reservations.
In the meantime, I want to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Monday, November 15, 2010
What To See and Do in Chicago - #8
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.
I'll admit, this is something I've yet to do on my visits to Chicago, but have wanted to do for a very long time. Hopping on one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses seems like a great way to see the city.
You can choose from a variety of tours:
- The Signature Tour covers 13 miles of Chicago's downtown and loop area. It is a single day ticket that allows you to ride for the full two hours or hop off to do some sightseeing on your own and re-board later than same day to continue the tour.
- Maybe you would rather see a smaller section of the city. The North Neighborhood tour will take you to places like Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. Or maybe you would be more interested in seeing Chinatown or stopping by Oprah's Store on the West Neighborhood tour. Of course there is also the Museum of Science and Industry on the South Neighborhood tour.
- If you're going to be in Chicago for a few days and want to take your time seeing all the sites, the Explore Chicago tour is probably what you need. You can jump on the bus or trolley and take a ride to one of the museums, stop for some shopping or a nice lunch with friends or family. You have 3 full days explore Chicago while sitting back and enjoying the scenic view of Chicago from one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses.
For more information about the tours, visit the Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. website here.
I'll admit, this is something I've yet to do on my visits to Chicago, but have wanted to do for a very long time. Hopping on one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses seems like a great way to see the city.
You can choose from a variety of tours:
- The Signature Tour covers 13 miles of Chicago's downtown and loop area. It is a single day ticket that allows you to ride for the full two hours or hop off to do some sightseeing on your own and re-board later than same day to continue the tour.
- Maybe you would rather see a smaller section of the city. The North Neighborhood tour will take you to places like Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. Or maybe you would be more interested in seeing Chinatown or stopping by Oprah's Store on the West Neighborhood tour. Of course there is also the Museum of Science and Industry on the South Neighborhood tour.
- If you're going to be in Chicago for a few days and want to take your time seeing all the sites, the Explore Chicago tour is probably what you need. You can jump on the bus or trolley and take a ride to one of the museums, stop for some shopping or a nice lunch with friends or family. You have 3 full days explore Chicago while sitting back and enjoying the scenic view of Chicago from one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses.
For more information about the tours, visit the Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. website here.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
What to See and Do in Chicago - #7
Yes I'm way behind on posting about family fun things to do in Chicago. First it was our family fun trip to California and then our family fun trip to Chicago. Actually, the trip to Chicago was also about planning TAFRU, but I always love the opportunity to head into the city. Still, my time away meant time away from a lot of things, including posting here.
Now onto more things to do in Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
I realize that not everyone is interested in history and even more are probably not interested in Chicago's history, but for you history buffs out there, this one may be worth the trip.
The museum takes care of, shows and interrupts over 22 million authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history in both permanent and temporary exhibits.
Permanent exhibits include - Chicago: Crossroad of America, Sensing Chicago, The Dioramas, and Treasures.
Current temporary exhibits on display are - I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot, My Chinatown, Lincoln at 200, and Lincoln Park Block by Block.
To see descriptions of these displays, click here.
The museum also hold various events during the year such as tours, films, lectures and seminars.
Now onto more things to do in Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
I realize that not everyone is interested in history and even more are probably not interested in Chicago's history, but for you history buffs out there, this one may be worth the trip.
The museum takes care of, shows and interrupts over 22 million authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history in both permanent and temporary exhibits.
Permanent exhibits include - Chicago: Crossroad of America, Sensing Chicago, The Dioramas, and Treasures.
Current temporary exhibits on display are - I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot, My Chinatown, Lincoln at 200, and Lincoln Park Block by Block.
To see descriptions of these displays, click here.
The museum also hold various events during the year such as tours, films, lectures and seminars.
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