Post #3841 by kongtiki on Tue, Jul 16, 2002 12:53 PM

So here's some Chicago scoop on the Kona Kai room at the O'Hare Marriott:
-- I just got off the phone with one of their sales directors, who said that the room is still intact (for now...there's word it may be gone by next summer.) If you get there and find the room closed, simply ask for one of the sales people to show you the room and she said they'd be happy to give you a peek. As they still host frequent "polynesian-themed" events there, the room remains pretty much "as is" from days gone by.

Three tips on the Hala Kahiki:
-- if you're planning to cab there from downtown, plan on $20-$30 each way
-- if you're interested in having your pick of tables and a good look 'round the place without tripping over a ton of others, get there before 7pm (it opens at 4pm Friday and Saturday.) After that, you run the risk of having to wait in line. Be prepared to see all sorts of fine Chicago suburban folk, ranging for the baseball-hat/sports jersey crowd to sweet older couples in matching aloha outfits...
-- Eat first, or after, because they don't serve food and there's no where to eat in that neighborhood...

Elsewhere in Chicago, consider:
-- James' Tiki Bar Review Pages has a few other recommendations for "sort of" tiki sites in Chicago
-- artist Dave Krys spins a nice sampling of exotica Tuesday nights at Cleo's, I believe...
-- the California Clipper at 1000 N. California is a very nice hang for drinks and atmosphere (another healthy cab ride from downtown, though worth it...)
-- although damned touristy, and therefore usually highly annoying, a cocktail cruise on one of the excursion boats which depart from Navy Pier can be a pleasant way for out-of-towners to appreciate the city in a nice leisurely, boozy manner

Depending on your other tastes, you can usually find a polka show or a bowling alley or a meat-packing plant or some other appropriate hang by checking out http://www.chireader.com or http://www.metromix.com. Or drop me a line with specific questions via konakai.com. Always happy to help...